3 March 2026

This is the slogan and date of Gdynia Design Days 2026

This year, we are shifting our perspective: from distant to close, from abstract to everyday. The theme of Gdynia Design Days 2026 is closer.

We live in a world overloaded with messages, catastrophic narratives, and the pursuit of perfection. In constant comparison and mutual scrutiny, it is easy to lose sight of what is real, close, and within our agency. As part of the festival, we turn our attention to what is small, accessible, and already present. Instead of multiplying visions of solutions, we talk about what we already use and how we can do it better – rather than perfectly.

This year’s edition of GDD marks a return to the pleasure of designing: to the joy of process, experimentation, and learning from one another. Being closer means creating conditions for meetings, conversations, and shared presence in spaces that are accessible, open, and welcoming. That is why we want to highlight the importance of the 'third place' – the space between home and work that builds a daily sense of belonging.

We treat design as a tool for organizing reality – one that helps us understand complex problems and translate them into solutions. We will talk about how technology can support us and about the importance of designing in dialogue with our surroundings. In the centennial year of Gdynia, we will also take a closer look at the city as it matures alongside its residents.