THE FORUM

OPENING KEYNOTE

6 November, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Global design icon India Mahdavi hosted the opening keynote at The Forum 2024, sharing insights on her multicultural design philosophy and the fusion of identities in contemporary design.

Keynote: India Mahdavi

PRESERVATION AND IDENTITY

6 November, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Drawing on the legacy of the Eames family, this address uncovered how we can protect and reinterpret our design narratives for future generations through the importance of preserving design heritage while fostering creativity and adaptability in an ever-evolving landscape.

Keynote: Eames Demetrios (Eames Foundation)

The transformative power of cross-cultural forms of expression

7 November, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Affluent designers from around the globe met to explore the interplay between cultural fusion and neo-modernism in contemporary design, highlighting the ways in which global influences inspire new forms of expression; from innovative aesthetics to challenging traditional norms and redefining modernity.

Speakers: Nika Zupanc (Interior and Product designer), Jassim AlSaddah (Babnimnim Design Studio), Rabah Saeid (Styled Habitat), Jacopo Foggini (Designer), PJ Natuzzi 

Demystifying impact of design: How interiors of commercial spaces affects work culture and quality of life 

7 November, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

A diverse panel of industry specialists broke down the key elements of interiors that affect us all, impacting our work culture and quality of life.

Speakers: Manjul Trehan (Lutron), Lucy d’Abo (Together), Agata Kurzela (Architect & Urban designer)

Breaking Boundaries: Redefining Design with Karim Rashid

7 November, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

In a dynamic keynote, infamous industrial designer Karim Rashid took the stage for the first time at Downtown Design and shared insight into his design philosophy.

Keynote: Karim Rashid

In conversation with Rima Suqi, Journalist and Author

editions: The New Collector's Playbook: Redefining the Art Landscape

7 November, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Amid unprecedented economic, political, and social instability, art’s role as a cultural currency has become ever more relevant. How are today’s culturally conscious players breaking down the barriers of the art market? This talk delved into how a new generation is redefining art acquisition dynamics and reshaping the concept of ‘collectible.'

Speakers: Abdulla Al Kaabi (Film maker), Christiane Nasr (The Bowery Company), Souheil Soueid (Google Dubai)

Design Excellence: Transcending borders

7 November, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Following opening remarks of the Consul General of Italy in Dubai, Edoardo Napoli, a varied panel of industry specialists engaged in a dynamic dialogue, discussing redefining horizons in design and highlighting the importance of staying ahead while true to quality, culture and identity - in a rapidly evolving industry.

Speakers: Valerio Soldani (Trade Commissioner of Italy to the UAE), Laura Bielecki (Associate Director of Interior Design), Fahed Ghanim (Majid Al Futtaim Lifestyle), Frederico Cruz (Kerzner International), Giulio Cappellini (Designer), Pooja Shah-Mulani (LW)

RIBA - Women in Leadership

7 November, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Leading industry voices discussed how to overcome the challenges they faced, with strategies for empowerment, mentorship’s role, and the breaking down of barriers that have led to their success stories within our sector, as they offered advice for aspiring leaders, men and women alike.

Speakers: Kelly Hoppen CBE (Interior & Product Designer), Belinda Irlam-Mowbray (RIBA), Ila Colombo (DEOND), Alaa Shibly (Dubai Holding), Mariska Stoffel (Killa Design)

Phenomenology - Sensorial / Emotional Design

8 November, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

An engaging panel featuring vibrant profiles of the creative industry that delved into how sensory experiences and subjective interpretations shape artistic practice and creative expression; how materials and spaces evoke emotions and create connections.

Speakers: Mohamed Hilal (Mohamed Hilal Group), Mark Eacott (Ennismore), Linda Nieuwstad (Linda Nieuwstad Studio), Ross Lovegrove (Industrial designer, Artist, Experimental Thinker)

Perspective, Resilience, Solution!

