This was our inspirational trip to Turin!

During Designregio Kortrijk’s annual inspiration trip, we – along with 34 entrepreneurs, designers, policymakers, researchers and creative professionals – discovered how this former industrial city is now evolving into a laboratory for urban regeneration, technological innovation and design-driven entrepreneurship.

Over the course of three days, we gained a unique insight into how Turin is using its industrial past as a foundation for the future. Just as valuable were the many conversations and encounters we had along the way, which provided new insights, connections and ideas.

For many years, Turin was inextricably linked to FIAT and the car industry. When industrial activity began to decline in the 1980s, the city faced an enormous challenge. Today, it is regarded as a prime example of how urban regeneration can contribute to a new economic future.

During a cycle tour, a visit to Urban Lab Torino and our exploration of the iconic Lingotto complex, we saw how former industrial sites have been repurposed as cultural centres, meeting places and innovative urban neighbourhoods, with Parco Dora, Lingotto and the Lavazza site being some prime examples. The Casa del Quartiere also made a strong impression as a city-wide network of neighbourhood hubs where social interaction, community involvement and local initiatives come together. Turin proves that heritage, community building and regeneration can go hand in hand.

Economically speaking, too, Turin is resolutely looking to the future. At OGR Torino – once a railway repair workshop and now one of Europe’s most ambitious innovation hubs – we were introduced to a thriving ecosystem of start-ups, researchers, investors and technology companies.

Presentations by OGR Tech, I3P and Focoos AI provided an insight into the dynamism of entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence and technological development currently evident in the city, with strong ambitions in fields such as aerospace and robotics.

In Turin, design is much more than just aesthetics. It is a way of thinking, developing and doing business.

At Ferrino, we discovered how a local family business has continued to innovate since 1870. Once a pioneer in water-resistant textiles, today it is an international benchmark brand for outdoor and expedition equipment. New products are still tested in the Alps by experienced mountaineers, ensuring that practical experience is directly translated into product development.

At GranStudio, we saw how design is used as a strategic tool for innovation and mobility. During the networking evening at Circolo del Design, we were also introduced to the strong regional design ecosystem in which companies, designers and institutions collaborate to tackle social and economic challenges. That meeting not only provided inspiration but also laid the foundations for further strengthening the ties between the two regions.

Designregio Kortrijk and Circolo del Design signed a Statement of Collaboration, through which both organisations confirm their commitment to exchanging knowledge, exploring joint initiatives and further developing the collaboration between the creative ecosystems of Kortrijk and Turin.

The inspirational trip to Turin not only provided new insights into urban development, technology and design. It also brought together 34 curious professionals in an inspiring setting, where ideas were exchanged spontaneously and new collaborations could emerge.

Photography by Dieter Van Caneghem

Every year, a graphic designer creates the printed brochure for the trip. This year, the design is by Noor Vandamme of Studio Crunch.