On October 4th, design, innovation, and sustainability came together at the 7th Edition of SHAPES: Product Design Symposium. Under the central theme “A Sustainable and Innovative Approach,” the event brought together experts in the field of industrial design to address the new trends and practices that are redefining product creation in a world that demands environmental responsibility.
SHAPES is an annual symposium organized by the Faculty of Art, Design, and Audiovisual Communication at ESPOL, aimed at creating a space for exchange and learning around product design. In its 7th Edition, SHAPES 2024 focused on exploring sustainable and innovative approaches that positively impact product development, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and promoting critical thinking about the future of the industry.
The event featured a series of lectures and presentations by renowned professionals, who shared their experiences and projects with a clear focus on sustainability and creativity applied to design. Nelson Dueñas opened the session with his presentation on "Fungal-Based Biofabrication," an emerging technology that explores the properties of this material to create biodegradable and efficient products
Next, Cristina Muñoz delved into "Product Design and Sustainable Fashion," highlighting the importance of rethinking fashion through ethical and sustainable criteria. The session continued with Martín Valencia's presentation of his innovative proposal "Glasses with a New Vision," followed by Juan Eduardo Centeno with "Re-Cycles: The Journey Towards Sustainability," an initiative promoting ecological mobility through the recycling of PET bottles. Jacinto Monserrate contributed with his insights on "Comprehensive Waste Management," and Pablo Jácome concluded the series of talks with his presentation on "The Versatility of Bamboo and Rattan," an abundant resource in the region that can be harnessed in sustainable product design.
The Vice Rector for Research, Development, and Innovation at ESPOL, Carlos Monsalve, Ph.D., was responsible for closing the event, emphasizing the value of interdisciplinarity and collaboration as drivers for change. "Today, more than ever, design must go beyond aesthetics and functionality. We must think about how every product we create impacts the world and how our decisions as professionals can contribute to more balanced and sustainable development," he remarked. The Vice Rector also stressed that SHAPES 2024 aligns with ESPOL's mission and vision, paving the way for new opportunities to continue advancing in the creation of purposeful products.
In a constantly evolving world, where the pressure to adopt more sustainable practices is increasing, SHAPES becomes a crucial space for establishing a dialogue between academia and industry. Designers' ability to create products that respect the environment while meeting consumer expectations is essential for building a more responsible and equitable future.
© Photography and Writing: José Luis Castro
07/10/2024
