Madrid Design Festival 26

André Ricard – Design in use

A very straightforward exhibition focused on how design functions in everyday life. I liked seeing how many of Ricard's objects prioritized usability over style without feeling boring. It made a strong case for design that quietly improves routines instead of trying to stand out.

Manifiesto Mediterráneo

This exhibition explored design through Mediterranean materials, climate, and cultural references. A lot of the work focused on sustainability and local production, but it never felt overly academic. The mix of architecture, furniture, and material experiments made it one of the more complete exhibitions I saw during the festival.

Arte textil en Guatemala – Diseño e identidad

The exhibition focused on Guatemalan textile traditions and the relationship between craft and identity. I appreciated how much attention was given to process, technique, and cultural context instead of just presenting the textiles as decorative objects. It felt informative without losing the visual impact of the work itself.

FORMA – Design Fair Madrid

FORMA felt more energetic and less polished than the museum exhibitions, which I honestly preferred. There was a good balance between collectible design, smaller independent studios, and experimental work that still felt practical. Some projects felt unfinished, but in a way that made the fair more interesting to walk through.