The design usually has to satisfy certain goals and constraints, may take into account aesthetic, functional, economic, or socio-political considerations, and is expected to interact with a certain environment. The design is a reflection of openness, creativity and development of a society. Design has always shaped the society, and is definitely the cause of many social impacts.
In contemporary society the role of s designer (graphic, service, industrial…) is an outcome of an industrial revolution, and the field has evolved over a period of time, to the point where we today discuss design within the ambit of cultural, social and economic phenomena. Therefore design is now understood as a form of human intervention to make our surroundings more friendly and hospitable.
With that comprehension, design has always been also the reflection of political order of a certain society. In the case of Bratislava, the city has been through tremendous changes in the past century, which can be seen on every step of the way when walking through this, ever coolest Slovak capitol. From brutalism and communism perpetuated in the architecture of buildings around the medieval Old town. Among this architectural monuments of Slovak history, new shops of local designers are opening up every day. The inspiringly creative works from the local designers and artists were spotted even by the New York Times. The article “Long Overlooked Bratislava, shines with Newfound Cool. The city was pronounced »the region’s capital of cool”.
Little shops all around the city are a delight for the tourists, and they are setting a new standard of coolness. Slovak Fashion is as well experiencing a revival. The number of places where you can buy Slovak fashion has grown, and Bratislava is becoming a city for some great shopping. To make it easier to find the latest designs or fashion accessories of local designers in Bratislava and its vicinity with the help of a new tool – the Bratislava Fashion Map. Three years ago when the map was created in consisted of 20 retailers, today there are around 80 stores showcased. Shopping is a must do for everyone who visits Bratislava – you can read some ideas about “How to spend it”, at this link.
The essence of Slovak, mainly graphical and industrial design, is captured in the Slovak Museum of Design. The first permanent exhibition on the history and present of Slovak design and applied art is the result of several years of research and collection work by one of the youngest museums in town. The exhibition project was prepared on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the Czechoslovak Republic and the 25th anniversary of the foundation of the Slovak Republic, with the intention of filling in a gap in the history of Slovak design within Czechoslovakia, as well as during the existence of the independent state. The exhibition will be open to visitors until June 29th 2020.
To find the fresh and new trendy hotspots of the city, local artist and designer Michal Hazior created an illustrated guide to Bratislava’s secret gems – The Secret Door to Bratislava – a must have a look for everyone coming to Bratislava for business or pleasure.
By: Ajda Borak
