On November 6, the "Designing the Future: Design" discussion took place as part of the "Shaping the Future" International Symposium. The event explored what the future of design might look like, how it will shape the lives of future generations, and the design code of the National Center "Russia." The discussion was illustrated by Sergey Kuzhavsky, designer, visualizer, and senior lecturer at the HSE School of Design.
The Role of Design in the Future
"The future of design will be what today’s students make it. While most hopes are tied to technology, it’s crucial to continue creating in the physical world, as the observer's perspective changes the observed subject in the digital realm. We aim to create beauty, which today is synonymous with functionality—and I hope it remains so in the future," said Andrey Shelyutto, Russian designer, artist, and co-founder of Faro Design Studio.
Shelyutto emphasized the importance of classical artistic education for design students, even in an age dominated by digital technologies. He criticized the trend toward early specialization in education, noting that it often necessitates large teams for single projects. Instead, he advocated for smaller teams or even solo designers to preserve the integrity of the work.
Diversity Over Uniformity
Shelyutto also stressed the need for diversity in design rather than unification and simplification, as designers influence the environments where people live and work. He highlighted the role of designers and creative studios in shaping societal needs and, ultimately, the "new human." For this creative process to be positive, he argued, design must work hand-in-hand with altruistic art.
Symbolism in Design
Shelyutto, who designed the logo for the National Center "Russia," shared insights into the symbolism behind his choices.
"The lion is a significant figure not only in Russian culture but also in others, including Arabic, Jewish, and Buddhist traditions. Unlike the bear, the lion carries only positive associations for most cultures. As for the logo of the 'Shaping the Future' Symposium, the circle was chosen as its basis, symbolizing the form life takes in space," he explained.
About the "Shaping the Future" Symposium
The "Shaping the Future" Symposium, held November 4–6, features over 60 sessions focused on four themes: the future of humanity, technology, multipolarity, and civilizations. Participants include scientists, researchers, futurists, writers, and government officials from 101 countries, including Russia, India, Italy, Iran, China, the UAE, Serbia, the USA, and France. For more information and live streams, visit future.russia.ru.
The symposium is the inaugural event of the National Center "Russia," established on July 1, 2024, by a directive from Russian President Vladimir Putin. The center highlights Russia’s achievements while preserving the legacy of the "Russia" International Exhibition-Forum, with contributions from federal authorities, corporations, and regional governments.
