'Tales of encounters, projects, and successes' is the title of a course of open lectures organized by Istituto Marangoni The Milano School of Design, introducing the most interesting young figures in contemporary design. Different in history, culture and traditions, the protagonists of these seminars managed to build unique and coherent design paths, working for the most important Italian and international brands. The first appointment, on Wednesday, February 17 at the school in via Cerva, will be with Sebastian Herkner, a young German designer whose work is manufactured by companies such as ClassiCon, Fontana Arte, Dedon Very Wood by Gervasoni, Moroso, Sancal, La Chance, and Rosenthal. Born in 1981 in Bad Mergentheim, Herkner studied product design at HfG in Offenbach am Main, where he chose to open his own firm in 2006. A strong supporter of the merging of different cultures and influences since the start of his career, Herkner highlights in his work the beauty of materials and draws renewed attention to small details; combining new technologies with traditional craftsmanship. Besides creating various furniture and décor elements, the German designer is active in interior design projects, as well as in the setting up of museums and exhibitions – a well-rounded talent that won him the German Design Award in 2011 as Best Newcomer; the EDIDA award in 2015 as Best International Newcomer; and an invitation as Guest of Honor at the IMM fair in Cologne in 2016. To participate, please write to: design@istitutomarangoni.com Sebastian Herkner February 17, 2016 – 5.30pm Istituto Marangoni School of Design 24, via Cerva 24 - Milano