Francesco Magnone, a lecturer at ESPOL’s Faculty of Art, Design and Audiovisual Communication (FADCOM), took part in an academic conference on design held at the Catholic University, where he shared his thoughts on the value of objects, spaces and the experiences they evoke in people.
The event brought together academic and professional perspectives on design and also featured Johnson Chin, a lecturer at the University of Guayaquil. During the event, Magnone presented a paper entitled ‘The Invisible Value’, in which he challenged traditional ways of understanding the value of products and spaces. In his talk, the lecturer argued that the value of a product lies not only in its materiality, cost or geometry, but also in its history, meaning and the emotional connection it establishes with those who use it. From this perspective, what makes an object valuable can transcend its physical characteristics.
Another concept discussed was ‘Behavioural Architecture’, an approach that views design as a discipline capable of structuring scenarios that influence the way people interact, feel and inhabit their environment.
Drawing on examples and university projects, the presentation also prompted reflection on the designer’s responsibility towards what they create. Beyond transforming materials, design involves transforming intentions, creating objects and spaces capable of becoming vessels for experiences and memory.
Francesco Magnone’s participation in this event contributes to the exchange of knowledge between lecturers and professionals from various higher education institutions and strengthens the academic dialogue surrounding new approaches and challenges in design.
© Photography: Cortesía/ Text: José Luis Castro
