If everything on this trip had failed to make me consider myself a designer in some small fashion (which isn’t the case, but still-) then our final visit to Fabrica research center picked up the slack.
The building that houses this immense concentration of creativity is a 17th century villa, masterfully restored and augmented by one of my favorite architects- Tadao Ando. The telling glassy effect with the water draws the eye to the columns that line the path to the entryway.
Inside, we were shown around the center, catching glimpses here and there of previous and current works from the young creative minds in residence at the center. Never in my life have I wanted to be a part of something so badly- social change at the hands of designers, artists, writers, filmmakers, and anyone who dares to think outside of the box. In fact, deconstruct the box.
Words of encouragement from their website:
If they pass the rigorous screening process, the young residents start a period of education and research on real projects based on the conviction that communication, in all its applications, must be a vehicle of conscious social change.
Again, there is the idea that design is multidisciplinary. That it can have a real impact on the world. It’s purposeful design- making a conscious effort for the function of the object to impact the user. Truthfully, seeing the importance of my own skill- writing, communications, storytelling- gave me a great deal of perspective. There is a place for everyone in the pursuit of change through media and design.