Formosa Forms - Design trends in technology and lifestyle from Taiwan
Special exhibition
1 October 2014
– 30 November 2014
Sculptural lamps, high-performance notebooks and elaborate bicycles: With well-designed products from various life worlds, Taiwan ranks among the world market leaders in the design sector. With the special exhibition “Formosa Forms – Design trends in technology and lifestyle from Taiwan”, the Red Dot Design Museum Essen presents selected designs from Taiwan from 1 October until 30 November 2014.
Well-shaped and innovative products and communication projects document contemporary developments of Taiwan. They testify to the identity of the once “Ilha Formosa” (beautiful island) called insular state in the Western Pacific. The exhibits show the contrast as well as the symbiosis of tradition and modernity and illustrate the present design understanding of Taiwanese manufacturers and designers. All of the drafts stand for prizewinning design – they were decorated with the Red Dot and the Golden Pin Design Award.
Already in the early 1990s, the Asian nation focused on an economy-minded design strategy for the Taiwanese key areas of its economy, including computer technology and mobile communications. With the turn of the millennium more and more non-technological consumer products gained center stage: bicycles and sporting goods, light fixtures and furniture, even children’s toys and writing implements. But also the potential in the field of life science was realised. Today, traditional forms and materials influence design. The use of bamboo and variations on tea services testify to it and underline the Chinese identity. This tendency is especially noticeable in packaging designs, where technologically complex products are combined with traditional elements of form.
“Formosa Forms – Design trends in technology and lifestyle from Taiwan” presents about 100 exhibits of Taiwanese manufacturers and designers, illustrating the nation’s contemporary design understanding. The special exhibition shows how design helps companies to create visibility and recognition and thus a strong identity. Taiwanese computers, bicycles and packaging designs are ambassadors of the country and are used by consumers all around the globe.
Admission: 9 € (Reduced: 4 €)
Children under 12: free admission
Special exhibition
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The exhibition on the first floor presents the best products of 2023 - the current milestones in international product design.
Special exhibition
Design on Stage 2023–2024
Award-winning products from all over the world are guests at the Red Dot Design Museum until the end of May 2024.
Special exhibition
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Special exhibition
"World’s Best Communication Design 2023 and Highlights from NRW"
The Red Dot Design Museum in Essen is showing award-winning communication design from around the world in the exhibition "World’s Best Communication Design 2023 and Highlights from NRW".
Public tour
Public guided tours: "Colours of Our Time"
The Red Dot Design Museum offers a half-hour public tour at 2 p.m. and at 2:30 p.m. each Sunday. Participation is free of charge (however, the normal museum admission fee must be paid).
Please note: The tour will be conducted in German!
Public tour
Family Day at Zollverein: Free public guided tours at the Red Dot Design Museum
Family Day at Zollverein: The Red Dot Design Museum is offering public tours every half hour between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Admission to the museum is on a "Pay What You Want" basis. Participation in the tours is free of charge.
Please note: The tours will be conducted in German
Permanent exhibition
Museum closed
The Red Dot Design Museum will be closed as of 10 until 24 June 2024 for the public. During this period, we are preparing two new special exhibitions for our visitors: "Milestones in Contemporary Design 2024" and "Design on Stage 2024". Starting Tuesday, 25 June 2024, the exhibitions will be open for the public.
Special exhibition
Milestones in Contemporary Design 2024–2025
The exhibition on the first floor presents the best products of 2024 – the current milestones in international product design.
Special exhibition
Design on Stage 2024–2025
Award-winning products from all over the world are guests at the Red Dot Design Museum until the end of May 2025.