Here you’ll find all the practical information you need to know in preparation for WDCD Live Amsterdam 2024.
what’s the LOCATION?
For this year’s festival, What Design Can Do is back in the Muziekgebouw. One of Europe’s most beautiful concert halls graces the banks of the river IJ, the impressive building is a landmark in Amsterdam.
Address
Piet Heinkade 1
1019 BR Amsterdam
The Netherlands
→ more information on accessibility
GETTING THERE
Muziekgebouw is close to Amsterdam’s Central Station and can be reached in the following ways:
- Bicycle – there’s plenty of bicycle parking in front of the Muziekgebouw
- Train – a 15 minute-walk from the north side (side of the IJ river) of Amsterdam Central Station.
- Tram – a 3 minute-ride from the north side (side of the IJ river) of Amsterdam Central Station with tram 26.
- Car – 5 minutes from the A10 East ring road. The Piet Hein parking garage of the Municipality of Amsterdam is partly located under the Muziekgebouw building.
WHEELCHAIR ACCESS
Muziekgebouw Amsterdam is completely accessible using a wheelchair. There is a wheelchair accessible lift and a wheelchair accessible toilet. Please contact info(at)whatdesigncando.com in advance to reserve special wheelchair spaces for users and their guests.
It is good to know that some of the breakout sessions take place at a second location and there is a distance to be covered, this venue is accessible using a wheelchair. Please contact info(at)whatdesigncando.com in advance so our team can assist you in choosing a breakout session that is easier to reach or assist you to the second location.
Getting there
- If you are travelling by tram, take the road past the Passenger Terminal to the main entrance of the Muziekgebouw on the ground floor.
- There are also paid disabled parking spaces in the Piet Hein garage directly underneath the Muziekgebouw.
SERVICE ANIMALS
Registered assistance dogs are always welcomed.
HEARING ENHANCEMENT
Hearing enhancement is available for all participants at no cost. People with a hearing impairment can use the Muziekgebouw’s wireless in-ear system. You can get this equipment at the cloakroom.
WHAT’S THE MAIN LANGUAGE?
The full programme, including talks and breakout sessions, at WDCD Live Amsterdam 2024 is in English.
WHERE CAN I FIND THE SCHEDULE?
The schedule with the full programme WDCD Live Amsterdam 2024 is available online. Please know the timetable is subject to change.
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM THE PROGRAMME?
In a nutshell, there are three main components to this year’s festival. The first is a main stage programme featuring talks by leading figures in the creative industry; plus a string of musical performances to bring the crowd to their feet. In the afternoon, visitors will get to attend a breakout session of their choice; from a selection of smaller workshops and panel discussions on themes like cultural heritage, community-building and the role of new technologies. And finally, there’ll be a series of exhibitions and a circular showcase celebrating the 11 winners of the global Redesign Everything Challenge. Take your first look at the full timetable here.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN THEMES OF THE FESTIVAL?
Right now, we are living in a critical time for climate action. Changing the course of the planetary crisis means saving all that we can, while building a new way of life that is regenerative and restorative by design. It also means telling better stories about the world than those who are destroying it, and imagining a future that is more sustainable, equitable and exciting than the past. During the festival, we’ll explore what this might look like in practice through the lens of three core themes.
In Designing for Climate Justice, we’ll explore how design can be a tool for resistance and collective liberation, learning from international speakers like graphic artist Edel Rodriguez and architect Afaina de Jong (AFARAI). The second theme — From Ancient Knowledge to Artificial Intelligence — is all about the changing role of new and old technologies in our search for social and environmental solutions. Here, expect to learn from cultural practitioners like Dirk-Jan Visser (New Horizon Initiative) and Henriette Waal (Atelier Luma) about how tradition and innovation meet in their work. Last but not least is Designing for the Circular Transition, a theme dedicated to the next generation of circular entrepreneurs, alongside industry leaders like René van Geer (Secrid). To keep reading about these themes, click here.
WHICH BREAKOUT SESSION SHOULD I ATTEND?
Breakout sessions are designed to give festival attendees the chance to connect and collaborate in smaller groups. Some formats are more hands-on than others, like the Diving Deep Labs which will invite you to workshop ideas around specific themes related to the main stage programme. For those who prefer something a little more reflective, Urgent Conversations are panel discussions with guest experts from the Dutch design world and beyond. There will also be a special Networking Session with the winners of the Redesign Everything Challenge, where visitors can swap business cards and meet other movers and shakers in the circular innovation space.
where are the Breakout sessions hosted?
All breakout sessions are hosted in the Muziekgebouw apart from Crafting Tomorrow: Weaving Tradition Through Innovation, which is hosted at Mediamatic. Mediamatic is an art center dedicated to new developments in the arts since 1983. They organise lectures, workshops and art projects, focusing on nature, biotechnology and art+science in a strong international network.
WHO ARE THE WINNERS OF THE REDESIGN EVERYTHING CHALLENGE?
The Redesign Everything Challenge is a global competition organised by WDCD in partnership with the IKEA Foundation. It was launched in January 2024 to find and celebrate some of the world’s most creative climate solutions. From an incredible 557 submissions worldwide, 11 promising projects have now been selected as winners. During the festival, visitors will get the chance to hear from these winners as they present their projects on the main stage, and through a special exhibition and networking session elsewhere in the programme.
WILL THERE BE OTHER OPPORTUNITIES TO CHAT AND MINGLE?
Yes! There will be exhibition spaces open throughout the day alongside breaks for coffee and lunch. All attendees are also invited to join a closing reception at the Muziekgebouw from about 18:00 onwards. One free drink is included with every ticket!
WILL THE TALKS BE RECORDED?
Absolutely. Main stage talks will be recorded and published in our video gallery in the weeks following the event. We’ll also be live reporting the festival on our social media, so make sure you’re following us for a taste of what’s happening on the ground.
WHO DO I CONTACT?
With any additional questions about the practical details of the event, please contact events@whatdesigncando.com.