TEHRAN (Iran News) – An exhibition of items for people in isolation designed by students of University of Tehran was opened on Sunday at the Tehran Gallery of the University of Tehran.
The exhibition was inaugurated in the presence of Deputy Head of Embassy in Tehran Mr. Wojciech Unolt, Polish industrial designer and university lecturer Dr. Joanna Jurga, and Scientific Secretary of the Exhibition, Industrial Design Department of School of Fine of Arts at Tehran University Dr. Ali Ashdari and some enthusiasts and students.
Dr. Ashdari was the moderator of the event where Polish Diplomat Unlot had a welcoming speech and the inaugural ceremony ended with giving certificates to the students.
In her speech addressing the event, Dr. Jurga said, “The world as we know it is constantly changing. What seemed impossible three years ago, now has become part of our reality. New human experiences, technologies, and geopolitical situations. We observed some of those changes over the years, while others occurred surprisingly fast.”
She added, “One of the consequences of the growing speed of life, as well as global situations such as COVID-19 pandemic, is the transfer of significant parts of our lives into the virtual world, to which we, as complex and multi-sensual creatures, are not yet accustomed. By limiting sensory stimuli to sight and smell, refraining from haptic experiences, and growing individualization of our societies in their homes, we observe an alarming impact on the mental and physical condition of humanity as a whole.”
Jurga noted, “I had an immense pleasure of working on a series of lectures and a project task called “Polish Design Summer School 2021. Design in support of human wellbeing with regard to isolation and reduced social interactions”, in cooperation with The Institute of Industrial Design, Polish Embassy in Iran, and University of Tehran. Our goal was to introduce the concept of synesthetic design, as well as encourage students to perceive their clients not only as consumers, but most of all as sentient beings.”
She stated, “During our collaboration, the students of University of Tehran demonstrated their creativity and sensitivity towards designing sensual objects. Their ideas were well-thought-out, socially engaged, and answered actual human needs. The entire process was conducted under the supervision of the dean Maryam Khalili, which offered great support to both sides. I am grateful to both Mrs. Khalili and Mrs. Irena Kołakowska-Fałkowska from the Polish Embassy, who came up with the idea and enforced a meticulous plan to combine design beyond the borders.”
She concluded her speech by thanking the participants and their engagement with the exhibition.
Jurga was to hold a two day workshops on the sidelines of the two-day exhibition.
