Six Can’t-Miss Events During Boston Design Week

Image courtesy of Robert Four

On Wednesday, the fourth annual Boston Design Week will kick off a 12-day celebration of arts, style, and everything aesthetically appealing.

From March 29 through April 9, you can pick and choose from a lineup of more than 80 panels and programs to check out. The calendar of events spans the design spectrum, including topics like museums, technology, fashion, and interior design.

Below, we’ve selected six things to look our for during the festival. All programs are open to the public—most are free of charge, though some will require an RSVP. For a complete list of events, see the Design Week 2017 calendar.

1.
Peep the Boston Design Center Spring Showcase

Gather ’round the collective dinner table at this year’s spring showcase, where the one-day mini-market is centered around tabletop design. The Boston Design Center has whipped up a day’s worth of dining and entertaining trend lessons, including everything from a seminar on quintessential kitchens to panel with tabletop tool artisans.

Some RSVPs required, April 4, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., various showrooms at the Boston Design Center, One Design Center Pl., Boston, bostondesign.com.

2.
Tour the No Name Office 2.0

During this office walkthrough, NoBox Studio designer Karin Sharav-Zalkind will count the ways in which workspace design matters. She’ll explain why meaningful workspaces are important, and how she creates them for companies who often win “Best Places to Work” awards.

Free, March 30, 7 to 9:30 p.m., NoBox Studio, 575 Boylston St. #8, Boston, RSVP at tinyurl.com/nobox2017.

3.
Hear About Scandinavian Craftsmanship and Culture

There’s always more to be learned (and admired) about Danish craftsmanship. At Lekker Home, Carl Hansen & Søn director Angela Patsiopoulos will discuss the significance of Scandinavian craftsmanship and culture. There will also be a live upholstery demonstration by a master upholsterer from the European furniture company, as well as a chance to win Hans Wegner’s CH24 Wishbone Chair.

Free, March 30, 6 to 9 p.m., Lekker Home, 1313 Washington St. Suite 117, Boston, RSVP at RSVP@lekkerhome.com.

Photo courtesy of Carl Hansen & Søn

4.
Explore the Top Places to Live

If you’ve picked up a copy of our March issue, you’ll know it’s chock full of tips for navigating the cutthroat suburban housing market. This panel discussion opens up the conversation to you. Hear from four home industry experts about regional real estate, and what works for buyers in all stages of life. (We’re excited for our own event. Can you blame us?)

Free, March 30, 6 to 8 p.m., Innovation & Design Building, 25 Drydock Ave., Boston, RSVP at eventbrite.com.

5.
Raise a Designer at KidsBuild!

Enjoy Design Week with the whole family at BSA Space, where KidsBuild! will let children formulate their own ideas about architecture and design. Families can choose a construction site from a fictional city grid, create a building from recycled materials, then receive the best award of all: a certificate of occupancy.

Free, April 8, all day, BSA Space, 290 Congress St., Boston, architects.org.

6.
Understand the Continued Relevance of Classicism in Contemporary Design

The New England Institute of Classical Architecture & Art says classicism is a philosophy about humanity and human nature, and continues to influence design today. With that in mind, a panel discussion will explore the idea that people thrive in classically designed environments.

Free, April 6, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Boston Design Center, One Design Center Pl., Boston, RSVP at eventbrite.com.

Photo courtesy of Robert Four