Summa at Dutch Design Week: today's makers show the world of tomorrow
From Saturday, October 18th to Sunday, October 26th, Eindhoven will be all about Dutch Design Week (DDW). This year's theme, "Past. Present. Possible," invites us to look back at what has been built, reflect on what is changing now, and dream about what can yet be.
Students of Summa Electrical & Installation Technology, Summa Fashion, Summa Automotive en Summa Living & Design show how learning, creating and innovating come together in projects that bridge the gap between yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Be inspired by today's creators and discover what becomes possible when young talents turn their ideas into action.
World champion with a hydrogen car
Location: Heuvelgalerie (opposite the Muziekgebouw Eindhoven)
Maker(s): Niels Teunissen van Manen, Bart Wilbers, Bram Vosters, Jesper van Stokkum and Jeroen Langenveld
School/Education: Summa Automotive
A hydrogen-powered car that becomes world champion! Students from Summa Automotive made it happen in September during the H2GP World Finals in Chemnitz, Germany. At the Automotive Campus in Helmond, they learn according to the principle of challenge-based learning: learning by doing. They develop vehicles that are increasingly efficient, sustainable, and innovative. Their approach exemplifies what smart mobility means: building smart solutions for the world of tomorrow.
Smart makers, smart future
Location: Heuvelgalerie (opposite the Muziekgebouw Eindhoven)
Maker(s): Sam Seegers and Pepijn Kerkhof
School/Education: by Summa Electrical & Installation Technology - Electrical Installation Technician
The world is changing rapidly, and with that change comes the growing need for smart makers. In this program, students learn to design systems that make buildings responsive, save energy, and improve daily life. They combine craftsmanship with innovation: working with their hands and minds. By experimenting and continually building, they develop the curiosity and craftsmanship necessary for a sustainable, technological future.
Star in the making
Location: Heuvelgalerie (opposite the Muziekgebouw Eindhoven)
Maker: Jorrit Brom
School/Education: Summa Living & Design - Interior builder
What begins as a compact object unfolds into a unique star-shaped table. With his graduation project, Jorrit Brom demonstrates what it means to combine technology and creativity. The table symbolizes innovation, precision, and the courage to keep trying. A manifesto for a new generation of makers who push boundaries by constantly learning and improving.
Naturally grown
Location: Heuvelgalerie (opposite the Muziekgebouw Eindhoven)
Maker: Kieran Nooijen
School/Education: Summa Living & Design - Enterprising Interior Builder
This lampshade wasn't made, but grown. For his graduation project, Kieran investigated the power of mycelium—the root network of fungi—as a sustainable building material.
By combining it with hemp waste in a specially designed mold, he allowed nature to shape a lamp that is completely biodegradable. A shining example of how design and biology can merge to create sustainable innovation.
From cup to coffee table
Location: Heuvelgalerie (opposite the Muziekgebouw Eindhoven)
Maker: Niels Arts
School/Education: Summa Living & Design - Enterprising Interior Builder
A table that tells a story. With his coffee table, Niels Arts gives waste a new life. The base is made of pressed coffee grounds, the top is made of Forresso, a circular material made from ground-up reclaimed wood. The result is a piece of furniture that connects people, materials, and moments. Niels demonstrates how the makers of the future think in terms of cycles: how waste streams become raw materials and design can be sustainable.
Like Insects
Location: Veemgebouw, Strijp-S – Manifestations (8th floor, East side entrance)
Maker(s)Collaboration between Summa Fashion, Fontys and fashion tech designer Anouk Wipprecht
School/Education: Summa Fashion
Fashion and technology seem like two different worlds, but not here. In Like Insects Fashion students from Summa are collaborating with technology students from Fontys. Under the guidance of Anouk Wipprecht, a collection is created that literally moves, breathes, and responds.
The project is part of Manifestations, where design, art, and technology meet. On Friday evening, October 24th, Like Insects also on display as part of the Summa Fashion fashion show in the Heuvelgalerie.
Summa Fashion: creativity in motion
Our sites:
- Veemgebouw, Strijp-S – part of Events (see above)
- Donna Building, Philitelaan 57, Strijp S – Vintage Kilo Club
- Zeelsterstraat 80, Eindhoven – Fashion Tech Farm with work by former students and interns
- Heuvelgalerie, Eindhoven – fashion shows on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 October
Summa Fashion will be present at four locations during DDW. The fashion show on Friday, October 24, at 7:30 PM will be hosted entirely by Summa Fashion. Students will showcase their own collections and innovative designs, including Like InsectsOn Saturday, October 25th at 1:00 PM, Summa students' creations will be part of a joint fashion show.
From textiles to technology, from idea to impact: Summa Fashion shows how imagination and technology come together in fashion that moves, surprises, and inspires.
Come see, learn and be inspired
The theme "Past. Present. Possible" is alive in every project Summa presents during DDW.
Students build on what was, design for what is needed now, and dream out loud about what will be possible in the future.
Want to know more? Check the website of Dutch Design Week 2025.
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