The start of Kuala Lumpur Design Week 2011 (KLDW) on 15 September at the up-and-coming shopping gallery, Publika at Dutamas, gathered together designers and artists and was a colourful affair. As host of the programme, Publika Shopping Gallery was also the anchor venue for the various photography exhibits, daily talks as well as the finale party that happened on 25 September.

Exhibition: SAW IS THE LAW by CODA

KLDW also marked the launch of Wira Foto Fest, an inaugural Asian Photography Festival that’s open to local and Asian participants with side activities such as talks, workshops, carnivals and study camps, which will continue until 15 December 2011.

EGG? by Artikek Pital + Sow & Allan

Safmarine container transformed into a sports centre for South Africa’s community by Tsai Design Studio.

One of the main draws of KLDW was the showcase of local designers along Publika’s Gallery Row. Young entrepreneurs and collaborative efforts were given spaces of their own to display and sell various designer wares.

Professor Dr. Peter Zec

KLDW’s conferences are lively affairs, and this year was no different – participants were reunited with alumnus of KLDW’s past conferences as well as new faces, including Professor Dr. Peter Zec, a design consultant with over 20 years of experience. His talk on 17 September for the International Creative Entrepreneur Colloquium was particularly rousing; as part of a study by red dot, he presented case studies of how design can ultimately lead an organisation forward, and the roles that designers can play in shaping the future of companies.

For more information on this year’s KLDW and past events, visit http://www.kldesignweek.com.

Top picture: Publika venue for the event.