8 November, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Leading voices from diverse contexts shed light on the vital role of people and solutions by design, in addressing global crisis, sharing insights on how creative solutions can emerge from adversity, highlighting case studies that demonstrate design's capacity to respond effectively to emergencies, whether in architecture, product development, or community initiatives.

Speakers: Arianna Bavuso (AB+AC Architects), Toby Gregory (The Plastic Pledge), Yusuke Hotta (Mitsubishi Jisho Design), Dr. Gnanli Landrou (Oxara)

Luxury living, Redefined!

8 November, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Experts in ultra high-end interior design and real estate came together to unpack the transformative shifts redefining the residential sector, as the evolving landscape of luxury living with sensory-rich spaces.

Speakers: Karen Howes (Taylor Howes), Magnus Ström (Strom Architects), Diana Espejo (Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas), Elie Khouri (Vivium), Sawsan Haber (Dipiugi)

editions: The Art of Editions 101: Do you think limited editions are valuable?

8 November, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

From art to design, the world of limited editions extends various mediums, celebrating craftsmanship, creativity and innovation. This talk demystified common misconceptions on limited editions, the techniques and processes that give them value, and how they tell a more comprehensive story about an artist’s practice.

Speakers: Nada Debs ( Designer), Gaith Abdalla (Bayt Al Mamzar), Nat Bowen (Abstract artist)

Moderator: Anastasia Nysten, Selections magazine

Architecture, craftsmanship and locality!

8 November, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Through her unique lens, globally celebrated architect Lina Ghotmeh joined dezeen's design and environment editor, Jennifer Hahn, in a discussion about the vital role of craft, community and local engagement in contextualizing and shaping meaningful architecture to foster connections within communities, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices and cultural narratives.

Keyote: Lina Ghotmeh (Architect)

RIBA - Next Generation Leaders: Stepping into the Industry

8 November, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

How can young designers make their mark in a rapidly changing industry? With AI, new technologies, and the climate crisis, how can the next generation seize the narrative and tackle these challenges? This panel of young and experienced designers discussed what it takes to lead this transformation and design a better world.

Speakers: Savannah Williams (RSP), Maya Cochrane (Heriot Watt), Zeyana Khamis (AMA), Paolo Testolini (Woods Bagot) 

editions: From Click to Collector: Exploring the Art and Impact of Photography 

9 November, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Photography in the art world has undergone a significant transformation, evolving from a technical innovation to a revered art form and collectible. This talk explored the full impact of photography and how it served as a historical and cultural archive while also influencing contemporary design trends and vice versa. 

Speakers: Mohamed Somji (Gulf Photo Plus), Lamya Gargash (The Third Line), Jassim Rabia Al-Awadhi (Akkas)

Crafting Connections

9 November, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

This session explored the powerful ways in which design can bridge cultural divides and foster community engagement.

Speakers: Shane Ordovás (Atelier Talasin), Emilie Skaff (Beit Collective), Dalia Hamati (Abwab), Manu Bañó (EWE Studio)

Staying ahead in a rapidly evolving industry 

9 November, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

This panel brought together a diverse group of creatives, each offering unique perspectives on contemporary design challenges and solutions, with a focus on innovative approaches to residential interior design alongside hospitality interiors, including creative F&B spaces.

Speakers: Kristina Bråteng (B8 Architecture & Design Studio), Omar Nakkash (Nakkash Design Studio), Marwan AlBalushi (Urban Commissions 2024 Winner), Khyle Alexander Raja (Majara-DXB)

editions: Cultural Placemaking: The Intersection of Art, Design, and Community Identity

9 November, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Examine how art and design drive important conversations and foster authentic connections within multifaceted communities, looking at our own UAE as a case study. In this discussion the panelists expanded on: What role do art and design have in exploring social issues, cultural diversity and environmental concerns that shape our daily lives?

Speakers: Anupama Sekhar (The International Federation of Arts Councils and Cultural Agencies), Janet Bellotto (Zayed University),  Salem Al Suwaidi (Curator), Karine Obegi (Obegi Home)