Dezeen has teamed up with DesignMarch to livestream a programme of talks by leading designers exploring the role of architecture and design in addressing global imbalances in the creative industry.

To kickstart the festival, a programme of talks will take place throughout the day on 24 April 2024, which will be live streamed from the Henning Larsen Architects-designed Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre in Reykjavík, Iceland.

Called DesignTalks, the event will be split into four themed talks and discussions, which will be livestreamed in three sessions on Dezeen from 10:00am London time.

The first session will explore the role of architecture in supporting communities to confront history, shape alternative futures and how designers can use local resources more effectively.

Amongst the featured speakers will be founding principal and co-executive director of MASS Design Group Alan Ricks and Atelier NL‘s co-founder Lonny van Ryswyck.

The second session will revolve around design that breaks down cultural barriers and stereotypes, as well as how to build better environments for communities.

Featured speakers will include interior architect and former editor of Frame magazine Robert Thieman, art director Lisa Lapauw, photographer Mous Lambrat, as well as Birta Rós Brynjólfsdóttir and Hrefna Sigurðardóttir, co-founders of design studio Flétta.

The third and final session will be split into two parts. The first half of the afternoon session will explore the design of movement and the “otherworld” through various forms of media including choreography, fashion, embroidery and queer culture.

The talk will feature contributions from choreographer and playwright Sigríður Soffía Níelsdóttir, author and filmmaker Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir, fashion designer and founder of ready-to-wear brand Latimmier, as well as visual artist James Merry.

Later in the afternoon, the second half of the session will be themed around designing for the human senses and responses, as well as new learning.

The final part of the DesignTalks series will include a discussion between graphic designer and visual artist Rán Flygenring and Bompas & Parr co-founder and architect Harry Parr, who specialises in multi-sensory experience design.

The day will finish with the official opening ceremony of the DesignMarch festival, which will bring together panel discussions as well as individual, group and student design shows.

Now in its 16th year, DesignMarch is Iceland’s largest design fair. Curated by Hlin Helga Guðlaugsdóttir, the event covers architecture, fashion, interiors and graphic design.

The five-day fair highlights innovation in Icelandic design and architecture and focuses on research, circular design, sustainability, radical and socio-political themes, as well as the senses.

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.