Watch the first session of DesignMarch’s talks on architecture’s role in community empowerment

Visual of DesignTalks by DesignMarch

Dezeen has teamed up with DesignMarch to livestream a day of talks focusing on the role of architecture and design in addressing global imbalances. Watch the first session here from 10am.

DesignTalks comprises a series of discussions that take place at the Henning Larsen Architects-designed Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre in Reykjavík, Iceland.

Streaming on Dezeen from 10:00am London time, the first talk will explore the role of architecture in empowering communities to confront their histories, shape alternative futures and maximise local resources more effectively through design.

Featured speakers include founding principal and co-executive director of MASS Design Group Alan Ricks and visual artist Rán Flygenring.

Portrait of designer Alan Ricks
Founding principal of MASS Design Group Alan Ricks will open DesignTalks 2024

The series of talks will take place throughout the day on 24 April 2024 and is split into four themed talks, which will be livestreamed in three sessions on Dezeen.

Later today, the second session will focus on design’s capacity to dismantle cultural barriers and foster better environment for communities.

Panellists will include fashion designer and founder of ready-to-wear brand Ervin Latimmier, art director Lisa Lapauw, photographer Mous Lambrat, as well as Birta Rós Brynjólfsdóttir and Hrefna Sigurðardóttir, co-founders of design studio Flétta.

Portrait of graphic designer and visual artist Rán Flygenring
Visual artist Rán Flygenring will be among the panellists

The third session will be split into two parts, the first of which will explore the design of movement and the “otherworld” through mediums such as choreography, fashion and queer culture.

The conversation will feature contributions from choreographer and playwright Sigríður Soffía Níelsdóttir, author and filmmaker Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir, interior architect and former editor of Frame magazine Robert Thiemann, as well as visual artist James Merry.

The final part of the session will see Atelier NL co-founder Lonny van Ryswyck, and Bompas & Parr co-founder Harry Parr discuss how designers and architects can design for the human senses and its responses, as well as how to develop new ways of learning through design.

Portrait of Flétta's co-founders Birta Rós Brynjólfsdóttir and Hrefna Sigurðardóttir
Flétta’s co-founders will discuss dismantling cultural barriers and stereotypes

The day will conclude with the official opening ceremony of the 16th edition of the DesignMarch festival, Iceland’s largest design fair.

Curated by Hlin Helga Guðlaugsdóttir, the festival brings together discussions, exhibitions and shows spanning architecture, fashion, interiors and graphic design.

The full lineup of talks and more information about the festival can be found here. Tickets to the design fair can be purchased via this link.

DesignMarch takes place from 24 to 28 April 2024 in Reykjavík, Iceland. See Dezeen Events Guide for an up-to-date list of architecture and design events taking place around the world.

Partnership content

This article was written as part of a partnership with DesignMarch. Find out more about our partnership content here.

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