What can we learn from our ancestors?
This year's RogForum will focus on the heritage of our ancestors. Why? We live in times of rapid and turbulent changes, felt all over the world and also in our own local surroundings. The question we ask ourselves is whether we still have the right skills and capacities to cope with these changes. It might be a good idea to pause for a moment and consider whether the values and experiences of our ancestors can help us. Not looking nostalgically to the past, but using them to draw wisdom for the future.
Our guests will show how designers are interweaving traditional concepts, materials and values in innovative ways to develop contemporary solutions that respect natural ecosystems and support regenerative practices. Colleagues from similar organisations shall also share their experiences and methods to encourage creators who are inspired by the past in their quest for a more sustainable and just future.
In addition to six panels, where there will be ample opportunities for networking and exchanges with the audience, the Forum will also offer two expert working groups. These groups will warmly welcome anyone interested in involving children in the design of public spaces or in establishing ongoing residential exchanges with organisations that share our values of environmental protection and social justice.
Super Early Bird registration is now open and it includes discounted accommodation and lunch on both days of the Forum. The participation at the Forum is free of charge.
DAY 1: Thursday, 21 November 2024
12:00-14:00 Registration
13:00-14:00 Lunch
14:00-14:10 Opening address
Renata Zamida, Director General at Center Rog
Meta Štular, Director of Strategic Development and Programmes at Center Rog, RogForum Curator
14:10-15:10 PANEL 1
HOW TO BECOME A GOOD ANCESTOR – DESIGNING FOR TOMORROW
Designers and brands are increasingly incorporating recycled materials into versatile and environmentally friendly products, combining style with sustainability. Advances in recycling technology, together with the renewal of old techniques, offer new solutions for a more sustainable and fairer future.
This panel will explore how recycling is changing the way different communities view beauty, sustainability and social responsibility. We shall take a stroll through at a range of subjects, from innovative recycling methods that have evolved out of necessity and economic resilience to the rise of eco-conscious design movements.
We will also consider the importance of decolonising our approach to design and use of resources. By valuing past knowledge, promoting fairness and ensuring global benefits of sustainable local practices, we can create a more inclusive future.
We will also ask key questions: What strategies will reduce inequalities and ensure social justice for future generations? Is the right path government economic policy or innovative education programmes that emphasise sustainability, ethics and long-term thinking?
Facilitator: Maja Kolar (Croatia), Oaza Design Practice
Speakers:
Hristina MIKIĆ (Serbia) CEO Creative Glass Serbia Initiative, Institute for Creative Entrepreneurship and Innovation Serbia
Ivan ŽGANEC (Slovenia) Technical Director of KNOF
Anna GUDMUNDSDOTTIR (Iceland, Sweden) Industrial designer & Curator of Southern Sweden Design days
Lauren FAJARDO (Cuba) Co-founder & Creative Director of Dador
15:10-15:30 Coffee Break
15:30-16:30 PANEL 2:
CREATIVE IMMERSION: DESIGN RESIDENCIES AROUND THE WORLD
Design residencies have become a vital platform for creative professionals to explore new ideas, experiment with materials, and engage with local cultures. This panel will bring together four speakers from four innovative organizations offering residency programs with a focus on fusing tradition and innovation. Each speaker represents an initiative that not only preserves traditional craftsmanship but also encourages collaboration with contemporary designers and artists. Together, we will talk about the transformative potential of design residencies, where local traditions meet global perspectives, and emerging creatives collaborate to produce meaningful, sustainable work. We will explore the role of residencies in preserving heritage, fostering cross-cultural dialogue, and driving social and environmental impact through design.
Facilitator: Maja Towndrow (Slovenia) Project manager at Centre Rog Creative Hub
Speakers:
Anuradha SINGH (India) Director of NilaHouse and Head of the Lady Bamford Foundation
Rafael TAMAYO FRANCO (Colombia) Gallery Casa Enso & Fundación GT
Claire HAZART (France) Director of Le JAD (Jardin des métiers d'Art et du Design)
Marianne BURKI (Switzerland) Artistic Director TaDA
16:30-16:50 Coffee Break
16:50-17:50 PANEL 3
CREATIVITY AND COLLABORATION BY DESIGN
The panel focuses on how institutions – ranging from educational bodies and corporations to non-profits and research organizations – strategically design environments and cultures that promote innovative thinking and collective effort.
