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Pro Helvetia
References – Pro Helvetia: Circular design workshop

Pro Helvetia: Circular design workshop

On behalf of Pro Helvetia, Reform organises circular design workshops in Biel. The goal of these workshops is to provide designers with fundamental principles, practical examples, and tools of the circular economy and circular design.

Process and services

In order to promote the approach to sustainability in the Swiss design scene and especially among young design studios, Pro Helvetia has been focussing on building knowledge in the field of circular design since 2023. To this end, Reform organises an annual tailor-made workshop with around 20 selected participants.

As part of the 2023 workshop, participants were given an introduction to the circular economy and learnt how circular design can be used as an approach to innovation. A particular focus was placed on the early integration of circular design and the sustainable development goals into the design process. Participants also gained insights into the Swiss circular design ecosystem as well as the daily practices at Vitra and their environmental design guide.

In 2024, the thematic focus was on «applying circular design & life cycle assessments». After an introduction to the world of life cycle assessments (LCAs) by Zühlke, the participants were invited to look at various circular design options from a systemic and LCA perspective, understand them in their context and weigh them up against each other.

Key areas of focus
  • Tools and innovation process
  • Competence building

Impact

Participants gained a fundamental understanding of the role of design in the circular economy and are now able to better integrate these concepts into their daily lives to drive sustainable and meaningful innovations.
The exchange with Vitra and Zühlke allowed participants to gain valuable insights into the practical application of Circular Design. Additionally, deep dives into fictional assignments and their own projects significantly strengthened their practical knowledge in the long term.
Co-lead at Reform
Network partners

Testimonials

«We were extremely impressed by the excellent organization and execution of the «Circular Design Workshop» events in Biel by Reform. The events were informative, well-organized, and highly inspiring. Sarra Ganouchi, Simon Widmer, and guest speakers like Thomas Kamber and Ronny Hoffmann vividly conveyed the fundamentals of Circular Design and demonstrated how sustainability and innovation can be harmonized with design. The practical exercises and discussions during the workshop helped participants develop a deeper understanding of the circular approach in their everyday work. With their professional expertise and dedication, the organizers were able to create an extremely positive atmosphere. We sincerely thank Sarra and Simon for these enriching experiences and wholeheartedly recommend their services.»
Helen Muggli, Design Specialist, Pro Helvetia

«I like the most how you talk about the topic CE & CD: (1) with a lot of clarity where I could feel there’s a lot of practical knowledge behind how you choose what to "convey" ; (2) "flow of meaning" in the way: sensing into the group and willing to build a bridge to the diverse pre-knowledge and experience present in the room to build on where we came from ; (3) and with a lot of enthusiasm for the topics CE & CD and what possibilites/potential those bring as levers for transformation.»
«War richtig informativ, grosszügig und empowering.»
«The very positive attitude and your strong conviction had a very inspiring effect. And the accessibility of the presentation and examples.»
«Whole day dynamics of the workshop (very energizing!). The real-world touchpoint with Vitra.»
«Die Vielseitigkeit des Tages und die Check-Liste (Circular Design Compass by SEEK) die ihr am Morgen bei den Beispielen aufgeführt hattet.»
«It was a fantastic experience, and I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of it. The energy and enthusiasm shared by everyone made it a truly valuable event.»
«The theoretical & the practical parts → good mix!»
«The presentation of your examples of good circular design approaches.»
Participants (anonymous) in response to the question «What did you like most?»

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