Mini guide: DDW off the grid

Are you an experienced DDW visitor craving that above and beyond experience? Or are you just looking for those special places that not many people know of? We will help you on your way with our DDW off the grid mini guide!

Train your brain @ Plug in City

Anyone who’s ever been to Dutch Design Week knows that getting from A to B can feel like a full-body workout. You’ll burn plenty of calories – but what about your mind? At Plug in City, you can give your mind a workout too with The Mental Gym. These preventive activities – focused on embracing failure and connecting with others – help you build mental strength right on the spot. After all, a healthy mind goes hand in hand with a healthy body.

Op de 4e verdieping @ De Fabriek 

Today’s twenty-somethings often live in just a few square meters, sharing their space with several others. Some make their rooms as cozy and multifunctional as possible, while others let the laundry pile up in the corner. The mix of chaos and community that emerges in these shared homes has been captured in photographs and printed on canvases of twelve square meters – exactly the size of the student rooms portrayed. Op de 4e verdieping offers a rare peek into spaces you’d normally wouldn't see.

Bloomlight S, eXtended Reality Dining @ West

Technology is increasingly shaping public art and interior spaces. Amsterdam-based design studio VOUW demonstrates this with Bloomlight S, where design and tech blend to create a subtle, emotional experience. This elegant light object gently bends toward you, inviting you to slow down and reconnect with the real world. For more cutting-edge techniques, head to Next Nature Museum. Their eXtended Reality Dining reimagines shared meals through XR (extended reality). You’ll enjoy a full menu, with the environment transforming alongside each course. No risk of overeating— only your avatar will feel full!

Moca Tableware @ Strijp T + R

These days, we’re all paying more attention to our tableware collections. Craftsmanship, eco-friendly materials, and reuse are becoming increasingly common. Imperfection is the new perfection, and plain white has given way to color. One brand taking a fresh approach is Moca Tableware, which combines technology and craftsmanship: using a droplet machine, they let liquid porcelain fall rhythmically, creating a unique pattern on every plate, bowl, and cup. During Dutch Design Week, the Moca Tableware studio opens its doors. You can see the droplet machine in action, discover the latest collection of plates, cups, bowls, and vases in vibrant colors — and for those who really want to upgrade their breakfast table, the pieces are available for purchase in the shop!