5 questions for Margriet Vollenberg

A lot of interesting characters cross our paths during Milan Design Week 2015. We asked them 5 exactly the same questions.
In order to sport the next big thing among designer, Ventura Lambrate is where you should go.
We had the honor of talking to Margriet Vollenberg, founder and curator of Ventura Lambrate. 

1. Who are you?
I am the founder of Organisation in Design, the company behind Ventura. We organize various projects in different cities, by which we want to show the latest developments in contemporary design. Here in Milan we take over an entire neighborhood. Young designers, design schools and collectives are presenting their work throughout a wide array of buildings in the Lambrate area.

2. Why are you in Milan?
As curator of Ventura Lambrate, I have to make sure everything runs smoothly. Most preparations have been done in advance: out of all entries in the open calls, I picked the strongest projects. This year we had about 500 entries which lead to 176 diverse, good exhibitors.

3.What is the most important thing you learned so far in your career?
Follow your gut feeling. I have lived and worked in Milan, and I visited the fair very often. About seven years ago I felt that something had to change. So many people from all over the world come to the city especially for this exhibition, but it lacked innovation. It could be different, more exciting and more innovative, and I wanted to take care of that. This seems impossible for a small studio, especially if that studio is also based in the Netherlands. But my feelings were so strong, I just had to change something. Now I’m really glad I tried it. It turned out fine, and there’s a lot of positive feedback. Designers and visitors are happy that Ventura is here now.

4. Why do you do what you do?
I thought it was really necessary to create a platform where young talent has a place, but where more established brands could also present themselves in a more creative way. It was still very normal to present everything on white pedestals in front of white walls, but this could and had to change. I wanted an environment where the designer and his story could be addressed. The design and production process become part of the exhibition, and there is the possibility of interaction and encounter.

5. What is the one thing you don’t want to miss this year?
I’ve heard that the collaboration between Paola Navone and Linteloo is very nice. Ted Noten has a smaller project where I would loved to walk around. And I would also like to go to the Palazzo Clerici, there is always a lot to see over there.