We will explore the role of leadership in fostering a culture of openness and a shared vision, focusing on how effective leaders inspire trust and transparency within organizations. This discussion will highlight how interdisciplinary programs play a crucial role in promoting collective problem-solving by bringing together diverse perspectives to tackle complex challenges. We will also examine best practices of organizations that promote creative collaboration, emphasizing the importance of creating environments where innovation thrives through teamwork, communication, and a shared commitment to common goals.
Facilitator: Alessandro Rancati (Belgium / Italy) Founder of Starglide
Speakers:
Florinda SAIEVA (Italy) General Director of Farm Cultural Park
Asel YESZHANOVA (Kazakhstan) Co-founder & Development Director at Foundation Urban Forum Kazakhstan
Jessica GUY (Spain) Distributed Design Expert Lead at Fablab Barcelona
Maciej KRZYSZTOFOWICZ (Belgium / Poland) Head of Design for Policy, EU Policy Lab, Joint Research Centre, European Commission
Parallel programme:
11:00 -12:00 Breakfast with creative teams in project studios of Center Rog (in English)
12:00 -13:00 Guided Tour of Center Rog (In English)
19.30: Opening of BIO 28 exhibition Double Agent in Museum of Architecture and Design
DAY 2: Friday, 22 November 2024
10:00 - 12:00 Registration
11:00 - 12:00 Parallel programme:
Work group 1: Developing Public Spaces with Children
Facilitator: Alja Fir (Slovenia), Project Manager at Center Rog
Work group 2: International Cooperation & Designer Residency Programs
Facilitators: Maja Towndrow (Slovenia), Project Manager at Center Rog and Charlotte Mas (France) Project coordinator, Maison Mode Méditerranée
12:00 - 13:00 PANEL 4
CHILDREN AS EQUAL PARTNERS IN SHAPING OUR PLANET'S FUTURE
This engaging panel discussion will focus on empowering children as equal participants in shaping the future of our planet. The session will explore strategies for involving young people in meaningful dialogue and decision-making processes regarding environmental governance and sustainability.
We will explore the barriers that prevent children from participating in decision-making, examining societal, cultural, and structural factors that limit their involvement. The discussion will also cover the long-term benefits of empowering children as equal partners in development plans, highlighting how early engagement fosters critical thinking, responsibility, and leadership skills. We will also look at innovative programs and initiatives that engage children in learning about the environment, showcasing how hands-on education inspires young minds to become active stewards of their communities and the planet.
Facilitator: Lotfi Aoulad (France) Program manager, UNESCO - Director of Maison Mode Méditerraée and Doula, Perinatal Professional
Speakers:
Katja POZNIČ (Slovenia) Child Program Manager at Mala Ulica Public Institute – Center for Children and Families, Ljubljana
Jure KOTNIK (Slovenia) Architect & Consultant for Educational Architecture at World Bank
Jesse Robert COFFINO (USA) CEO, Anji Education, Inc.
Urška KRANJC (Slovenia) Architect, Ljubljana Urbanist Institute., Pazi!park Association
13:00 - 14:00 Lunch
14:00 - 15:00 PANEL 5
GLOBALIZATION AS AN ANCIENT FORCE IN CONTEMPORARY DESIGN AND CHALLENGES
While often perceived as a modern phenomenon, our panel will delve into the rich tapestry of global interconnectedness that has shaped civilizations for centuries. We will gain a deeper understanding of how this ancient force continues to influence everything from architecture to product design, and how it presents both opportunities and challenges in today's interconnected society.
We will explore the distinction between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation in design, examining how designers can respectfully engage with cultural elements. The discussion will also address the economic impact of globalization on local crafts and small-scale artisans, highlighting both challenges and opportunities. We will look at the potential of emerging technologies to further connect designers globally, enabling collaboration and innovation. Finally, we will consider strategies for fostering a more inclusive and equitable global design community, emphasizing the importance of diversity, respect, and fair representation in design practices.
