Design Assembly

A year filled with ideas, encounters, and new perspectives is coming to an end – but what grows out of it is only just beginning.

At the Design Assembly, people from design, politics, public administration, academia, and civil society gather at the Paulskirche in Frankfurt – at a symbolic site of German democracy. Together, we look back on the WDC year, explore what remains, and turn our focus to the future: How can we shape our region together?

• We present projects demonstrating how design can strengthen democracy and transform the way we live together.
• As part of a position paper, we are passing concrete ideas and recommendations on to the region.
• And we celebrate a special moment: the handover of the World Design Capital title from Frankfurt RheinMain to Busan, South Korea.

Featuring, amongst others:

Mike Josef

Lord Mayor of the City of Frankfurt am Main

Kaweh Mansoori

Hessian Minister for Economy, Energy, Transport, Housing & Rural Areas

Maja Göpel, Prof. Dr.

Transformation researcher

Programme

14:30 – Doors open
Doors open with an opportunity to settle in for the afternoon ahead.

15:30 – What we moved together
What changes when design strengthens democratic processes? People behind projects from the WDC year share their experiences and showcase what becomes possible in public spaces, institutions, neighbourhoods, and public administrations.

Featuring contributions from Dr. Ina Hartwig, Prof. Matthias Wagner K, Carolina Romahn, Barbara Lersch, Prof. Birgit Mager, Prof. Dr. Felix Kosok, Dr. Anke Gründel, and Prof. Roland Lambrette among others.

17:00 – Break
Time for networking and conversation.

18:00 – What remains and what lies ahead?
How do good ideas turn into lasting change? Together, we look to the future. As part of a position paper, we are passing concrete ideas and recommendations on to the region.

Featuring contributions from Kaweh Mansoori, Mike Josef, and Dr Susanne Völker, alongside a pre-recorded video keynote by Prof. Dr Maja Göpel.

The Convocation Ceremony: A title moves on
A special moment for Frankfurt RheinMain and the international network of World Design Capitals: the title of World Design Capital is officially handed over to Busan, South Korea. Music, artistic contributions, and shared encounters connect everything created this year with what lies ahead.

19:30 – Evening reception & celebrations
We round off the day in a celebratory setting, honouring the people, ideas, and projects that shaped the WDC year.

Join us!

The Design Assembly is open to anyone interested in design, democracy, and the future of our region. You are welcome to join for the full programme or drop in for either of the two main sessions.

Admission is free. Please register in advance.

How to get to the venue: