DesignLibrary Network
DesignLibrary, the first library entirely dedicated to design was established in Milan in April 2006 in occasion of the Milan Design Week, in collaboration with Electrolux and patronage of ADI (Industrial Design Association). The Italian format of DesignLibrary Milano is considered the model as the basis of the other DesignLibrary branches in Shanghai (2007) and Istanbul (2009): the fourth branch DesignLibrary Kaunas was opened in 2016 in Lithuania.
Location
Santaka Valley, KTU Science, Technology and Business Centre, 3rd floor, K. Barsausko str. 59, Kaunas, Lithuania.
Aim of the project
Raise awareness about design, science, arts and current trends, diffuse and share Design culture, and promote the collaboration between studies, science/arts and business, development of Lithuanian design and creative sector locally and internationally.
Vision
Be an innovative design-environment for students, universities, companies, designers and creative entrepreneurs, by inviting to collect and share design-based knowledge. A strategic platform, in the current social-economic context, that will be a tangible result in innovation field and integration between EU’s countries of North-East European area.
DesignLibrary Kaunas is:
- a design documentation, consultation and cultural promotion centre;
- a global design network;
- a meeting place for those who gravitate around design world: companies, designers, students, professionals and design lovers.
The collection
DesignLibrary network has a collection of 21,000 publications, in Kaunas you will find a collection of around 4,500 volumes, which includes precisely selected books, international magazines, historical product catalogues of Italian design companies; works by local publishers on design, architecture, art and culture were also selected.
Activities
- Library
- “Design Thursdays” conferences
- Design courses, summer schools
- Networking
- Design trend reviews and consultations
Design Thursdays
“Design Thursdays” are events in which creators, scientists, innovators and other interesting profiles from Lithuania and all over the world share their most relevant knowledge about design. The events are based on the weekly Italian format “Giovedì del design” organized since 2006. Design Thursdays can be watched by online streaming, and so far they have reached more than 3300 views.
Environment
The main partners that have supported DesignLibrary Milano are well-known Italian design companies, such as Alias, Antoniolupi, Artemide, Biticino, Bysteel, Bose, Cappellini, Danese, Foscarini, Kartell, Knoll, Luceplan, Magis, Pioneer and Samsung. Italian companies such as Reggiani Lighting and Living Divani, together with Lithuanian ones as G-forma, Ergolain, Ulmas, Miltecha, Gretsch-Unitas Group, Hydro and more have contributed to replicate the same interior design concept and identity of the main library in Milan and the other branches.
Membership
The access to the iconographic collections and the cultural activities organized in all the branches around the world are available to DesignLibrary network’s members. After paying an annual registration fee, members receive an identification card that allows them the access to all services offered by the other libraries around the world (Milan, Shanghai, Istanbul, Kaunas). There are two types of memberships:
Private membership: to individuals (25 eur) or KTU students (5 eur)
Corporate membership: to companies (750 eur)
What do private members benefit from the network?
- use the historical archive and location for research in all DesignLibrary branches around the world;
- attend conferences, presentations, exhibitions and other events;
- attend design-based courses and summer schools;
- share knowledge and experiences between associated members;
- present themselves through the global network during design events;
- access to more than 50,000 international contacts in between companies, institutions, students, architects and design professionals;
What do corporate members benefit from the network?
- access to DesignLibrary location for company’s events and exhibitions;
- inquire design research service for the specific needs of the company;
- HR recruitment;
Working hours and contacts
Mon-Fri, 10-18h. Contact us at info.kaunas@designlibrary.it
DesignLibrary Kaunas webiste, Facebook, Instagram.
DesignFriends
While creating DesignFriends, we knew that it would be more than a simple coworking space. We offer an area of 100 m² suitable for freelancers, start-ups and companies up to 20 people. Join a network of designers, architects, developers, marketing and management experts, as well as other creative personalities. Membership benefits and prices can be found here: DesignFriends.
Location
Santaka Valley, KTU Science, Technology and Business Centre, 2nd floor, K. Barsausko str. 59, Kaunas, Lithuania.
Working hours and contacts
I-VII, 8-23h Contact us at info@designfriends.org
DesignFriends, Facebook, Instagram
