Public Matter(s): Design and Democracy – Secondary Education

Why do we vote with a red pencil? Why are parliament buildings so imposing? And why does our political system look theway it does today?

Democracy is something we practise every day. Everything around us is designed to guide our behaviour, persuade us or, on the contrary, exclude us. Democracy is no exception. But how do design and politics shape one another? That is the question we explore in our temporary exhibition.

Together with your guide, you will discover how design supports democracy. You will see that design does more than make things beautiful. It can also create real impact. It is a tool for protest, activism and change. This guided tour encouragesstudents to look at the world more critically and realise that they are not passive users, but designers who help shape theworld of tomorrow.

Date
On request
Location
Design Museum Gent
Drabstraat 10
Audience
Secondary school pupils
Duration
1.5 hours
Access
Free
You only pay €120 per guide. Maximum 25 students per guide.
Language
English, French, Dutch

Ready for a fresh perspective on design?

Book your self-guided group visit

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Donkergrijs, gebogen zitobject met een gelaagd, organisch patroon, vrijstaand tegen een zwarte achtergrond.

Guided tour
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A guided tour for secondary school. Through design, students reflect critically on climate change, inequality and digitalisation, thinking about tomorrow.

Lichtgroene kuipstoel met armleuningen en houten poten tegen een helderblauwe achtergrond.

Guided tour
19.10.26—30.06.27

Practical arrangements?

From the first one-piece plastic chair to 3D printing, bring the history of design to life. Dis designers and try out several iconic chairs yourself.

Een groep deelnemers luistert in een groene stadstuin naar twee gidsen tijdens een begeleide wandeling.

City walk
19.10.26—30.06.27

Walk + Talk

How are designers changing the world? Discover urban mining and fair fashion in Ghent. An interactive, thought-provoking city walk by and for young people.

Deelnemers maken kleurrijke papieren collages rond een houten tafel tijdens een creatieve workshop.

Workshop
On request

Start to Design

From the museum galleries to the design studio. Solve problems through design, experiment with cardboard and clay, and take home a sketchbook full of bold ideas

Toolkit and self-guided group visit
On request

Public Matter(s): Design and Democracy - Toolkit

Pourquoi vote-t-on avec un crayon rouge ? Découvrez comment le design façonne la démocratie à travers une visite libre sur le proteste et l'activisme.