ODLTextile

In this first edition of the Open Design Lab, ten participants followed a 5 week trajectory to explore open design practices with free libre open source software in Buda::lab, collectively learning and experimenting with lasercutters, embroidery machines and microcontrollers. Textile is the main theme, referring to the past and present industry of the Kortrijk region.The works on view at the Wonder Fesival exhibition are the result of this design research learning laboratory. 

Open Design Lab (ODL) is a spin-off of the Open Design Course. Spread over three years, between September 2025 and July 2027, ODL takes place in Kortrijk, Gent and Brussels. At the end of each collective learning and experimenting trajectory, the prototypes and research objects are shown in an exhibition.

ODL Textile Kortrijk 2025
ODL Design and Democracy Gent 2026
ODL Sounds & Bits Brussel 2027

ODL is organised for refugees, asylum seekers and newcomers. Across these three editions, we aim to build a strong community with and for the participants, expanding their professional networks by connecting them with local cultural and artistic professionals from Flanders and Brussels.

The following works were imagined and designed by :

Nathalie Ila Mukerabirori, Lidiia Lushchyk, Taghreed Zaher, Erekle Khursadze, Ibrahim Muhtadi, Kseniia Barska, Aisha abdi Ibrahim, Bhagyashri Kaneri, Chris-Armel Iradukunda and Iman Sajirati. 

We want to thank the support of our partners in Kortrijk : Designregio Kortrijk and BUDA::lab Open Makerspace, Texture museum Kortrijk, Compagnie Cordial Kortrijk and the Boekenhuis Theoria. 

Special thanks to Wevelgem's Henk Feys sewing machines  https://www.naaimachineshenkfeys.be/ for sponsoring an embroidery machine, @De Creatieve Stem lending us their embroidery machine, the Kortrijk Kringwinkel for contributing materials, online and Kortrijk shop https://wildvanstof.be/ for providing us with fabric and the Bibliotheek Kortrijk for lending us the sewing machines. 

Gratitude to the amazing pedagogical team and participants of this ODL edition.

Open Design Lab  is funded by De Vlaamse overheid.

Our partners : KASK & Conservatory, Design Museum Gent, Designregio Kortrijk and BUDA::lab Open Makerspace, Globe Aroma, iMAL.

Instagram: @open_design_lab 
Facebook: @opendesignlab