What kinds of design practices are possible when access is restricted, when knowledge is fragmented, and when an entire industry operates at the thresholds of visibility? With these questions, we open the exhibition ”Chemical Bonds” on September 26 at FABER, through which we investigate the chemical industry and the potential of design to intervene in its processes. As part of the Design Signals program, we continue the process started in 2023, and this year we focus on this complex and fragmented industry. One of the most important and controversial sectors, it produces the materials that shape our world. Its knowledge has been transforming society for centuries, yet its impact extends to our bodies as much as to our environments where pollution and the solutions to mitigate it coexist within the same framework of innovation. “Chemical Bonds” investigates the flow of materials, expertise and labor within the chemical landscape, and what perspectives design can bring to this context. The exhibition brings together works by designers and researchers, alongside a sociological report by Norbert Petrovici, interviews with industry experts and former factory workers, photographic documentation from site visits, and a journalistic investigation into diverse perspectives on the green transition, based on three case studies. The projects address environmental policies, regulatory standards, the use of local resources, as well as the fragmentation of industrial infrastructure and the lack of links between components of the production chain. “Chemical Bonds” does not offer solutions; instead, through contemporary design practices, it raises questions, makes the invisible parts of the industry visible, and creates a space for discussion from which new perspectives may emerge. At the exhibition opening, we will also launch The Kitchen, a new space inviting visitors to explore chemical combinations crafted for the senses, which will operate alongside the “Chemical Bonds” exhibition. Every Saturday, at The Kitchen, we open the ”Chemical Bonds” exhibition to evenings with music and aperitivo prepared by our partners. On October 4th, the atmosphere will be set by Hanging Around – a DJ trio with over 15 years of experience, known for their eclectic mixes and contagious energy. On this occasion, the exhibition will stay open until 10 PM. The exhibition will be open until November 16 and can be visited Monday to Friday from 12:00 – 20:00, Saturday from 11:00 – 22:00, and Sunday from 11:00 – 18:00. Designed and produced by FABER Co-funded by City of Timișoara through Center for Projects, Order of Architects of Romania from the Architectural Stamp Duty Supported by: Azur, Banca Transilvania, Hamilton, ARTEP EQUIPMENT In strategic partnership: Universitatea Politehnica Timișoara, UPT Campus Creativ In collaboration with: Alba Aluminiu, Băița Bihor, Brenntag, Caminota, Cerasil, Cuprumin, Elis Pavaje, Evi Decor, Gi-PUR, Glass Line, Kronospan, Saint-Gobain, Tifel In partnership with: Aquatim, Bergbanat, Cesarom, Chimcomplex, CMC Marmura, Convenția Organizațiilor Studențești din Politehnică (COSPOL), Direcția de Asistență Socială a Municipiului Timișoara, Facultatea de Arte și Design a Universității de Vest Timișoara, European Creative Hubs Network (ECHN), Muzicon, Organizaţia Studenţilor din Universitatea de Vest din Timişoara (OSUT), Promateris, Romchimica, Salrom, The Institute, Visit Timișoara Communicated by: Elle Decoration, Igloo, Les Dedans, Mindcraft Stories, Radio Guerrilla, Știri de Timișoara, TVR Timișoara, Zeppelin, Zile și Nopți Mobility powered by: Autonom