4th Istanbul Design Biennial Explores Social Design Through Educational Framework

The 4th Istanbul Design Biennial, titled 'A School of Schools,' took place from 22 September to 4 November 2018, highlighting design as a form of education. Under the direction of Jan Boelen, along with cocurators Vera Sacchetti and Nadine Botha, the event featured six thematic schools that tackled pressing contemporary issues. More than 120 projects were showcased, with a focus on the eastern and southern Mediterranean, and over 70% of the participants were women. Central topics included climate change, posthuman design, information networks, global standards, attention economies, and food politics. Among the standout contributions were Ebru Kurbak's revised Lonely Planet Guide to Syria & Lebanon and Atelier Luma Algae Lab's 'Blooming Algae.' The biennial explored the economic viability of socially responsible design outside traditional academic settings.