In comparison with the relentless growth of a city and the continuous development of its infrastructure and public facilities, a design festival such as the VIENNA DESIGN WEEK is merely a passing moment. But an important asset of precisely such passing moments is their ability to draw attention to many long-term and often hidden processes. This particularly applies to the Focus District, that part of the city in which the VIENNA DESIGN WEEK is a guest for an edition of the festival and which, thus, has the responsibility to have a positive effect even beyond the ten days of the event.

One way in which a festival can have a longer-term impact is by acting as a platform for reflection, exchange, and discussion. Major projects such as the extension of the metro or the redesign of the Naschmarkt parking mean that there are enough subjects for discussion in Mariahilf, which must function both as a district in itself and a popular destination for visitors. With a focus on both areas of friction and beyond, the VIENNA DESIGN WEEK will discuss local urban development issues with designers, decision-makers, and residents.

With: Cornelia Ehmayer-Rosinak (STADTpsychologie), Jutta Kleedorfer (expert for interim use), Ulrike Pitro (ASAP), Markus Rumelhart (district head Mariahilf), Kim Tien (KENH architects).

Moderation: Gabriel Roland (VIENNA DESIGN WEEK)