Design Centre

The strategy of KTU MIDF Design Center is based on KTU and MIDF implementation of strategic goals through design and technology synergies, and sustainable development. The Design Center seeks to carry out design (artistic) activities and research in the field of design; to contribute to the training of market demand professionals through design skills education, and to create favorable conditions for the development of sustainable products/services at KTU.

Mission – Run design-driven studies, science, and innovation activities on an international level, in which combining different fields of science; Actively participate in the design field in Lithuania. Promote design-driven innovation and sustainable way of living.

Vision – KTU DC – catalyst of the design sector through KTU activities based on design and technologies synergies, and principles of sustainable development.

Assets – Interdisciplinarity, sustainability, internationality.

1. Development of innovative products and their production technologies, evaluation of their value and efficiency at an early stage and perspective study in the markets (UAB “Arpolis” – Development and production of furniture prototype)

2. Technical feasibility studies related to the products manufactured by the company and the technologies used (UAB Nekilnojam turto turto projektai grupė – Development of a brand, brandbook, website)

3. Technical feasibility studies related to the products and technologies used in the company (UAB Finance Care Group – Development of marketing strategy)

4. Development of innovative products and their production technologies, evaluation of their value and efficiency at an early stage and perspective study in the markets (UAB Rosela – Development and production of a prototype of a ring with an installed IT technological function)

5. Development of innovative products and their production technologies, evaluation of their value and efficiency at an early stage and perspective study in the markets (UAB “314 Architektai” – Development of a toy carcass prototype)

6. Development of innovative products and their production technologies, evaluation of their value and efficiency at an early stage and perspective study in the markets (UAB Agito – Improvement of a prototype for beds for people with special needs)

7. Development of innovative products and their production technologies, evaluation of their value and efficiency at an early stage and perspective study in the markets (UAB Sedes Regia – Modular upholstered furniture system from polyurethane elements)

8. Development of innovative products and their production technologies, evaluation of their value and efficiency at an early stage and perspective study in the markets (UAB Idėjos grafika – Development and production of a hologram prototype)

9. Development of innovative products and their production technologies, evaluation of their value and efficiency at an early stage and perspective study in the markets (UAB RV Projects – development and production of an OLED luminaire prototype)

10. Development of innovative products and their production technologies, evaluation of their value and efficiency at an early stage and perspective study in the markets (UAB “DUV” – Development of a prototype of a motorcycle helmet)

11. Development of innovative products and their production technologies, evaluation of their value and efficiency at an early stage and perspective study in the markets (UAB Naujasis Sirijus – Development of an innovative smart home stove)

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

Contacts

Benita Mincevičiūtė
Administrator

Studentų st. 56
e-mail benita.minceviciute@ktu.lt

 

Centre personnel

Assoc. prof. dr. Rūta Valušytė

Head of Center

Studentų gatvė 56, Kaunas
email ruta.valusyte@ktu.lt

Professors

Name/Surname Position Address E-mail
Alessandro Biamonti
Professor Studentų st. 56 alessandro.biamonti@ktu.lt

Associate professors

Vardas / Pavardė Pareigos El. p. adresas
Assoc. prof. dr. Kęstutis Lekeckas Assoc. professor kestutis.lekeckas@ktu.lt
Lorenzo Piazzi Assoc. professor lorenzo.piazzi@ktu.lt
Assoc. prof. dr. Rūta Valušytė Assoc. professor ruta.valusyte@ktu.lt

Lecturers

Name/Surname Position E-mail
Indraja Raudonikytė Lecturer indraja.raudonikyte@ktu.lt
Raimonda Štelmokienė Lecturer raimonda.stelmokiene@ktu.lt
Aldona Unikienė Lecturer aldona.unikiene@ktu.lt
Gintarė Černiauskaitė Lecturer
Denis Orlenok Lecturer

Administration

Name/Surname Position E-mail
Benita Mincevičiūtė Administrator benita.minceviciute@ktu.lt
Eugenija Petrulytė  Technician eugenija.petrulyte@ktu.lt
 

Doctoral students

Events

 

Partners