iF DESIGN FOUNDATION
RETHINKING DESIGN EDUCATION
Founded in 2018, the non-profit iF Design Foundation is the only shareholder of iF International Forum Design GmbH and its subsidiaries. The Foundation’s goal is to promote design and its social significance away from economic conditions or constraints. It is committed to the common good, dedicating resources and expertise to scientific research and education in the context of design. The iF Design Foundation replaced the iF Industrie Forum Design e.V., which operated from 1953 to 2018.
Mission
Our mission is to support academic research and education, culture, social engagement, environmental awareness, and sustainability. The iF Design Foundation provides financial support for selected design projects as well as initiating its own projects, conferences, and more.
In addition, the iF Design Foundation will cooperate with other design-oriented foundations and non-profits in order to pool resources, develop and realize joint projects.
The outcomes of the foundation's activities will be regularly documented and published.
FIELDS OF OPERATION
Research
Academic research in the field of design
Education and Support
Education and vocational training, support of students and creative talents
Art and Culture
Projects, Exhibitions and Events
Nature and Landscape
Social progress and efficient use of resources
FOUNDATION BOARD
Christoph Böninger
Chairman, iF Design Foundation
René Spitz
Vice Chairman, iF Design Foundation
Annette Diefenthaler
Board Member, iF Design Foundation
Karenina Schröder
Board Member, iF Design Foundation
Patrons
A limited number of companies may act as patrons to the foundation, ensuring regular and committed dialogue on issues of future engagement. Patrons‘ annual donations can also help to sustain and expand the influence of the iF Design Foundation.
HOW WE GOT TO WHERE WE ARE
1953: The establishment of iF e.V
Six years after the British occupying forces selected Hannover as a venue for trade fairs, efforts were made to complement the fair with an institution that would foster and support the “formal design of industrial products” in Germany.
The Hannover Messegesellschaft was inspired by the ideas of the visionary entrepreneur Philip Rosenthal, who also played a key role in the Federation of German Industry (BDI), where he was committed to bringing together the worlds of culture and business. This concept was also adopted for the foundation of the new institution.
Together with the Messegesellschaft and the Federation of German Industry, Rosenthal created this unique institution: iF e.V.
The aim was to establish in the minds of industry leaders as well as the general public the idea that high-quality design is a key factor in success; to promote the view that a company which includes design in its philosophy, in its strategic decisions and in its product development would achieve sustainable success.
Furthermore, the association’s work focused on discussion and exchange in relation to design and on the continuous expansion and maintenance of a worldwide design network.
1953 - 2018: iF Industrie Forum Design e.V.
iF Industrie Forum Design e.V. – or iF e.V. for short – was the world's oldest independent design institution. Its foundation in 1953 was closely linked to Hannover's status as a major venue for trade fairs. The aim was to create a partner institution for the annual industry exhibition that would foster and support the “formal design of industrial products” in Germany.
iF e.V. was founded to create a bridge between the worlds of culture and business. For six decades, both the association and its members pursued this goal with great commitment and success.
Wilhelm Wagenfeld
Wilhelm Wagenfeld provided valuable support to the young organisation and wrote a wonderful opening address for the founding of iF Industrie Forum Design e.V. Although seven decades have since passed, his words have lost none of their significance, enthusiasm and validity.
Download the opening adress by Wilhelm Wagenfeld about "Thoughts and Experiences of a Designer".
2001: iF International Forum Design GmbH
In 2001, iF International Forum Design GmbH assumed control over the operating business, including organizing and hosting the iF DESIGN AWARDS. iF e.V. was thus able to focus more on its role as a mediator between design and business.