Exploring new models of design across ecosystems, communities, and territories
As part of its growing cultural presence in New York, marked by the launch of Casa IED, IED – Istituto Europeo di Design presents the exhibition Rural Futures at WantedDesign 2026 (Booth #W781) during NYCxDESIGN, May 17–19.
Developed across IED’s international network, the showcase underscores IED’s role as the largest European network of design schools by bringing together shared design perspectives from different geographies and disciplines to drive meaningful change. Rooted in the Plural Intelligences framework—the Casa IED talk series exploring the intersection of human, technology, and nature-based systems—Rural Futures moves beyond urban-centered narratives to examine how design serves as a vital tool for engaging with complex, real-world environments and impacts positively on society.
“Rural Futures invites us to step outside the urban bubble and toward a more inclusive intellegence—one that prioritizes ecological health and community impact.” says Alan Brivio, Chief Commercial Officer at IED. “With this New York debut, we’re opening a dialogue between local and global perspectives, highlighting design’s power to shape a more resilient and inclusive future.”
The sustainably designed exhibit itself embodies the “Rural Futures” ethos. Made of birch wood and renewable cork, the modular installation was produced locally in New York and created for zero-waste assembly, reflecting IED’s commitment as a Benefit Company to decentralized, responsible production.
Exhibition Highlights Include:
- Caliu – student Judith Aubà: A modular system crafted from cork that investigates circular design processes, local sourcing, and adaptable structures for rural environments.
- Foremyc – group project by students: Iari Vanoschi, Bartolomeo Chinali, Federico Luigi Gabrieli and Francesco Cantoni: Winner of the James Dyson Award 2025, this innovative device supports forest ecosystems through environmental monitoring and intervention, bridging design, technology, and ecological resilience.
With Rural Futures, IED continues to position design as a catalyst for systemic evolution—working across territories, disciplines, and communities to address some of today’s most pressing global challenges.
About IED – Istituto Europeo di Design
IED is the largest network of European Arts & Design schools. Ranked among the top 100 institutions in the QS World University Rankings, IED’s international network of higher education institutions operate at the intersection of design, culture, and social impact. Founded in 1966, IED is a Benefit Company, combining education, research, and real-world engagement.