The symposium RECLAIMING HOPE: Navigating (Un)certainty, Imagining Better Futures, held on 18–19 September in Nova Gorica, was organized by the Centre for Creativity (MAO) in collaboration with international partners and the organizers of the fifth Design+Science Summer School. It brought together experts from various fields to explore how design and architecture can contribute to a more just, resilient, and imaginative future.

The two-day international symposium, part of the accompanying program of the European Capital of Culture GO!2025 Nova Gorica, opened discussions on the social, environmental, and political challenges of the polycrisis era, as well as the role of creative practices in shaping sustainable solutions.

The opening remarks were delivered by Anja Zorko, head of the Centre for Creativity, Ivica Mitrović, curator of the event, and Stojan Pelko. The two days were filled with inspiring lectures, discussions, and professional meetings, featuring Natalija Majsova, Ezio Manzini, and many other experts, including James Auger, Jimmy Loizeau, Silvio Lorusso, José Luis de Vicente, Lodovica Guarnieri, Guillem Camprodon, David Martens, Ida Križaj Leko, Seçil Uğur Yavuz, Ákos Schneider, Miriam Kathrein, Gerin Trautenberger, Alexander Diesenreiter, Maja Šuštaršič, Lourdes Rodriguez, and others.

The program included lectures, presentations, and panel discussions, complemented by morning coffee meetings and workshops, which allowed for in-depth reflection on the impact of design and architecture on social processes and relationships. The symposium was followed by the Design+Science Summer School, promoting experimentation at the intersection of design, science, and art, and bringing together participants from a wide range of disciplines.

The event provided insights into innovative, critical, and speculative practices, opening new possibilities for understanding the future and strengthening the role of the creative sector in shaping social change.

Event photos (flickr)