Designing Change: The Activist Symphony in Noise

In a world that currently boasts a wide variety of stimuli, design takes center stage and ends up being imperative to explore the concept of activism in design. Hence, we use the perspective of 'Noise,' which refers to a volume that serves as a testament to the transformative potential of design and social change.

Activism in design transcends the conventional universe of design and enters the realm of social and environmental changes. Activism in design is a powerful combination of creativity and purpose that harnesses the thinking and methodologies used in design to address urgent global issues, ranging from sustainability to social justice. At its core, activism in design challenges norms, reshapes perspectives, and initiates meaningful debates. It embodies design not only focusing on beauty, which is also part of activism but provokes thoughts, evokes emotions, and catalyzes actions.

In the pages of 'Noise,' activism comes to life alongside a myriad of examples from around the world, traversing the stunning streets of Angola, the bustling cities of Brazil, and the rich landscapes of Portugal, becoming a canvas that demonstrates how design ultimately becomes a tool for change.

In Angola, design becomes a vehicle for cultural preservation and empowerment. Ranging from the resurgence of traditional crafts to reimagining public spaces, designers here claim narratives and socially promote a sense of overall identity that spreads through the use of activist design.

In Brazil, activism in design arrives to initiate approaches to socioeconomic disparities, encompassing inclusive design solutions for people with disabilities and extending to grassroots movements advocating for sustainable practices. This makes Brazilian activist design a catalyst for social and economic equity.

In Portugal, sustainable activism seamlessly intertwines with design, where innovators adopt eco-friendly materials and rethink the production process, creating spaces that harmonize with nature and set a precedent for global environmental consciousness.

However, activism in design is not limited by geographical boundaries; it permeates all aspects of our lives, from products we use daily to the architecture that shapes our cities, each embodying the potential for activism. The articles within 'Noise' also delve into the notion that all design is inherently activist, and every decision made in the creation process holds the power to influence behaviors, attitudes, and perceptions, emphasizing that conscious choices in design, whether in fashion, technology, or urban planning, can trigger positive changes.

'Noise' serves not only as a celebration of design but as a testament to its profound impact on society, highlighting how design becomes a powerful instrument for progress, sparking conversations, challenging conventions, and ultimately paving the way for a more inclusive, sustainable, and empathetic world.
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As we navigate an era filled with challenges, 'Noise' and its exploration of Design Activism stand out as a beacon of hope, inspiring designers and enthusiasts alike to harness the transformative potential of design for the benefit of humanity and our planet.

Angola

Promoters of the 17 June demonstrations criticise "almost general repression"

They call for an investigation with "independent mechanisms, under what circumstances people died, who put tyres on public roads and who used violent means unduly, indiscriminately, in the streets where the demonstrators passed"

LUANDA - The organisers of the demonstrations on the 17th in Angola criticise the "culture of intimidation of anyone who wants to exercise their right as an autonomous citizen to criticise and use the street to express" their opinions on "policies with a complete lack of sensitivity to the social, economic and political impacts on the poorest".

Repressed demonstrations in Angola: "We won't stop"

It is becoming increasingly difficult to carry out protest activities in Angola. At the weekend, two protests were prevented by the police in Luanda and Bengo. Even so, the demonstrators promise that the struggle will continue.

The Student Movement of Angola (MEA) gathered in Luanda on Saturday (22.04) to call for an end to the university teachers' strike that has been going on for two months, but the attempted demonstration was thwarted by the National Police. Five demonstrators were arrested.

Brazil

Students take action on Paulista Avenue to repeal the New High School Law

The protest, organised by the Brazilian Union of Secondary Students (UBES), took place on Wednesday morning (15).

On Wednesday morning (15), students carried placards to protest against the repeal of the New High School Education Act. The protest began at around 9am at the Masp open space on Avenida Paulista and, at 10am, moved down to Avenida Brigadeiro Luís Antônio. The students then made their way to the São Paulo Legislative Assembly.

Black movement protests across the country against police violence

In the wake of a series of police operations that have resulted in dozens of deaths over the last few weeks, most notably the case in Guarujá (SP) and also episodes in Bahia and Rio de Janeiro, organisations from the black movement held unified actions across the country on Thursday (24). The date also marks the 141st anniversary of the death of lawyer and abolitionist Luiz Gama, a reference in the fight for racial equality in Brazil.

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Portugal

A drop in tuition fees, the lack of accommodation in university residences and the insufficiency of school social action are some of the demands of higher education students.

A frente da Assembleia da República encheu-se esta quinta-feira com mais de 500 universitários que no Dia Nacional do Estudante pediram melhores condições para estudar, sem o obstáculo das propinas.

The protest took place on Tuesday morning at a conference organised by CNN Portugal on the subject of green energy...

O ataque com tinta de que o ministro do Ambiente Duarte Cordeiro foi alvo durante a conferência da CNN Portugal desta terça-feira foi visto com repúdio por parte de vários ambientalistas, sociólogos, empresários e políticos que defendem “outras formas de protesto mais apropriadas” para discutir a urgência climática que o mundo enfrenta. Mas os especialistas ouvidos pela CNN também assumem que estes atos, tidos como radicais, acabam por ter um efeito mais eficaz a vincar as alterações climáticas na agenda mediática.