Design Next

TIME TOPIC DESCRIPTION MODERATOR + SPEAKERS DETAILS & REGISTRATION 2pm to 2:45pm Content vs. Form: Intersections of Design, Art, and Technology As the lines between design, art, and technology blur, the debate over content versus form takes center stage. Speakers will discuss how these fields intersect to create meaningful experiences, challenging traditional boundaries and redefining aesthetics. The focus will be on how blending content and form can spark innovation and inspire new ways of thinking in today’s creative world. Moderator :
Philipp MistakópuloCommercial DirectorThe Sandy Times Polina OrekhovaMarketing Manager CIFRA Speakers :
Tim MaiwaldCreative DirectorSM(T)S — So Much (Trash)® Studio Mariana WehbeFounder & CEOWe Design Beirut Levent Soydaner,VP - Strategy & Product DevelopmentTECOM Group https://isola.design/event-registration?url=DBH16R4T 3pm to 3:45pm The Role of Design Brands in Driving the Industry Towards a Better Future Dive into how design brands are playing a key role in creating a more conscious future for the industry. Our speakers from leading international design brands will examine the ways in which they are influencing consumer behaviour, promoting ethical practices, and leading in the integration of circular materials and innovative processes. Moderator :
Sara Banti Managing EditorAbitare Speakers :
Justine WelchRegional Sales Director – Middle East+IndiaArper Dr. Sergio PadulaTechnical Director Middle East & English Speaking AfricaiGuzzini Esra LemmensDesign Strategist and PR ExecutiveEsra Lemmens Ralf SteinhauerDirectorRSP Architect Eddy Abou KhalilRegional Director Middle East & IndiaCosentino https://isola.design/event-registration?url=CQ7K648X 4pm to 4:45pm Behind the project: The award-winning UAE National Pavilion at La Biennale di Venezia Join us for an engaging panel discussion featuring prominent figures in the region’s architectural and design landscape. Wael Al Awar (National Pavilion UAE Curator of Wetland at La Biennale Architettura 2021), and Nada Taryam (Chief Real Estate Officer at Bee’ah), moderated by Azza Aboualam (National Pavilion UAE Curator at La Biennale Architettura 2025), will examine how local knowledge, innovative materials, and environmental conditions are influencing the future of sustainable architecture in the UAE. Moderator :
Azza AbouallamAssistant Professor,Zayed University Dubai Speakers :
Wael Al AwarFounder and Principal Architectwaiwai Meitha Al MazrooeiEditorWTD Magazine Nada TaryamManaging DirectorBEEAH Group https://isola.design/event-registration?url=VXA1XIA8 5pm to 5:45pm The Future of Sustainable Design: From Material Innovation to Circular Systems Beyond the traditional focus on eco-friendly materials, interior and architectural designers are now embracing fully circular systems and regenerative design to extend the lifecycle of spaces and structures. This panel explores forward-thinking concepts such as bio-inspired materials that mimic nature’s resilience, like self-repairing surfaces and regenerative facades, as well as adaptive structures that respond to environmental changes, allowing interiors to evolve with minimal waste. Moderator :
Vikita ShahaniDirector of Strategy and InnovationLove That Design Speakers :
Laila Al-yousufSAY Studio Ralf SteinhauerRSP Gisela LoehleinAKDesigno Nicola TrivettSummertown https://isola.design/event-registration?url=PES2K7NG