The Embassy of Spain in the Philippines, Instituto Cervantes de Manila, and Benilde Industrial Design are proud to present a public lecture by acclaimed product designer and Spanish National Design Awardee Álvaro Catalán de Ocón. This free event, titled SOSTENIBILIDAD: Conversations on Sustainability in Design, will take place on October 15, 2024, at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Design + Arts Campus.
As part of an annual seminar series, the lecture offers an interactive platform for young student artists and aspiring innovators to engage with industry experts. Catalán de Ocón, known for his commitment to socially and environmentally responsible design, will inspire attendees to rethink traditional approaches to product development.
The Spanish designer is celebrated for his projects that merge aesthetic appeal, functionality, and sustainability. During his talk, he will explore the designer’s crucial role in creating products that are not only beautiful and practical but also environmentally friendly. Drawing from his extensive experience, Catalán de Ocón will guide participants through the entire product lifecycle, from sourcing materials to responsible disposal at the end of a product’s life.
Catalán de Ocón’s career spans diverse educational experiences. He studied Business Management at Complutense University in Madrid, trained in product design at the Instituto Europeo di Design in Milan, and earned honors from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London. His career highlights include the creation of the PET Lamp Project in 2011, a groundbreaking initiative that transformed discarded plastic bottles into striking lighting pieces. The project, which has expanded to various countries, including Australia, Chile, Ethiopia, and Japan, showcases how design, craftsmanship, and environmental awareness can intersect.
The PET Lamp Project has garnered several prestigious accolades, including a nomination for Best Product of the Year by the London Design Museum and a finalist spot at the Ecoembes R Awards for Best Innovation and Entrepreneurship Project.
The lecture will be held at the 8th Floor Library Commons of DLS-CSB at 950 Pablo Ocampo Street, Malate, Manila. Admission is free, but interested participants are encouraged to register through https://bit.ly/IDEventSustainability.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the world’s foremost advocates for sustainable design.
