Circles of Universal Language: a conversation with Gijs Motzelt
Dutch Design Week 2024: together we explore how to create meaningful connections in ever-evolving Eindhoven
The exhibition ‘Circles of Universal Language’ is presented by the municipality of Eindhoven in collaboration with Dutch Invertuals during Dutch Design Week 2024. This exhibition showcases ten designers who demonstrate the power of universal language in creating meaningful encounters. Through bi-weekly meetings, conversations, observations, and research, each designer contributes their unique perspective and approach.
We speak with Gijs Motzelt about his project ‘A Window Inbetween’. In his project, Gijs explores the tension between distance and attraction in urban environments and is fascinated by how people can live so close to each other yet feel increasingly distant and disconnected.
“The idea developed from my fascination with windows and what they represent, it can serve as a gateway between in- and outside and has the quality to connect, blend, but also divide spaces.”
Gijs Motzelt
Gijs Motzelt is a designer who blends functionality with artistic expression. His work challenges conventional design norms through experimentation with materials and techniques and provokes thought about the relationship between design, user experience, and the environment.
Can you elaborate on your ‘A Window Inbetween’ project?
During these past months, I tried to create a calm and intimate space within the fast-moving city of Eindhoven. My goal was to create an object that breaks the noise of its surroundings but also creates space for close encounters. It is designed to block noise, but also to amplify sounds.
Could you elaborate on your creative process and the design and material choices you made?
I had the chance to work with glass some time ago, and I completely fell in love with the material. Especially with the metaphorical values that it carries. ‘A Window Inbetween’ explores subjects like; tension, distance, intimacy and fragility. For this project I used copolyesther, which has similar qualities to glass but is malleable at a very low melting point, allowing me to work freely and independently. This low-tech sculpting opened up a whole new world to discover.
In your view, how does ‘A Window Inbetween’ convey a universal message? What do you hope audiences take away from your project?
“You can share a very small space with another person, where the only thing that keeps you from interacting is this glass wall.”
Gijs Motzelt
The idea developed from my fascination with windows and what they represent.
It can serve as a gateway between in- and outside and has the quality to connect, blend, but also divide spaces. Lots of encounters that I have are from behind the window. You can share a very small space with another person, where the only thing that keeps you from interacting is this glass wall. I wondered what it would look like if you could pierce through the window to reach out to this person on the other side. Through this piece, I aim to emphasise the opportunities that exist beyond the invisible wall.
Was there a particular lesson from the process that stood out to you or altered your viewpoint?
During the process, I learned to listen to the qualities of a material instead of working against it. This flexible and experimental approach led to new discoveries and helped to get to know the material through and through. Although I normally work very autonomously, these collective sessions were very valuable, they showed me how different perspectives can enrich your view on a subject. These topics are bigger than a single individual, so it can be very helpful to get an insight into other people’s ways of thinking.
Location
Strijp-S area
Ketelhuisplein
Map No. B4
Open
Sat 19 Oct 11:00 – 18:00
Sun 20 Oct 11:00 – 18:00
Mon 21 Oct 11:00 – 18:00
Tue 22 Oct 11:00 – 18:00
Wed 23 Oct 11:00 – 18:00
Thu 24 Oct 11:00 – 18:00
Fri 25 Oct 11:00 – 18:00
Sat 26 Oct 11:00 – 18:00
Sun 27 Oct 11:00 – 18:00
Access Free
