Exploring global networks, materials, and communities in practice with Distributed Design.

The event brings together the global Distributed Design community, the local Xarxa Ensemble network, and the Make-a-thek project to explore how collaborative, regenerative, and community-driven practices emerge at different scales. It provides a shared space for networking, knowledge exchange, and showcasing projects, while celebrating the release of the Driving Design trilogy as a collective milestone for distributed practices.

The programme will open with a lightning-round project introductions that are addressing pressing issues of local production and manufacturing, designing for the climate emergency and circular economy driven by curing edge practices emerging from the craft and textile sector. The session is followed by a panel conversation, framing the event around the idea of a commons of practice, a space where global and local initiatives converge through shared knowledge, skills, and collaboration. In this conversation the invited guests discuss how craft, material transformation, and communities contribute to interdisciplinary and resilient economies. Lastly, before handing over to the Ensemble network, the Driving DesignTrilogy will be celebrated and officially launched, a collective effort of more than 7 years of the Distributed Design Community.

Sign up here to join us!

16th October 2025

Making (in) Commons Conference  | 16:00 – 18:00  |  IAAC Main Hall

16:00 – 16:15

Welcome and opening remarks by Guillem Camprodon, director of Fab Lab Barcelona at IAAC and Jessica Guy, Distributed Design lead at Fab Lab Barcelona,

16:15 – 16:45

Lightning-round Project Presentations: What is the latest research and emerging practices in and beyond Europe that are supporting the transition towards a circular economy?

• Make–a-thek, a project combining traditional craftship, textile and fashions, and circular design to transform makerspaces in libraries into spaces of local innovation.
  Project presentation by OpenDot Foundation
• PENCE, an EU funded initiative that empowers communities and creative industries to shape climate action from the ground up.
  Project presentation by Vincent Guimas 
• LAUDS Factories is looking into the future of manufacturing that is Local, Accessible, Urban, Digital, and Sustainable.
  Project presentation by Michel Langhammer 

Moderated by Jessica Guy

16:45 – 17:30 

Panel Discussion: “Commons of Practice – Connecting Communities through Materials and Space” Hosted by the Distributed Design Platform

This panel discussion will explore the concept of the third place as a commons of practice – a shared space where knowledge, skills, materials, and communities come together. Bringing together members of the Distributed Design Platform, the session will explore how local craft, circular materials, makerspaces, and community hubs connect across scales and create networks beyond.

Guests speakers:

• Agnese Gualandi and Andrea Ascani from the OpenDot Foundation (Milan) discussing collaborative textile and craft projects within distributed communities.
• Laura Miguel Bauman, Secretary General of the European Craft Alliance promoting knowledge exchange, growth, and preservation of crafts at local and European levels.
• Anja Zorko, from the Center for Creativity at the Museum of Architecture and Design (Slovenia) will present the intersection of adapted handcraft symbolisms and techniques with conceptual and social approaches.

Moderated by Olga Trevisan 

Driving Design Trilogy Book Launch  | 17:30 – 18:00  |  IAAC Main Hall

The event will also celebrate the launch of the Driving Design Trilogy (Volumes I – III), showcasing systemic, collaborative, and regenerative approaches within the Distributed Design network. Participants will leave with insights into how shared practices, skills, and knowledge can generate meaningful social, cultural, and ecological impact across communities and networks.

Presented by Julia Bertolaso

ENSEMBLE Network Event Launch  | 18:30 – 21:30

After a short break, the focus shifts to the launch of the Xarxa d’Espais Productius i Col·laboratius ENSEMBLE , which will host its own roundtables and exhibition. This continuation highlights hyper-local practices and prototypes developed within the network, offering participants the chance to test ideas, explore future collaborations, and connect with the community in Barcelona.

Please sign up here for the evening programme hosted by ENSEMBLE Network.

Sign up here to join us!