This year at the Atlanta Design Festival, established brands and new designers will come together to discuss ideas on the economic and social impact of design. With a theme of “Reconnecting the Community,” the festival aims to highlight ways that Atlanta’s developers, brands, and creators gained insight into design adaptations, working with the challenges of the pandemic. Elayne DeLeo is a producer of the Atlanta Design Fest and joined “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes to talk about upcoming events throughout the city.
The 2021 festival combines the advantages of virtual, online presentations, and live in-person opportunities. “Obviously the tours; people want to see those in person,” said DeLeo. “But I think conversations and talks, now virtually, are opening up the festival to people who had never heard of us before. So we like both, and I think we will continue to offer both.”
One talk being given for free is “Creating Equitable Communities and Coming Through COVID-19.” DeLeo described her personal take on Atlanta’s place in America’s changing housing and economic patterns, and how she hopes Atlanta can serve all of its current and future residents. “We really believe that Atlanta can stand out as an international city if we embrace good design,” said DeLeo. “How do we maintain an identity as a city, but also be progressive in how we are doing development, and taking into consideration how we are place-keeping as well as place-making?”
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