BIFMA’s Post

Check out this article by HGA interior design leaders - Sophie Kjeldgaard and Christy Devens - in Medical Construction & Design about the pivotal role of material selection in reducing carbon emissions in interior environments.

The design media Dezeen has released its shortlist for annual design awards across a variety of categories – from architecture to design. The winners will be announced later in November, but you can see all the short-listed ideas and designs in this Dezeen section. Even if you are not a design professional this may be fascinating for you – as an inspiration or just an insight into where the global design trends are going.   The Dezeen selection is remarkable for its breadth – you will find everything here, from a jungle house design to commercial space and various educational and community buildings. I would strongly recommend this list to everyone in public policy leadership – here are some truly stunning ideas for museums, like the Museum of Technology in Stockholm, and plenty of urban regeneration projects.   There is also a strong section on sustainable space, that covers building, renovation, interior and consumer design. There is everything there from textiles to packaging and much more.   Connection to nature is an overarching theme for many of the projects. And look how the ideas respect the context and culture of the existing environment.   Here is the full Dezeen resource on the awards – there are different sections to this and it may take a lot of time to scroll through all of this – but that is not the objective.   https://lnkd.in/dEk7AbQZ   #design #architecture #designawards #sustainability #nature #sustainablearchitecture #sustainabledesign #commercialdesign #productdesign #building #construction

Save a date

Sustainability. Energy efficiency. Aesthetic appeal. These are just a few of the objectives you are demanded to meet on roofing projects. But how can you tick all of those boxes? 🤔 The key to meeting all of these objectives lies in effective roof design & preparation. In the latest learning resource from Tecron, we explore the key elements of that process, and why early engagement with our customers and their design teams is crucial. Check it out: https://lnkd.in/eQefBwQA

Together with The European Confederation of Woodworking Industries (CEI-Bois) and European Federation of Building and Woodworkers (EFBWW), EFIC recently participated in the European Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee (#SSDC) for the #furniture and #woodworking industries 🪑🪵.   Ms Maria Luisa Cabral, Director at DG Employment at the European Commission shared her views on the sectors’ evolving needs - particularly the need to address skills shortages - and on the importance of strengthening the Social Dialogue. Gabriella Kemendi mentioned that labour shortages and lack of skilled workforce is indeed a challenge for the #furniture industry and referred to the recommendations issued by Social Partners to all involved actors and at all levels, to tackle the matter 👉🏻 https://lnkd.in/e8GCjEE3   We also welcomed several presentations: - William AVIGNON and Rebecca Melicia Divyne Loemba Matimouna from Recyc Matelas Europe, operating in the field of mattress recycling, presented their social integration program, a valuable example of a best practice that helps bridging the gap between the workforce needs and a more #circular and inclusive economy 👉🏻 https://lnkd.in/dmiebJNs - Ms Marta Muñoz Martí from DG Education and Culture informed of efforts to establish a network for international mobility in vocational education and training (VET), modelled on the framework already in place for universities through #Erasmus+. - Ms Anna Horvath from Eurydice presented the Eurydice report on "Learning for Sustainability in Europe", highlighting the importance of building sustainability competencies and supporting teachers and schools in integrating these principles into education: https://lnkd.in/eXb5iAgY   Constance Rossi gave an overview on the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation #ESPR and the future delegated act on furniture, a legislation that will also have implications on #skills and #training needs in our sector.

Successfully completed the NPTEL Course on "Strategies for Sustainable Design"

Do you really know what’s inside your furniture? Our "What's It Made Of" initiative encourages you to learn about and specify sustainable, non-toxic materials in home furnishings. By understanding options like organic cotton, natural latex, and FSC-certified wood, you can make informed choices that contribute to a more sustainable environment. We recently held a virtual working group for SFC Members titled "Sustainable Ways to Stuff Your Sofa," where we explored eco-friendly and non toxic materials as alternatives to traditional options. Missed it? Don’t worry! Upcoming Event for SFC Members on June 4th: Join "How to Avoid Toxic Chemicals in Your Products and Projects." This session is an excellent opportunity for those in the industry to deepen their understanding of safe, sustainable materials that are better for both our health and the environment. Keep an eye out for more details, and let’s work together to make homes and products safer and greener!

The Kortrijk region in Belgium is a hub of innovation, where organizations are joining forces to push the boundaries of the circular bioeconomy. Through the Building Based on BioBased (BBoBB) project, leading entities such as Designregio Kortrijk and Universiteit Gent (UGent) are pioneering efforts to integrate bio-based materials into interior design, fostering sustainability and economic growth. Let's delve into the roles and motivations of these key players, their activities, and their vision for the future of the circular bioeconomy. https://lnkd.in/e5Z_hq_i

This interview by Daniela Walker for UPM Beyond Fossils is a frank summation of my thoughts on what we designers need to focus on to shift the the consumption agenda into positive territory. Have a read and let me know your thoughts!

"Just completed the NPTEL course on Strategies for Sustainable Design, #SustainableDesign #NPTELGrad"