National Design Week

National Design Week: October 4–12, 2014

National Design Week celebrates the important role that design plays in all aspects of daily life. Launched in 2006, National Design Week is held each year in conjunction with the National Design Awards, Cooper Hewitt’s largest and most visible education initiative. During National Design Week, Cooper Hewitt’s award-winning Education Department hosts a series of free public programs based on the vision and work of the National Design Award honorees. National Design Week culminates with the National Design Awards Gala benefit and awards ceremony.

In recognition of the importance of design education, organizations and institutions across the country sponsor design events throughout the month. The online Educator Resource Center features design-focused lesson plans and discussion boards for K–12 educators interested in incorporating design in their classrooms. The site includes lesson plans aligned to national standards for all grade levels and helps teachers of all subjects learn ways to promote innovation, critical thinking, visual literacy, and problem-solving across the curriculum.

As part of National Design Week, the People’s Design Award was launched to provide the general public with the opportunity to vote for its favorite design. The winning design is announced live at the National Design Awards Gala.

Cooper Hewitt Events

Check back soon for information on this year’s programs and events including the popular NYC Teen Design Fair, National Design Awards Winners’ Panel, Family Programs, and more.