fb

 

With a focus on the emerging value systems that will impact how design will be created and experienced in the future, the virtual talks will bring together leading regional and international design talent.

Mindful of the current challenges and as part of Downtown Design’s hybrid 2020 programme, this year’s talks will be presented virtually, premiering daily during the entire duration of Dubai Design Week (9-14 November 2020).

Complementing the intellectual content of Downtown Design’s conceptual exhibition ‘The Shape of Things to Come’, a series of panel discussions will bring together industry experts – architects, interior designers, product designers and design journalists to shed light on how recent global events have made room for affirmative action and fresh design thinking that will help re-shape the design industry.

Exploring design’s role in empowering communities and driving positive change, the panel discussions will feature award-winning regional architects including Agata Kurzela, Jonathan Ashmore, Riyad Jouka, David G. Daniels and Kourosh Salehi. Demonstrating the diversity and expertise of the Middle East’s design industry they will offer local perspectives and insight on how the profession is evolving to deliver holistic and human-centric solutions.

They will be joined by international architects Asif Khan, Nuru Karim and Paul Courtnet who will explore how design could solve problems that the recent pandemic has brought to light and create opportunities to build resilient communities.

Contemplating how conscious design can impact humanity are: design writer and consultant Max Fraser, multi-faceted regional designer Pallavi Dean and internationally renowned architect Aline Asmar D’Amman.

With a focus on future design heritage, acclaimed product designers including design duo David Nicolas, Sacha Walckhoff and Sabine Marcelis will speak about how innovation and creative collaboration can offer tradition and heritage a voice on the contemporary design stage.

The virtual talks will be presented on Downtown Design’s website and across their social channels.

View the full programme and plan your calendar here.