Design from the Cradle
Published in Zuiderlucht, October 2008
In October 2008, sustainability was a major theme at both Dutch Design Week in Eindhoven and Interieur Kortrijk in Belgium. Designers, architects, and thought leaders explored how products could be created with greater consideration for resources, reuse, and longevity.
One of the concepts receiving considerable attention at the time was Cradle to Cradle, developed by Michael Braungart and William McDonough. Rather than creating products that eventually become waste, the philosophy promotes designs in which materials can be continuously reused.
Delay by Bloomming
At Dutch Design Week, designer Bas van Leeuwen presented Delay, a project developed through Bloomming.
The project originated from a simple observation:
“Nobody knows anymore how products are put together; if they break, we simply throw them away.”
With Delay, Van Leeuwen sought to restore appreciation for technology and craftsmanship. Instead of concealing the mechanics of a clock behind a traditional dial, the design exposes its inner workings and turns the mechanism itself into the focal point.
By revealing how time is measured, Delay encourages users to engage with the object, understand its operation, and develop a stronger connection with the product. The project reflects Bloomming’s belief that thoughtful design can create lasting value and help reduce our throwaway mentality.
Eindhoven’s Creative Ecosystem
The article also highlighted Eindhoven’s growing reputation as a center for design and innovation. Through initiatives at Strijp-S and Dutch Design Week, young designers and entrepreneurs were supported in developing products, launching businesses, and bringing new ideas to market.
Bloomming was mentioned as one of the emerging creative companies contributing to this movement.
According to Bas van Leeuwen:
“The Netherlands remains exceptionally strong in design. Every year new talent emerges.”
About Delay
Delay transforms the traditional clock into a sculptural object that celebrates technology rather than hiding it. By exposing the mechanism behind the passage of time, the design invites reflection on how products are made and how we interact with them.
The project became an early example of Bloomming’s interest in sustainability, product longevity, and creating meaningful connections between people and the objects that surround them.
Publication Details
Publication: Zuiderlucht
Issue: October 2008
Featured designer: Bas van Leeuwen
Company: Bloomming
Featured project: Delay
Topics: Dutch Design Week, sustainability, Cradle to Cradle, product design, Eindhoven
