About us

In the heart of Hamburg's HafenCity, we are committed to a strong design industry. We offer space for events and exhibitions and support designers in making their business models fit for the future.

For a strong design industry

As part of the Hamburg Kreativ Gesellschaft, the Design Zentrum is responsible for promoting the design industry. Our mission is to make design and its importance for society, business and politics visible. We promote Hamburg's design industry and support designers in adapting their business models sustainably.

By building a dynamic and diverse design community, we strengthen Hamburg as a design centre. We also create new market access by raising awareness of the role of designers in optimising products, services and processes and promoting sustainability and circularity.

With events, networking events, exhibitions, further education and advisory services, funding programmes and content formats, we create a wide range of offers for young designers, solo freelancers, agencies and design-oriented companies from Hamburg.

We promote interdisciplinary collaboration within the design industry and beyond and make both design and its relevance for society, business and politics visible. An event area of around 350 m² as well as additional work and meeting rooms are available for this purpose in Hamburg's HafenCity.

FAQ

What's your design understanding?
The tasks and understanding of design have changed and developed significantly in recent decades: In the past, designers were primarily seen as specialists in the aesthetic design of products and services, but today they are increasingly entrusted with the design of highly complex processes and social systems as well as the communication and mediation of project content.

We are convinced that good design can make complex technical developments and innovations understandable and tangible. We believe that design and design methods have the potential to significantly drive the economic success of products, business models and services as well as technical and social developments.

Designers are involved in these processes as external service providers and internal employees and, above all, are also economically relevant, as they can be involved in all parts of the value chain. They always work in a user-focused, solution-oriented manner and remain flexible in their working methods. We see design as a key discipline that can help to overcome the challenges of our time. For example, designers offer solutions for making products recyclable, optimizing complex processes or making social systems more inclusive.
How are you financed?
The Design Zentrum is partly funded by the City of Hamburg's Department of Culture and Media. We also generate our own income – mainly from renting out our premises. We act independently of economic interests and sales in order to promote the design industry in a neutral and targeted manner.
How can I get involved?
Do you have ideas for formats or just want to exchange ideas? We are always happy to receive input, feedback and questions at
How can I support you?
It helps us a lot if you come to our events and bring interested people with you or tell them about us.

Furthermore, we are looking for companies, organizations or individuals who would like to support our work financially, as this increases our planning security. If you are interested in becoming a member, please and secure great benefits in return.

We also always appreciate positive Google reviews and your support on Instagram. :-)
How can I reach you?
We do not have regular opening hours, the Design Zentrum is only open when we're organizing a specific programme. However, we are usually available Monday to Friday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m:

T: +49 40 23 72 43 5 - 10
M: