Higher Seminars
The Higher Seminars consist of lectures around the field of design. Some of the lectures are given by researchers and designers close to home. Others are external to present different methods, know-how, and insight into discussions across a wide range of issues facing the industry, from sustainable design and supply chains to opportunities and developments in technology.
The Higher Seminars primarily target The Swedish School of Textiles' PhD, MA and BA students of fashion and textile design. However, the seminars are also open and available to all, meaning that anyone can come and listen.
Moderators and organisers: Majli af Ekenstam and Karin Hedlund, PhD Students and Lecturers at the Department of Design, The Swedish School of Textiles.
Welcome!
Location and time
When: Tuesdays, even-numbered weeks, at 13:00-14:30
Where: Zoom/Campus
The schedule is updated continuously.
Lisa Marie Bengtsson
30th September 2025 13:00-14:30
Location: Vestindien C
Lisa Marie Bengtsson (b. 1987) is a multidisciplinary designer based in Gothenburg. She holds a BA in Product and Furniture Design from Kingston University in London and an MFA in Child Culture Design from HDK-Valand. Her practice moves across design, art, and pedagogy, often in close collaboration with children.
A central concept in her work is open-ended play, understood as an ongoing exploration without a defined beginning or end. Through materials, form, and interaction, she creates environments, objects, and processes that encourage curiosity, imagination, and co-creation. Children’s perspectives are an essential element of her work, and design is approached as an open, playful process rather than a finished product.
Her projects range from spatial designs and interactive exhibitions to workshops and artifacts. They have been exhibited both in Sweden and internationally, including at the Röhsska Museum in Gothenburg, the Barbican Art Centre in London, the Gothenburg Film Festival, Hong Kong Design Week, and the Camden Art Centre in London.
http://www.lisamariebengtsson.se/
Squish Space – Barbican Centre, London, UK (2019–2023)
FORMLEK – Röhsska Museum, Gothenburg, Sweden (2024–2025)
Erica Hörteborn
11th November 2025 13:00-14:30
Location: Hörsalen, Textilmuséet
Erica Hörteborn is an architect and civil engineer with a doctorate from Chalmers. Her research has focused on how knitted textile structures can interact with wind in urban environments that has led to the development of KnitWind, a prototype project that combines digital design, sustainability and aesthetic function. With over ten years of experience in architecture, material optimization and computational design, she combines creative design with technical analysis in interdisciplinary projects.
https://research.chalmers.se/en/publication/536849
Maria Vinka
25th November 2025 13:00-14:30
Location: Vestindien A
Maria Vinka is a designer based in Gothenburg with an MFA in Product Design from HDK-Valand. Her studies focused on textiles, ceramics, and glass—materials she still loves working with today. Over time her curiosity has led her to explore a much wider range of materials.
In her talk, Maria will share her journey through the ever-changing world of design, shaped by her experiences both as an employee and a freelancer. She’s worked with everything from small businesses to larger projects in Sweden and abroad. She's also been involved as a go-between in design-focused Sámi projects.
Maria will talk about what it takes to stay focused, inspired, and energized through all the ups and downs of a creative career.
Laura Blake
9th December 2025 13:00-14:30
Location: Vestindien B
Photo: Alvaro Aramburu
Laura Blake is an artist and designer originally from the UK who is now based in Dalsland, Sweden. She holds and BA (hons) in Embroidery from the Manchester School of Art and an Mfa in Textile-Body-Space from the University of Gothenburg.
Laura’s practice sees her produce tactile craft objects, often in textiles and wood. These pieces are obsessed with colour, surface, and repetition. When these works are shown they expand into sensory art exhibitions and performances, with a particular focus on how sensory experience of art can help culture become more inclusive, especially for disabled audiences. Her work is often informed by workshops with audiences that inform her making processes.
With its performative elements, Laura’s work sits in a crossover between craft, theatrical, and community work. These sees her work on a diverse blend of projects and commissions. Laura’s work has been shown at Form Design Centre, Malmö, The World Culture Museum in Gothenburg, Folkteatern Gävleborg, Sweden, and The Victoria & Albert Museum, UK amongst others.
’Microcosm’, an interactive sound work made for the exhibition ‘Gläntan’ at World Culture Museum
‘Blomma’ a permanent interactive artwork commissioned by Dalheimers Hus, Gothenburg