The 2016 Seattle Design Festival kicks off on September 10

Seattle is not as sleepy as some may assume. In fact, the city is rapidly evolving with new major developments — like the floating State Route 520 bridge or the growing presence of Amazon — and their effects on Seattleites. With Design in Public's fast-approaching 2016 Seattle Design Festival “Design Change”, it's about time more locals (and beyond) take part in more in-depth discussions about those changes, while challenging themselves to play a continuously active role in shaping the future of their city.

Over 160 organizations will host 50+ public events and installations across Seattle from September 10-23. The festival's 2016 theme explores various scales of change within the city — from public to personal. More importantly, the event will focus on how the communities impacted by these changes can use the power of design to influence how they happen. 

Scroll down for a quick preview of what's in store for SDF2016, and snapshots from last year's event.

The festival will kick off with the Block Party, a popular and free outdoor public event at Occidental Park, which will feature touchable, interactive installations from artists and designers.

Also be on the lookout for SDF programs and events that will directly engage with Seattle's ongoing homelessness crisis, as artists, nonprofits and other partners propose design interventions and solutions.

“What sets SDF apart from other design festivals is that we’re driven equally by professional designers and community members,” says Susan Surface, Program Director of Design in Public. “The urgency and immediacy of rapid change in Seattle demands inspiring design thinking that comes from multiple points of view. Our multidisciplinary festival represents how Seattle tends to approach policy and planning: with our communities leading the conversation.” 

Further event details can be found in the link below and at designinpublic.org.