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DesignGut

DesignGut: A Celebration of Creativity, Craft, and Conscious Design

In an age where design is everywhere from the chairs we sit on to the apps we use there’s something uniquely powerful about coming together to talk about what design really means. Enter DesignGut, an innovative design event taking place at the historic Casinotheater in Winterthur, located in the heart of Zürich, Switzerland. Far from being just another industry expo, DesignGut is a thoughtful and vibrant celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and the deep-rooted connection between form and function.

This annual event serves as a meeting ground for designers, artisans, makers, and creative thinkers, offering a space to explore new ideas, materials, processes, and challenges in modern design. Whether you're a seasoned professional or someone who simply loves beautifully made things, DesignGut has something to offer.

The Venue: A Fitting Space for Creative Exchange

The Casinotheater Winterthur is more than just a venue it’s part of the experience. Known for its blend of architectural charm and cultural energy, the Casinotheater provides an inspiring backdrop that perfectly reflects the spirit of the event. The setting feels warm and human, not sterile or corporate exactly the right place to discuss what thoughtful design means in today’s world.

As attendees step into the venue, they’re greeted by an environment that sparks curiosity: beautifully designed installations, friendly conversations, and a sense that creativity is not just welcomed here—it’s celebrated.

What Makes DesignGut Stand Out?

DesignGut isn’t about flashy gimmicks or chasing fleeting trends. Instead, the event focuses on conscious, sustainable, and impactful design design that is beautiful, yes, but also useful, responsible, and deeply human.

Key elements that define the DesignGut experience:

Curated Exhibitions showcasing sustainable, small-scale design and craft production

Hands-on Workshops that invite participants to experiment with materials and techniques

Engaging Keynotes from thought leaders and innovators across various design disciplines

Interactive Talks and panels that spark dialogue between creatives and the audience

Product Demos by artisans who blur the lines between traditional crafts and modern aesthetics

A Platform for Designers With Purpose

DesignGut is especially known for giving a platform to independent creators and small design labels those who often work behind the scenes, handcrafting products with care and passion. These designers don’t chase mass production; they aim for meaningful impact, often working with ethical materials, fair-trade practices, and innovative forms.

Visitors can expect to meet:

Furniture designers focused on sustainable materials and ergonomic comfort

Jewelry makers experimenting with recycled metals and unexpected forms

Fashion labels that prioritize ethical sourcing and timeless design

Textile artists blending tradition with modern sensibilities

Product innovators creating household items that combine minimalism with function

The Power of Hands-On Learning

One of the biggest draws of DesignGut is the interactive nature of the event. It’s not just a place to look it's a place to touch, try, question, and create. Workshops offer visitors the rare opportunity to engage directly with materials and processes.

Some examples of past and expected workshops include:

Woodworking basics with local artisans

Natural dyeing techniques using botanical ingredients

Upcycling and reimagining everyday objects

Introduction to 3D printing in product design

Calligraphy and printmaking for modern branding

These sessions are open to professionals and hobbyists alike, and many are child-friendly, making the event inclusive and family-oriented.

Bridging Industry and Emotion

Unlike traditional trade shows that focus solely on business, DesignGut operates in the space between commercial design and emotional connection. Exhibitors are encouraged not just to sell, but to share stories how a piece was made, what inspired it, what challenges came up, and how they were overcome.

As a result, visitors don’t just walk away with a product they leave with a story, a sense of appreciation for the craftsmanship, and sometimes, even a newfound connection with the maker.

A Community-Oriented Approach to Design

DesignGut isn’t just for designers it’s for the wider creative community. Architects, students, educators, entrepreneurs, and everyday design lovers all come together in this space. The result is a cross-pollination of ideas that sparks collaboration and fresh perspectives.

This community approach is reflected in the event’s layout. There are open discussion zones, casual cafés for networking, and quiet corners where you can reflect or sketch out your ideas. It’s as much a space for thinking as it is for doing.

Why Attend DesignGut?

There are many design events around the world, but few have the heart and authenticity of DesignGut. Here, you’ll find more than objects you’ll find conversations, connections, and maybe even a creative breakthrough.

Some reasons to attend include:

Discover new and emerging talents before they hit the mainstream

Find sustainable and ethical alternatives to mass-produced goods

Engage in dialogue about the role of design in a changing world

Shop consciously, knowing that your purchases support small-scale creators

Fuel your own creative journey, whether for work or personal passion

Design With Purpose

In a world flooded with overproduction and overconsumption, DesignGut is a breath of fresh air. It’s an invitation to slow down, to think more deeply about the objects we use every day, and to celebrate the creative minds that make them.

Whether you’re designing the next big product or just trying to make your home a little more beautiful, DesignGut offers something valuable: meaningful inspiration.

It reminds us that design isn’t just about things it’s about people, stories, and the quiet beauty of thoughtful creation.