“Design can create spaces to test alternative ways of being in together in society”
Gabriel Fontana is an independent designer and creative director. Drawing on a social design framework, his work proposes to reshape sports to support upcoming societal shifts.
In an era of division, Gabriel effectively uses design to influence social interactions. His methods provide a playful way for people to explore and understand the norms of identity, community, and inclusion, fostering meaningful change. He sees sport as a metaphor for society, where the idea of playing ‘against each other’ is usually the norm.
In this context, Gabriel develops alternative team sports games that deconstruct group dynamics and promote empathy. With this method, he developed Multiform (2019) for Rotterdam’s municipality, an educational program for primary and secondary schools that enhances inclusive physical education. More recently, Gabriel launched the Tournament of the Unknown (2022), a series that reimagines togetherness.
His work has received widespread international acclaim across education, culture, and the sports industry. His games have been played in schools across Europe, at Nike World Headquarters (US) and featured in renowned museums such as MoMA (US), MAC/VAL (FR), W139 Amsterdam (NL), Design Milan Week (IT) among others.
“Design rewrites the rules of the game, reinventing sport as bridges within and between communities, creating spaces where we can meet, test, and rehearse alternative ways of being together in society.”
WHAT DESIGN CAN DO MEXICO GNP 2024
Gabriel Fontana will take the main stage in the first block:
PLAY AS AN ACT OF COLLECTIVE REBELLION.
He will also participate in one of our breakout sessions, with more details coming soon.
Join Gabriel Fontana and hundreds of creatives on September 27th. Tickets are now available!