This year's Poznań Design Festival has been split into two phases. The first took place over the summer - now, we'll see the results. After a decade, it was time to rethink the festival's approach. "We felt we needed to take a step back and reflect on how we work and rest, and what sparks our creativity," explains Andżelika Jabłońska, the festival's director. That's why the theme of the 11th edition is "Respite". The goal is to view the city from two angles: the perspective of its residents, who experience the city daily, and that of the designers, who create spaces for relaxation.

"We asked people, "What does respite mean to you?' and received a wide range of responses through an online survey. It's no surprise the answers varied so much, given how personal this concept is," says Jabłońska. This spurred the festival organisers to dig deeper. "Together with two groups of students from Poznań University of Technology, we explored different spots around the city to find relaxation spots," she adds. After dozens of exploratory walks, we identified over eighty "respite" sites. "We tested them in various ways during the summer edition," recalls Jabłońska, "and then created an online map so the public could explore them on their own."

This was just a prelude to the autumn portion of the Poznań Design Festival. It kicks off on Friday, 25th October, with the opening of several exhibitions, including Respite Zones - the result of an open call, The Faces of Dorota Januszek at the Old Brewery's Malt House (Słodownia Starego Browaru), Inner Space at Pyramida Gallery, and Przemysław Jędrowski's Wilga Wilda at the RttCL Foundation on Szyperska Street.

The next day, architects, designers, sociologists, and design theorists will discuss whether and how restful spaces are being created in Poland. "We'll explore what these spaces should look like and what qualities they should have. But we won't stop there...", hints Jabłońska. "We'll also ask whether it's even possible to design respite, or if it's something that happens when we step back from excess production. Plus, we'll delve into "regenerative design', a concept that involves designing entire systems, such as buildings, that not only minimise harm to the environment but actually benefit it." Speakers will include designers Jo Jurga, Czesława Frejlich, and Paweł Grobelny, psychologist Halszka Kontrymowicz-Ogińska, graphic designer and essayist Marcin Wicha, as well as experts from France, China, Italy, and the USA. The discussions, held in both Polish and English, will take place over two days.

Even though this may sound complex, the Poznań Design Festival is open to everyone, not just professionals. On Saturday, 26th October, things will start with a Design Breakfast at the Design Forum, where participants can "breathe easy surrounded by Polish design." That evening, Rafał Zapała will showcase his sound installation. "Workshops have always been one of the festival's strengths, designed for a variety of audiences - from children to professionals to curious residents," says Jabłońska. "If you're new to design, you might enjoy our fashion workshop or talks on harmful practices in the clothing industry," she adds. Other workshops include Handicraft Relaxation - Exploring Fabric, Colour, and Emotions and Designing a Relaxation Zone. "As controversial as this may sound," admits Jabłońska, "we should ask if designing spaces for respite is always necessary. Perhaps the first step is to reflect on what respite means to us and how we unwind before jumping into creating spaces for it. Some people find peace and inspiration in nature (this was the most common response), while others feel more at ease amidst urban hustle and bustle."

The Poznań Design Festival is all about reflection and discovery. One of the standout features for me is the Do-Nothing Machine workshop for children and the Lying Down Workshop. But, as the organisers remind us, this whole experience is deeply personal. One thing is for sure - it is well worth your while to visit the poznandesignfestiwal.pl website and finally give yourself the chance to relax.

Agnieszka Nawrocka

translation: Krzysztof Kotkowski

• Poznań Design Festiwal
• 25-27.10
• To learn more, see: Poznań Design Festival

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