Those of you who were at Helexpo Palace and Furnidec Business Athens Interior Show in November 2nd-4th, you must have also discovered the D spot of Greek design.



DPOINT, an exhibition within the exhibition or better said, the meeting point for the Greek industrial designers, was commonly accepted as the hot spot of those three days. The exhibits, others awarded and others not, created by internationally recognized as well as younger designers, were challenging us to pay attention to them. The visitors could move through a uniform showcase/hallway which consisted of many wooden risers where the designers had placed their works. The result was exquisite because even without being preplanned, the exhibits seemed to complement each with aesthetical harmony. Without any signs or many details, each riser was signed by the represented designer while whoever wished to have more information, was able to address directly to the creator, fact that offered additional interaction to the event.
With clear references to the Greek element, regarding the materials (wood, marble, cement etc) and other influences, the participants made their personal dent and without any exaggeration, they truly surprised all people there. The designers who took part in DPOINT were: Sotiris Lazou (curator of the event), Andreas Varotsos, Yannis Georgaras, Yiannis Ghikas, Constantinos Hoursoglou, Athanasios Babalis, Dede, Panagiotis Megalooiconomou, Greece is for Lovers, STUDIOLAV, CTRLZAK, 11%, Costas Bissas, 157+173 Designers, Valentino Marengo, Jazzt Design and Christina Skouloudi.





An especially energetic mark was left by the media/sponsors of the organization consisted of the printed and electronic media of the sector. More specifically, representatives of Athens Voice, HOME mag, casaviva, COZY home, design lobby asia, deconow, Archisearch and +design discussed with the people, informed the visitors and more or less, added their personal touch through their positive attitude and communication skills. On its part, the company CMS which in this case was also the Gran sponsor of DPOINT, was present during all phases of the organization, from the setting up to dismantling of the stands, making sure in every way possible that the event was carried through successfully.
Equally positive response enjoyed the workshop “What about design from Greece?” which was organized during the second day, within the framework of DPOINT. Eminent specialists of the sector, by presenting their personal experiences, added their bit of contribution to the always crucial issue that is to say, if industrial design does exist in Greece. Interest and realization of the importance of designating Greek design were really strong, fact that explains the dozens of people who attended the workshop.






“In order for us to enjoy the benefits of industrial design to the maximum, we have to find a middle ground between the designer and producer”. This was the main viewpoint of the industrial designer Constantinos Hoursoglou who initiated the workshop. However, he went beyond that; he talked about his experience of creating in Greece, the so-called created in Greece and not made in Greece product. In other words, he mentioned how important is for all phases production, from design to packaging, to be carried out in Greek grounds. He concluded analyzing concepts like inspiration and ideas that derive from Greek minds.
Next, the designer Yiannis Ghikas took over and talked about his example, of living in Greece and collaborating with foreign companies. He highlighted that “the presence of social media plays a very important role for the promotion and communication boosting of a designer’s work”. Also, he focused on the factor “designer’s personality” and stated that it is as important as his work itself. “You don’t sell just design, you also sell style, attitude, personality and culture”.








A quite different approach followed, the one of the designer and DPOINT curator, Sotiris Lazou. Through a series of interesting projects, he noted that “Greek designer is able to export design but he should do it in collaboration with Greek companies, fact constitutes an indirect extroversion strategy for Greek design”.
In continuation, Michael Mavroleon from the A&M Architects office, gave his own viewpoint regarding design in the retail market. “Design is not what we design but what the market adopts while aiming at the formation of unforgettable experiences”, he explained trying to define the current situation in the market.
Finally, the workshop was completed with the brand manager of INTERIORS FROM GREECE, Constantinos Koutsantonakis. Through a slide-flashback to the last two years, he gave emphasis on the organization and communicative support of Greek manufacturers and their participation in international fairs (imm Cologne, iSaloni) under the umbrella of the platform INTERIORS FROM GREECE. He concluded stating that we do can have branding in Greek design and something like that will broaden our horizons.
DPOINT proved that design made in Greece is a dynamic product which time after time, evolves, takes shape and creates identity of its own. Wait and see what comes next!










