Bringing Spanish Design to Asia: the first edition of the Bangkok Spanish Design Week 2024
We are proud to co-create the first edition of the Bangkok Spanish Design Week 2024 (BSDW24), an event celebrating the excellence of Spanish design while fostering cultural exchange between Spain and Asia.
Held from 21 to 24 November in the iconic Chinatown district of Bangkok, this inaugural edition has been conceptualised, organised, and executed in collaboration with MESA312 Cultural Lab Bangkok and with the support of the Spanish Embassy in Thailand.
At NOMON DESIGN, we are thrilled to be part of an initiative that highlights Spanish design across disciplines—architecture, interior design, fashion, graphic design, and product design—through exhibitions and talks, bringing our creative talent to this dynamic part of the world.
Why Bangkok, and what led us to co-create the Bangkok Spanish Design Week 2024?
You might wonder what connects our agency to Bangkok and what inspired us to co-create this event alongside Myriam Rueda, founder of MESA312 and the driving force behind this project.
Our connection with Myriam dates back to 2003, when she joined NOMON DESIGN as a graphic designer. For five years, her relationship with us went far beyond the professional. A special bond formed, particularly with Esther Agustench, our creative director and current president of ADG-FAD.
Despite the thousands of kilometres separating them, their friendship has not only endured but grown stronger over the years.
So when Myriam approached Esther with the idea of co-organising this event, there was no hesitation. We believed wholeheartedly in her vision and saw the unique opportunity to showcase Spanish design to a broader audience in Asia.
Collaborating with Myriam over these past months has been more than just a professional experience; it has been a reunion filled with creativity, excitement, and teamwork. It feels as though Myriam has never left the team.
For us, once a NOMON, always a NOMON.
MESA312 Cultural Lab Bangkok: the creative engine behind BSDW24
Founded in 2020 by Myriam Rueda, a graphic designer with over 15 years of experience in Bangkok, MESA312 is a cultural lab dedicated to fostering collaboration and innovation among designers from diverse cultures.
Based in Bangkok, MESA312 has become a meeting point for creative talent, connecting designers with both local and international projects.
Bringing Spanish Culture and Design to Thailand
Did you know that Spanish culture and design remain relatively unknown in Thailand? Despite Spain’s immense creativity and talent, its recognition in this Asian country is still limited.
We see great potential for Spanish design to gain recognition, establish itself, and thrive in this market.
Under the theme Iconic & Talented, the BSDW24 celebrates the brilliance of Spanish design across various disciplines, including architecture, interior design, fashion, graphic design, and product design, through exhibitions and talks.
This concept honours the pioneers of Spanish design by highlighting the brilliant professionals behind everyday products and historic milestones. Icons like Elena García Armada, who developed the world’s first paediatric bionic exoskeleton; Eric Bernat, creator of the Chupa Chups; and Arturo Simón, who introduced light switches into every home, are part of this rich narrative.
Simultaneously, we pay tribute to established designers who have made significant contributions to their fields, while also spotlighting emerging talent bringing fresh creativity and innovation to today’s landscape.
A complete experience: exhibitions, talks, and the Spanish Market
From the very beginning, we envisioned BSDW24 as a platform to showcase Spanish talent, inspire future generations, connect cultures, and open opportunities in international markets.
The event features a diverse programme, including exhibitions, workshops, talks, and a unique gastronomic market.
Exhibitions
We explore the creative process and career trajectories of renowned Spanish designers, including:
– Agatha Ruiz de la Prada: A trailblazer in fashion, celebrated for her bold and colourful style.
– Jordi Labanda: A sophisticated illustrator known for capturing the essence of luxury and contemporary life.
– Cruz Novillo & Pepe Cruz: Iconic designers specialising in corporate identities, who have shaped Spain’s visual culture.
– Enric Satué: A pioneer in editorial design and visual identity, with an award-winning career.
– Juanjo Sáez: An illustrator known for his simple, ironic, and relatable style, and the creator of the critically acclaimed animated series Heavies Tendres.
– Laura Meseguer: An internationally renowned graphic designer and typographer, specialising in custom fonts and branding.
– Asis Percales: An illustrator who blends the grotesque and poetic to create unique, striking characters.
– Paco García Moro: An architect based in Thailand with experience in international projects and academia.
– Daniel Martínez Tiñena: A multidisciplinary designer known for his collaborations with brands like Hermes and Swarovski.
Featured Brands and Companies
Participating brands include:
– Porcelanosa: A leader in comprehensive design for residential and commercial sectors.
– Gandía Blasco Group: Featuring the iconic brands GANDIABLASCO, GAN, and DIABLA, known for Mediterranean-inspired furniture and design.
– Oui Wine: A disruptive brand offering sparkling wines in cans.
– Born Rosé Barcelona: A Mediterranean rosé wine brand with an innovative and elegant approach.
Talks and Workshops
A key element of BSDW24, the talks and workshops feature insights from designers and industry professionals, including:
– Diego Fuertes: An industrial designer with over a decade of experience collaborating with brands like Nike and Herschel.
– Gerard Patiño Fernández: A retail executive with over 20 years of experience in the fashion industry.
– Dirty Heisman: A boutique design studio specialising in branding, with standout projects in Bangkok, Hong Kong, Barcelona, and San Francisco.
– La Malifeta: A creative space in Song Wat combining design, art, and culture, and one of the main BSDW24 venues.
– Ghesa: A global leader in water fountain design, behind iconic projects such as the Dancing Fountains of ICONSIAM in Bangkok and the Sheraton Park Fountain in Doha.
The Spanish Market
A key highlight of the event, the Spanish Market offers attendees the chance to savour Spanish wines, vermouths, and traditional culinary products, showcasing the richness of Spain’s culture.
The perfect setting: Song Wat in the heart of Chinatown
BSDW24 takes place in the iconic Song Wat area of Bangkok’s Chinatown, a unique setting chosen for its cultural richness and blend of tradition and modernity.
Carefully curated venues in Song Wat, including Play Art House, Arteasia, La Malifeta, and River Warehouse Song Wat, allow visitors to explore diverse facets of design—from graphic to product design, fashion, and architecture—all with the hallmark of Spanish creativity.
Creating connections between Asia and Spain through design
Our participation in the Bangkok Spanish Design Week 2024 reflects our commitment to promoting Spanish creativity and design on a global stage.
This initiative, aimed at students, professionals, businesses, and institutions, serves as a starting point for a lasting cultural connection between Spain and Thailand, positioning Spanish design as a bridge for the exchange of ideas and talent.
We believe BSDW24 will not only celebrate the quality and authenticity of Spanish design but also inspire future collaborations and opportunities for the Spanish creative community in Asia.
For NOMON DESIGN, BSDW24 is more than an event—it’s an opportunity to demonstrate the power of design as a cultural connector.
More About the Bangkok Spanish Design Week 2024
– Follow the event on Instagram:
@bangkokspanishdesignweek
– Visit the official website for all information, schedules, and profiles:
bangkokspanishdesignweek.com
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