The project MATERIAL BAR, by the team of Bor Pungerčič, Katarina Dekleva, Rok Oblak and Boris Kralj, was selected in a call for proposals by the Centre for Creativity for a curatorial presentation at Milan Design Week 2025. The event will take place between 7th and 13th of April.

The expert committee recognized the project, submitted by a group of experienced and renowned authors, for its conceptual excellence, originality, recognisability, and boldness. In addition to the well-crafted concept, the proposal is distinguished by its dynamic presentation and sustainable approach. A particularly striking feature is the vivid and interactive presentation, which involves both the project’s exhibitors and the visitors of Milan Design Week. The interaction among daily creative processes, which interconnect, further enriches the presentation and makes it more accessible and engaging. In light of the sustainable approach, the committee also acknowledged a strong commitment to investing in human resources, reflecting a focus on the development of knowledge and collaboration rather than the use of new materials. This highlights the project’s long-term vision and its responsibility toward a sustainable future.

MATERIAL BAR’s statement on the concept and setting (Bor Pungerčič, Katarina Dekleva, Rok Oblak in Boris Kralj):

“The exhibition will be designed as a point that will connect persistent, interesting, progressive, and independent Slovenian creators who work in the local environment. These designers and their work are resistant to change and have a positive impact on society and the community. Through their work processes, they not only make a living, but also build and improve the world around them. The concept is based on a system of complementary roles, where each creator has their own place and contributes to the common space of operation.

It is a temporary base where creators with limited resources persist, connect, and build a new Slovenian design identity. It places social capital and the related social contribution generated by the presented practices into the foreground. It is designed as an open space in which activities and processes are presented as social events.

Their work transcends the current trends and stands out from the mainstream design scene with unique, original initiatives that have emerged from local contexts and personal visions. The designers do not work out of the need for a quick return, but follow sustainable principles, creating solutions that take the limited resources into account and have a strong focus on fair and well thought out production.

The main concept of the Slovenian presentation at the Milan Design Week 2025 focuses on innovative, environmentally, and socially responsible design practices and designers who not only make a living through their work processes, but also build and improve the world around them.

The project does not invest in new materials, but in human resources, thereby demonstrating responsibility for a sustainable future and the development of knowledge and cooperation.”

“In a space measuring approximately 85m2, individual exhibitors will use interactive installations with which they will provide visitors with an in-depth experience and insight into their work. The programme will run for six days and will consist of various presentations by authors and groups that will connect everyday creative processes through interaction. Such an approach will further enrich the presentation and make it accessible, dynamic, and attractive for visitors as well as exhibitors.”

Curatorial concept:

The central concept of Slovenia’s presentation at Milan Design Week 2025 highlights innovative, environmentally, and socially responsible design practices that not only sustain themselves through their work but also build and improve the world around them. The presentation is designed as an interactive demonstration of creative processes. In addition to exhibited products and artifacts, the space will host collective events such as a temporary restaurant, workshops, and a club. It is a community space, a dynamic and hospitable social hub that remains open to engagement.

The exhibition is based on the principles of “action design”—an approach that focuses on practical actions, testing ideas in everyday use, and real-time adaptation based on feedback. Design unfolds through specific actions and interactions involving users, materials, and unique environments. “Action design” merges creativity with real-time responsiveness, emphasizing ideation and collaboration to develop innovative solutions for contemporary challenges.

The selected projects and designers have successfully incorporated these principles into their daily practices for years. Through design and mjuarketing processes, they have developed autonomous practices, proving that there are always new ways of operating that can inspire future generations of designers. Their ideas stem from their creative aspirations, market needs, and sustainable approaches grounded in material availability.

Selected Designers and Collectives:

• Collective Made in Anselma,
  
• Gaja Pegan Nahtigal, designer,
• Eva Pavlič Seifert and Aljaž Celarc, the artistic duo P L A T E AU R E S I D U E,
• Nika Ravnik, fashion designer
• design collective Pjorkkala, consisting of Žan Girandon, Pia Groleger, and Luka Pleskovič,
• Nina Mršnik and Nuša Jelenec, Pečeno pohištvo,
• interdisciplinary collective Prostorož,
• Miha Šajina, producer, sound designer, and DJ,
• Rok Oblak, creating under the name Salto Dionys,
• Primož Turnšek and Rok Zalar, founders of Gobnjak,
• company Gin Brin.

The exhibition will be presented at Alcova, as part of Milan Design Week 2025, and serves as a showcase for Slovenia’s innovative and sustainable design practices. Alcova, known for hosting cutting-edge, experimental, and socially conscious design projects, provides the perfect platform for highlighting the country’s commitment to creativity, collaboration, and sustainability.

The project is part of CzK’s internationalization programs, through which the center aims to incorporate a diverse range of young-generation curators, designers, collectives, and other professionals into the selection and presentation of contemporary Slovenian design and creative production. Together with the Centre for Creativity, they will develop the final concept for presenting contemporary Slovenian design at various international venues.