Mayor Xavier Bettel and Danish ambassador Louise Bang Jespersen talk about the design expo on the place d’Armes.

As part of the Design City biennale, the city of Luxembourg is the first European city to host the prestigious travelling exhibition.

How did the collaboration between the Ville de Luxembourg and the Danish embassy come about?

Louise Bang Jespersen: When I arrived I was excited to hear about Design City. I thought it would be very good to show the Luxembourg-Danish link in the context of this international award, with nominations from all over the world. Index: Award Exhibition is about global thinking which fits perfectly with multiplicity and other initiatives that Luxembourg City is pushing.

Xavier Bettel: This is the second time we have organised Design City; the first was in 2010. We are happy that the Danish ambassador has brought the Index: Award exhibition to Luxembourg – Denmark is a country renowned for being strong in design.

The exhibition is in a public space – how important is it to make design more accessible?

XB: It will be on the Place d’Armes and a lot of local people will come to see the exhibition – as will tourists. But other parts of Design City will also be in public spaces and the Marché des Créateurs in May is also a great opportunity for the public to discover design.

LBJ: It is open to everyone. Some things people may like; others they might not. But it means it is not just for people who seek out the exhibition, but also for passers-by who can discover something new. Luxembourg is ideal for these activities, because you can really use the whole city.

Can this exhibition help show the layman how relevant design is to our daily lives and to helping shape the future of the planet?

XB: Design is not only about gadgets. It has very practical applications. And the award gives young designers a chance to show their work. And as a modern city we need to show that design has its place.

LBJ: The award is very much aimed at inspiring designers to find solutions to global problems, how to improve the lives of people. It is more than just about form and aesthetics, but it is also about impact – about environmental, social and economic sustainability. It shows design in a broader context.

Tags | Avril, Ennert ons, Expositions, Lucienne's, Xavier Bettel