Designing the Invisible by Janek Świerkowski: A MonoKucha Lecture Series
Schedule
Friday, 25 April 2025,
6:30 PM to 7:00 PM – Registration
7:00 PM to 7:20 PM – MonoKucha Lecture
7: 20 PM to 7:30 PM – Q&A with Janek, Moderated by Ker Siang
Background of MonoKucha
One speaker. One object. One idea. MonoKucha is a slow lecture series that invites a single speaker to explore one thing in depth—whether it’s a concept, an artefact, or a question. No quick slides, no fast pace, just time to focus. A simple format for thoughtful storytelling, reflection, and clear thinking.
Synopsis: Designing the Invisible
‘What if invisibility is not absence, but an invitation to design?’ In this lecture, Janek Świerkowski invites us into the space between what is seen and what is only sensed—a space where perception blurs, and imagination takes root. Beginning with ideas drawn from quantum physics and cosmology, Janek explores how the invisible can be approached not as a void, but as fertile ground for design. What makes this journey especially compelling is how Janek positions design as the bridge between the seemingly distinct domains of art and science. Through this lens, design becomes a language of translation—making the imperceptible tangible, the abstract experiential. For designers, innovators, and curious thinkers, this talk offers a quiet provocation: to consider how we might engage with what we cannot see, yet somehow know—and in doing so, reimagine the role of design in shaping our shared understanding of the world.
About the Speaker: Janek Świerkowski
Artist, scientist, and curator. Science popularizer of the year in Poland 2018. Founder of international art & science ensemble Instytut B61. Curator and scriptwriter of Cosmic Underground, an art & science collaborative cargo train from Tallinn to Lisbon, funded by the European Commission. Producer of the Portal Diaries, an innovative art & science adventure series designed for Instagram commissioned by the European Commission.
Presented by: Yeo Ker Siang
Organised by: DesignSingapore Associates Network
Supported by: Tusitala (https://tusitala.sg)
Who is this event for? This event is organised for DesignSingapore Associates, but anyone interested in it is very much welcome to register. Each DesignSingapore Associate has the option to extend invitations to two guests each. If you know anyone who may be interested or could benefit from this gathering, we encourage you to invite them.
About DesignSingapore Associates Network
The DesignSingapore Associates Network, also known as the Dsg Associates Network or DAN, is an alumni network of DesignSingapore scholars, and its events are initiated and organised by its members.
About Tusitala
Tusitala is a digital storytelling studio that reimagines the future of reading where tech meets art. We use our expertise in technology, UI and UX, and design to transcend the traditional boundaries of print and digital.
✉️ Contact us at dsga.net@gmail.com if you have any other questions.