“North Rhine-Westphalia is a great location for creativity,” asserts Prof. Dr. Peter Zec, head of the Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen. Nowhere else can the structural changes leading to a service and knowledge-oriented society be perceived as strongly as here: “This state offers creative people exceptional developmental potential as they challenge old ideas and experiment with new ones.”
In this climate, the Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen was able to become what it is today: one of Europe’s most reputable design institutions. Situated in the former boiler house of the Zeche Zollverein colliery in Essen – designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001 – it serves as a pilgrimage site for culture, architecture and design enthusiasts from all over the world.
Since its founding in 1954, the Design Zentrum has been dedicated to promoting the art and culture of design, science, research and education as well as “promoting education in respect to design perception and usage,” according to its articles of association.
The exhibitions, lectures and conventions initiated by the Design Zentrum regularly receive wide-spanning international acclaim. Moreover: under the direction of Prof. Zec, it has taken great strides to becoming a communication and qualification center for design-oriented industrial companies, design organizations, communications agencies and multimedia businesses for the past 15 years.
The “red dot design museum” is a particular magnet, which attracts more than 120,000 visitors every year and is housed in one of the most significant industrial monuments of the 20th century. “It is precisely this polarization between the old industrial culture and the modern design scene which our visitors find especially appealing,” Prof. Zec believes.
With nearly 1,500 exhibits presented on more than 4,000 square meters of floor space, the museum contains the world’s largest contemporary design collection. Each piece that is distinguished with the “red dot design award” is displayed here in the breathtaking setting of the Zeche Zollverein for at least a year.
This trophy is much sought-after, for it is simultaneously an international seal of design quality. “red dot has had a lasting effect on design development in North Rhine-Westphalia,” says Prof. Zec, “and, reciprocally, it has helped advance the significance of regional design in the international scene.”
Top designers from around the globe esteem the award, which, with 11,000 submissions from more than 60 countries, has become the largest and most renowned competition of its kind. The award ceremonies have played a significant role in drawing the attention of the international design scene to North Rhine-Westphalia time and time again.
The award has therefore succeeded in catapulting North Rhine-Westphalia into the league of world-class design locations. Furthermore, in Prof. Zec’s opinion, North Rhine-Westphalia possesses some of Germany’s best educational facilities in the field of design: “Meanwhile, a creative network has been established around the red dot award that is very active and dynamic.”