The city of Medellín hosted a new edition of Design Week 2024, an event that brought together some of the most prominent names in international architecture and design. Within this context, Ramón Esteve was invited to share his vision in a lecture held at the La Feria de Diseño venue, in front of an audience of professionals, students, and engaged members of the design community. The presentation, entitled “Design as a Sensory Experience: From the City to the Object”, offered an overview of the studio’s philosophy and work, approaching design from a transversal and experiential perspective.
During the lecture, Ramón Esteve focused on design’s capacity to transform perception, emotions, and identity through the spaces we inhabit. Drawing on the thought of Aldo Rossi, he highlighted the importance of creating places rooted in local history and culture, while also embracing innovation, sustainability, and the well-being of their inhabitants. For the studio, each project—be it an urban intervention, a residence, or a piece of furniture—is conceived as a “design ecosystem” capable of generating sensory experiences and enriching everyday life.
The presentation reviewed various projects by Ramón Esteve Estudio, from urban planning initiatives such as Jubail Port to rehabilitation projects like Bombas Gens or the Rodes Industrial Park, as well as a selection of iconic residences, including Na Xemena, La Finca House, and Cottage in the Vineyard. Through images, videos, and project stories, Esteve illustrated how the studio addresses design at all scales, paying attention to both industrial and artisanal processes, and underscoring the importance of detail, materials, and light in shaping liveable spaces.
Particularly significant was the section dedicated to product design, where pieces such as Posidonia, Casilda, and Ulm exemplify the conceptual continuity between architecture and object. This integral approach reflects the belief that well-being arises from a sum of coherent experiences, both in urban and domestic environments.
The assistants were able to discover how the studio understands design as a tool to foster sociability, rootedness, and well-being, proposing spaces that evolve over time and reflect community values.
