Highlights: Boston Design Week 2015

We are excited that the second annual Boston Design Week is here! The 10-day event runs from March 19-29, with things happening all over the city. We have chosen one event per day to highlight below, but please check the event’s calendar to see what other events might interest you (and note that many events require an RSVP). So many of our design disciplines and talents intersect–get out in the city and enjoy!

Fenway Alliance: Public by Design
Thursday, March 19 | 6 – 9 p.m.
Massachusetts College of Art and Design, 11th Floor Tower Building, Trustee’s Room
621 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115

This panel—made up of architects, artists and jurors—will discuss the role of public art in creating community and establishing a cultural district.

Design New England: Design Showdown Finalists Competition
Friday, March 20 | 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Boston Design Center, 2nd Floor
1 Design Center Place, Boston, MA 02210

This is the final round of competition to recognize the next generation of interior designers. Awards will be handed out in both the graduate and undergraduate categories, with a reception to follow.

WGBH: Behind The Scenes Tour
Saturday, March 21 | 2 – 3 p.m.
One Guest Street, Boston, MA 02135

Deemed one of Boston’s “most exciting company headquarters since the John Hancock Tower,” this tour will take people behind the scenes of the WGBH studios. The building’s LEED-certified features, transparent organization and digital mural will be highlighted.

Circle Furniture: An Afternoon with Interior & Architectural Photographer Eric Roth
Sunday, March 22 | 12 – 2 p.m.
Circle Furniture – Boston Showroom
31 St. James Ave. Boston, MA 02116

Architectural/interiors photographer Eric Roth will discuss how he approaches visual storytelling, especially with regard to getting published in national and regional magazines. Refreshments will be served, and one photograph will be given away to an event attendee.

Midway Artist Studios: Opening Reception
Monday, March 23 | 6 – 8 pm
Midway Artist Studios, 15 Channel Street, Boston, MA 02210

Midway Artist Studios is the largest rental live/work building for artists in Boston. Come to the opening reception and experience the work of textile, furniture, sculpture, graphics and film designers. The reception will also feature a performance by The Brooklyns.

The Fantoft Stave Church and Issues of Authenticity in Architecture
Tuesday, March 24 | 6:30 p.m.
Nordic Hall, Scandinavian Cultural Center
206 Waltham Street, West Newton, MA 02465

This lecture will discuss how history—including wars and natural disasters–changes our perception of authentic architecture. The Fantoft Stave Church will be used as a benchmark for various structures from around the world.

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston: Highlights from the MFA’s Collection of Design Drawings  
Wednesday, March 25 | 5:15 – 5:45 p.m. | 5:50 – 6:20 p.m. | 6:30 – 7 p.m
465 Huntington Ave. Boston, MA 02115

Take one of three tours offered this evening and view rare prints and drawings from the MFA’s design collection.

AIGA Boston: Education by Design
Thursday, March 26 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Microsoft Nerd Center, 1 Memorial Drive #1, Cambridge, MA 02142

A panel of designers and educators will explore how design can encourage collaboration and foster critical thinking.

The Innovation and Design Building: Making: The (Hands-on) Opening of the Makers Guild at the IDB
Friday, March 27 | 5:30 – 8 p.m.
IDB Makers Guild, 25 Drydock Ave. 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02110

This event will unveil the new IDB Makers Guild and will give attendees the opportunity to use the flexible studio space to create something themselves.

Sculpture and Place Making for Symphony Park
Saturday, March 28 | 2 p.m.
The Cyclorama at The Boston Center for the Arts
539 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02116

A panel of those involved in the creation of this new Fenway park will discuss how it developed and what people can expect when it is finished later this year.

“Made in The Future” with Matt Weiss of IDEO
Sunday, March 29 |  3 p.m.
The Cyclorama at The Boston Center for the Arts
539 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02116

The closing event of Boston Design Week, Matt Weiss of IDEO will share his vision for the future, shaped by conversations with his colleagues at IDEO and the MIT Media Lab.