MInD Lab, Deakin’s Mediated Intelligence in Design Research Laboratory took center stage at Milan Design Week in April when the School of Architecture and Built Environment’s Professor of Integral Design and MInD Lab Director, Tuba Kocaturk, gave a talk at the Dassault Systèmes Design for Life Conference.

The conference offered in-depth experiences with leading voices, practitioners and innovators in the world of design. The sessions ensured that visitors could engage with speakers and participate in dynamic discussions about how we design cities for the future of our planet.

The 5-day program during Milan Design Week was constructed around specific themes. Matter; looked at the new role of designers in re-materializing the world, Human; considered how human interaction with machines changes us and Space; investigated the tremendous potential of regenerative design. Art of Living; looked at how design can advocate for social change and Social Forward; was a future-focused day that revolved around how design changes our to the world and how it helps us achieve our ideals.

 

Professor Kocaturk’s talk centred around the Space theme and together with, the Associate Director of Zaha Hadid Architects, Cristiano Ceccato and Lille Metropole 2020 Program Director, Caroline Naphegyi, discussed the potential of regenerative design. Professor Kocaturk specifically addressed the importance of creative, generative and collaborative use of information to build intelligent urban environments and create new experiences for people using user-centred innovations. In-depth discussion about the transformation of cities followed the talk.

Design for Life generated worldwide impact with more than 150 journalists buzzing views on social media during the event. Design for Life during Milan Design Week had more 24,000 visitors and 660 thought leaders attend the series of 26 conferences showcasing 40 international designers and researchers including our very own Professor Kocaturk.