Facilitator: Tanja Devetak (Slovenia) Fashion Designer & Researcher, Faculty of Design, Independent higher education institution & Centre for Design Research
Speakers:
Richard VAN DER LAKEN (Netherlands) Co-founder & creative director “What Design Can Do”
Omoyemi AKERELE (Nigeria) Director of Style House Files & Lagos Fashion Week
Maja ZALAZNIK (Slovenia) Professor of International Business at School of Economics and Business, University of Ljubljana
Lotfi Aoulad (France) Program manager, UNESCO - Director of Maison Mode Méditerraée and Doula, Perinatal Professional
15:00-15:20 Coffee Break
15:20 - 16:20 PANEL 6
CRAFTING CONTEMPORARY DESIGN WITH TECHNOLOGY & TRADITION
Are you curious about how traditional materials and techniques can be seamlessly integrated into contemporary design? Have you ever wondered how new technologies can be used to preserve cultural heritage?
Join us for a panel discussion exploring the exciting intersection of tradition and innovation. Our esteemed panelists will share their insights on reimagining traditions to create innovative solutions. We will delve into the challenges and opportunities of blending old and new, discussing successful practices that create both innovative and sustainable designs. Let's discuss the preservation of cultural heritage and natural resources while embracing the limitless possibilities of contemporary design and material innovations.
Facilitator: Lara Baler (Slovenia / Italy / Germany) Architect & Material Designer, Founder of DOMUS PROJEKT, Oreika and Kubis Light
Speakers:
Lei ZHANG (China) Product designer, Founder & Design Director of PINWU Design Studio & Róng Design Library
Leila D. BEHJAT (Germany) Director of Material Ecology, Parsons Healthy Materials and Lead of the HML EU gGmbH Bureau
Urška DRAŽ (Slovenia) Fashion Designer & Co-Founder of Pletenine Draž, Slovenia
Uroš NOVAK (Slovenia) Researcher, National Institute of Chemistry
16:20-17:00 Farewell drink
The conference language is English. In case you need translation into Slovenian we can provide you with whispered interpreting.
Parallel programme of Rog Forum:
10:00 – 10:45 Guided tour of RogExpo (in English and Slovene)
11.00 - 18.00 POP UP fair: Makers market
10:30 - 12:00 Hands-on activity: create your own ceramic tile and draw your portrait for Center Rog's collective tile mural.
The RogForum programme is supported by:
RogForum – Information for attendees
Conference Registrations & Fee
All participants who wish to attend RogForum, 20 - 22 November 2024, must register in advance to secure their spot.
While the conference itself is free of charge, guests who wish to enjoy catered lunches during the event will need to pay a fee of €30 for both days. This fee covers 2 lunches, while refreshments during the coffee breaks are free of charge. But if you apply early we can offer you free lunch for both days. During registration, instructions will be provided for those opting for the meal package. The early bird offer does not apply for organized groups.
The basic package includes:
- an invitation to the RogExpo opening reception on Wednesday, 20 November
- free participation at the 2-day RogForum
- free participation in the two expert work groups (International Cooperation Designer Residency Programs and Developing Public Spaces with Children), 22 November
- free participation at all parallel events organised by Center Rog, 20 – 22 November
- invitation to a farewell drink, 22 November.
Super Early Bird Registrations (Register below)
We have a special offer for the first 10 registrants!
The package includes:
- basic package,
- discounted accommodation at B&B Hotel Ljubljana Park (€63 for a single room or €77 for a double room, per night),
- a lunch box for both days of the RogForum.
Don't miss this opportunity to secure your spot at a super reduced rate!
Early Bird Registrations
Early bird registrations for RogForum are open until 30 October.
The package includes:
- basic package,
- a lunch box for both days of the RogForum.
Don't miss this opportunity to secure your spot at a reduced rate!
Late Bird Registration
Late birds can register from 31 October to 18 November.
The package includes:
- basic package.
Accessibility
The venue is accessible to physically impaired and blind people. The conference will be held entirely in English.
To register to RogForum, please fill out the following registration form: