PRESS RELEASE

Design Crossover in Rotterdam
Bridging Design Borders
October 1, 2009

There is a big potential for collaboration for Dutch and Indian Design and this only needs to be explored through more aggressive cooperation.

This has been the conclusion in the Design Crossover Rotterdam recently held in World Trade center Beursplein in Rotterdam through the efforts of Netherlands India Desk and its partners.

Stakeholders from Dutch-Indo design companies gave enlightening presentations on how to further the exchange of knowledge and manpower between the two countries and how to achieve global design.

Attendees includes Mr. Sunil Malhotra of IdeaFarms India, Jos Oberdorf of npk Design, Jeroen Raijmakers of Philips, Wiecher Munting of KPMG and Siem Haffmans of Ragbag.

Mr. Malhotra, who talked about creating an “ecosystem” for design students in India, to help orient them on industry practices said that partnership with designers from India and Netherlands will raise the aesthetic appeal without compromising design values.

“I am quite overwhelmed having been in the midst of some of the most ‘conscious’ designers of today. Jeroen Raijmakers of Philips and Jos Oberdorf of NPK Design are inspiring to say the least. I’m grateful to Ruchita Puri for the opportunity to meet them at the event”, said Mr. Malhotra

The presentation made by Mr. Jeroen Raijmakers enlightened the foresight of Philips in the healthcare sector. It is not just designing products but spaces that makes a more people friendly interaction. Their design also is very region specific to maintain privacy preferences for the patients.

The social responsibility that Philips is spearheading in India was a surprise to most of us. Their solutions for a healthier and ecofriendly stove for villages in India are one of many efforts Philips has undertaken in India.

Mr. Jos Oberdorf of NPK Design presented their work that ranged from electronic products to high speed railway tracks in the Dutch market. They have partnered with Elephant Design in India to preserve an Indian craft form of copper work. This project is under development and shall fiind an exclusive market here in Europe with the vision of Mr. Oberdorf. This partnership is an example of the fact that Indian and Dutch design languages can come together for a certain market segment.

Meanwhile,Wout Biegstraaten, India Account Manager from EVD, who also attended the event has this to say about Design Crossover Rotterdam “The discussion during the meeting was in depth and interactive giving good insight in both the Indian and the Dutch view on design cooperation.”

Ruchita Puri, director of Netherlands India said that they are happy with the close interaction that speakers and attendees had during the event. They are also planning more similar events that are focused on reaching out to smaller groups of businessmen from both countries to spark possible partnerships.

Crossover Design Rotterdam was sponsored by Philips and supported by OBR, Kamer van Koophandel, Gemeente Rotterdam and design partner Idea Farms.

PRESS RELEASE

DESIGN CROSS-OVER ROTTERDAM
25th SEPTEMBER, 2009

The Netherlands India desk announces “Design Cross-over Rotterdam.”

According to Trade Minister, Mr. Frank Heemskerk, Industrial design in the creative sector is a focus area that the Dutch government would like to promote for Indo-Dutch collaboration.

This round-table conference in Rotterdam shall open doors to opportunities between Rotterdam and India in integrated and sustainable design and the related design sectors.

Indian Ambassador, Mr. Manbir Singh has supported this endeavor, “I am happy to learn about the “Design Cross over Rotterdam”-an initiative being undertaken by the Netherlands India Desk on 25th September, 2009 and wish the organizers success in their efforts.”

From the office of Mayor Aboutaleb of Rotterdam, “For Rotterdam, the economic motive is the predominant one when initiating and maintaining international relations. For this reason, Rotterdam gives priority to India, as part of the so- called BRICT-countries (Brasil, Russia, India, China, Turkey). It is expected that in the further details of the strategy towards India, the creative sector will be marked as one of the focus sectors.”

Cor Bekker of International division of the chamber of Commerce welcomes this effort. “The Rotterdam business environment, as the trade port to Europe, has always had it’s focus on international relations. Chamber of Commerce Rotterdam has considered India as high priority country for many years and has defined a long term strategy on India. Although Chamber of Commerce doesn’t
focus on specific sectors we realize that, because of the fact that this sector is rapidly growing, the creative sector will turn out to be an important sector in bilateral relations between The Netherlands and India.”

Mr. Sunil Malhotra of Ideafarms, our Indian domain partner is attending to speakon developing an ecosystem for design entrepreneurship to flourish in a spirit of true partnership between The Netherlands and India.

Philips is the main sponsor of this event and is taking the lead in encouraging this dialogue.

Date : Sept 25, 2009
VENUE: World Trade Centre, Beursplein Rotterdam

Our Speakers:
Jeroen Raijmakers.Global Design Director Healthcare
Jos Oberdorf, Partner NPK Design
Joan Kluun, Helmie Management
Sunil Malhotra, Chairman Ideafarms, India
Siem Haffmans, Ragbag, Netherlands

Netherlands India Desk is a gateway to business and the first public-private partnership between the two countries. Located in the business hub of Rotterdam in the Netherlands and Gurgaon in India, they are in a position to deliver results with local presence.

Joint Ventures, Collaborative projects, Market entry and presence for companies are their prominent services.

For more information about the Design Crossover, please click link