DESIGN Canberra program embraces utopian thinking for 2019 festival

The 2019 festival's program, which was released on Wednesday, has employed the theme of 'utopia' to showcase the city's love of design through more than 200 events - making it the biggest DESIGN Canberra to date.

"I think Canberra is rich with incredible design history and it's not always well understood as it could be," Craft ACT chief executive Rachael Coghlan said.

"The festival is about raising awareness of these little gems that are throughout our cities that sometimes we take for granted."

In recognition of the 100th anniversary of the Bauhaus design movement, DESIGN Canberra has teamed up with Berlin-based designers Plastique Fantastique to bring MEDUSA - a large inflatable bubble - to the festival.

"It's just beautiful and not only does it add to the landscape, but it's also a venue for events and activation so we're very lucky to have Yena Young from Plastique Fantastique coming over with a structure as part of the festival," Ms Coghlan said.

READ MORE: Phoebe Porter named the 2019 DESIGN Canberra designer-in-residence

Adding to the festival's international contingent, Milan-based curators, Annalisa Rosso and Francesco Mainardi from design consulting studio, Mr.Lawrence, will bring a glass exhibition to the capital, comparing Italian contemporary glasswork with Australian pieces.

"It celebrates the tradition of Venetian glass which made its way to Australia, and in particular, Canberra when [architect] Enrico Taglietti installed a Murano glass chandelier in the Italian embassy in the 1950s," Ms Coghlan said.

"It's something that is very special to Canberra's history, not only with Enrico Taglietti's work on the Italian residence but with the Canberra Glassworks there's a strong glass community."

One of Australia's most internationally renowned architects, John Andrews will also be recognised with multiple events including an exhibition curated by Tim Ross.

"In Canberra, people probably know John Andrews' work but they may not know his name," Ms Coghlan said.

"John Andrews has done the Callam Offices in Woden and the Cameron Offices in Belconnen. His work looks a bit futuristic to be honest. For example, the big concrete structures in Callum Offices are a big statement."