Dutch Design Double update #1. This week we begin our coverage of Dutch Design Double, the design festival which will take over Amsterdam and Utrecht for the next two months. In Utrecht, we drop by the intriguing exhibition of German visual artist and graphic designer Ilka Helmig who elevates everyday materials into a new light and we test out a new technology-free navigation system by Macedonian designer Stefanija Najdovska - that focuses on Amsterdam's cultural and entertainment hotspots - which is sure to be a hit this festival season. Look out for our special Dutch Design Double updates every fortnight for the next six weeks. In other news, we see how the Dutch contribution to the Venice Architecture Biennale makes a plea for the intelligent reuse of vacant buildings and we learn how Eindhoven and Helsinki are beginning to build a budding design relationship.