MDW celebrates design in an annual 11-day program of talks, tours, exhibitions, launches, installations and workshops across Australia’s design capital.
Ranked number one in Australia for Art and Design in the QS World University Rankings by Subject, RMIT is globally recognised as a leading University for design education and research, with its innovative, practice-based teaching and programs offering deep industry connections.
Professor Tim Marshall Deputy Vice-Chancellor, College of Design and Social Context, said being a partner of MDW since its inception in 2017 is a natural extension of RMIT’s close connection to the design community.
“Melbourne is always a thriving locale for design inspiration, discussion and inquiry but never more so than during Melbourne Design Week,” he said.
“It’s an important moment for the design community to showcase and explore extraordinary work and we are delighted to have RMIT and the skill of our staff and students on display alongside world-class industry practitioners and design businesses.”
“This year’s MDW theme of ‘design the world you want’ is an essential reminder of the role design plays in overcoming current and futures challenges in pursuit of a more equitable, inclusive and regenerative future. This principle threads throughout our research, learning and teaching at RMIT and can be seen reflected in the range of events our students and academics are hosting for MDW,” he said.
Small steps, big change
One of the many RMIT events in the program features special guest Salvador Rueda Palenzuela, an international urban ecologist, placemaking expert and one of the pioneers of the Barcelona Superblocks.
Superblocks or superilles in Catalan are an urban design approach that are internationally recognised for design that prioritises people over cars. This shift transforms city places, spaces and mobility, and deepens community participation, engagement and cohesion.
For MDW, Rueda Palenzuela will join Professor Marco Amati for Small Steps, Big Change: Designing Superblocks and Resilience in Barcelona and Melbourne to explore what an urban superblock design could mean for Melbourne and how the city can become more climate resilient.
