This space design event, the ninth, is held jointly by three groups, the Japan Design Space Association (DSA), Japan Sign Design Association (SDA) and Japan Association of Commercial Design (JCD).  With the theme, “who makes a place?” the symposium reviews the example of creators shop Loop, which won a special regional award from DSA. Creators shop Loop, a space for encouraging initiation, gives young creators a place to test their ambitious proposals in creative fields like design, fashion and industrial arts and supports their activities. It was founded in November of 2011. Named “Loop” to indicate the circular connection in feedback between creator and user, it was designed as a marketing-based shop that gives creators who plan to establish themselves in the Nagoya area the opportunity to sell their products, find out about users’ needs and plug this response back into product development. Exhibitors are chosen by public lottery every six months, with each circuit lasting six months, during which they can use Loop for display and sales, and to publicize their work and activities. And while it is an exhibition and sales “place”, or venue, it is also a spot for exchange and networking, and a foundation for the growth of young creators as well. A “place” is made from the involvement of various people. In the symposium, all concerned parties (project director, space designer, graphic designer and exhibit creator) introduces the business concept, design process, problems discovered in actual operation, the project’s backstory, and discusses the possibilities of a “place” from their various roles and points of view.

*Capacity: 100 persons
*Registration necessary
*Communication: Japanese; Interpretation not provided