We unveil the concepts that will shape the design scene in 2023 according to our creative directors, designers and collaborators.

March 28, 2023 | Gandia Blasco Group /

In a context unquestionably marked by a rethinking of spaces and ways of living, promoted by initiatives such as the New European Bauhaus and its purpose to meet the objectives of the European Green Pact and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in Gandia Blasco Group we continue our path in the world of design, true to our essence.

Only by being consistent with values such as durability as opposed to planned obsolescence, local production and the revitalization of craftsmanship, have we been able to create three very different and authentic, but totally compatible lifestyle models: GANDIABLASCO, GAN and DIABLA.

Kengo Kuma & Associates

Human Scale

“The concerns of mindful designers are turning towards softer, more gentle, and human-scale objects. In my view, designs and technologies that use small, delicate objects to create friendly, liberating spaces will emerge one after another in the future.”

Mayice Studio

Versatility and Boldness

“Both outdoor and indoor spaces are evolving, and design has to adapt to the changes in the way we live. Especially when we attempt an unconventional lifestyle, design is an integral and participating part of the space.”

Sebastian Herkner

Crafted emotions

“I believe in the power of design and quality to create objects that will accompany us for generations. The idea of ‘handcrafted emotions’ explains how I understand the value of design and manufacturing: with them we want to interact and activate our senses. The human aspect, responsibility and respect for the whole design process, from sourcing materials to recycling, becomes more relevant.”

Álvaro Catalán de Ocón

Consciously Made

“Conscience (from the Latin conscientia–shared knowledge) can be defined as the knowledge that a being has of itself and its environment. Something done conscientiously implies artisanal and responsible ways of doing, but includes many more, and defines an attitude based on knowledge and rigour.”

Teresa Sapey + Pa

Technological Craftsmanship

“The new design is artisanal, however always technological. The artisanal foundations contribute to humanizing our future living.”

Inma Bermúdez

Less is More

“Saving on resources, reusing and repairing. In this sense, it is fundamental today that the production details of a design are revealed: the where, the how, and the origin of the raw materials.”

Todd Bracher

Third-place

“The adoption of work-from-home has ignited an interest in shaping the home, office, and third place into a seamless integration of life, work, and culture.”

Odosdesign

Artificial Intelligence

“For years we have been seeing the combination of technology and design consolidate to the point where one is almost unthinkable without the other. In 2023, AI in the world of design will mark a new era by providing an unprecedented boost in innovation. This tool presents us with new challenges and gives us facilities in equal parts, so it is our responsibility to get to know it and take advantage of it to continue creating better futures.”

Paula Valentini

Material Sensibility

“As our physical world reveals itself as a complex entangled living system, as new biological inputs and insights on our environment come to light, design is getting more material driven. We question the life and transformation of what we produce and the origin of materials, their properties and behaviour. Models and tests in the workshop become more relevant. Meanwhile, we revisit matter in its expression.”

Héctor Serrano

Reconnection

“We are bombarded by constant and empty stimuli through our cell phones, while our planet is showing more and more signs of the damage our lifestyle is causing. We feel the need to reconnect with nature, with calm. Sustainable materials and processes, organic, soft, natural, simple, and friendly forms for an environment that helps us to focus on what is important and to reconnect with what surrounds us and with ourselves.”

José A. Gandía-Blasco Canales

Durability

“Design is involved in all creative processes, including the choice of durable materials that guarantee a long life of the manufactured object.”

Made Studio

Versatility and Boldness

Sandra Figuerola

Beauty

“Beauty is not everywhere, we have to look for it and incorporate it into our discourse. With our work, we must contribute to create beauty, to enhance and defend it. Beauty is not something frivolous or gratuitous, because when you create a space that is cared for and beautiful, people feel better.”

Rocío Gambín

Warmth

“For me, the key concepts for this 2023 are, in addition to quality and commitment to the environment, which should always accompany design, the feeling of warmth in shapes, colours and textures.”

Alejandra Gandía-Blasco

Mother Nature

“Nature is millions of years older than humankind and we have pursued dominating it with unnatural ways of
life, harmful to the environment and the rest of the species. Evoking the message behind Teresa Herrero’s exhibition at the Fernán Gómez Center in Madrid during the 2023 MDF, we have to understand that human beings are not at the epicentre of everything, or above any other living being. I want to believe that we are starting to become less selfish and more environmentally conscious.”

Mapi Millet

Honest Sustainability

“We have to be realistic and accept that a path aligned with sustainability is complex and involves investing time and resources, as well as being honest in our commitment to continuous improvement. In a brand like ours, we take into account not only the reduction and reuse of waste, but also the work environment, wages, and inclusivity. The welfare of GAN’s artisans is a priority. That’s why we are continuously introducing improvements and staying attentive to the needs of the people who work with us.”