Beirut, a city known for its rich history, culture and resilient spirit, is gearing up for a spectacular event that promises to showcase its creative soul. Indeed, We Design Beirut, which is set to host its first edition from 23 to 26 May 2024, is an ode to the city’s design prowess.
Where art, innovation and heritage converge
Taking place over four days, We Design Beirut includes art exhibitions, installations, pop-ups and panel discussions.
Participants include:
Iwan Maktabi
Iwan Maktabi is a name synonymous with luxury and tradition in the realm of carpets and textile art. With roots tracing back to 1926, Iwan Maktabi has been a beacon of excellence, curating rare carpets and weaving stories through intricate designs. this esteemed establishment has not only preserved Lebanon’s heritage through three generations but also propelled it onto the global stage.
PSLab
PSLab stands as a testament to resilience and creativity. Specializing in lighting design, PSLab transforms spaces into works of art, infusing them with warmth and ambience. Moreover, the team at PSLab continue to illuminate the world with their unparalleled craftsmanship.
As part of We Design Beirut, PSLab opens its doors, inviting attendees to witness the beauty born from adversity.
Union Marks
Behind the walls of Abroyan Factory lies Union Marks, a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by Beirut’s discerning patrons. More than just a cocktail bar, it is an incubator of creativity and community, and the go-to destination for Beirut’s hip crowd.
———————————————————————————————————————————
Public program of events
Exhibitions and events are taking place at the following locations:
PSLab
Villa Audi
Abroyan Factory
Interdesign Building
Iwan Maktabi
Nada Debs Studio
1. PS LAB
Thursday 23 – Sunday 26 May | 10 AM – 9 PM
EXHIBITION: MÉTIERS D’ART
Artisanal exhibition
Featured artisans: Dima Stephan, Elie Ayruth, Fatima Mohammed Saad Allah Al-Tartousi, Hussam Hamami
BRAND POPUPS
PIK’D Lab
The Silly Spoon
The Ready Hand
BlattChaya
SHOWCASES
Collective Y by Rhea Younes design showcase
Vision From Beirut —An exhibition project by Karim Nader with Julien Lanoo
SPECIAL PROJECT: WE MEDITERRANEAN
Curated by Paola Carimati with Azzura Muzzonigro, Francesca Lanzavecchia, Matilde Cassani Studio, Piovene Fabi and Studio Ossidiana in partnership with Fondazione Cologni dei Mestieri d’Arte Lebanese Artisans Elie Morcos
Lebanese Partners: SKAFF, Ajialouna
INSTALLATIONS
Ranya Sarakbi
Stones by Rania Malli x Samer Alameen
Georges Mohasseb x Minjara
Ghady Azar & Galal Mahmoud: Capsule 1.0
PANEL TALK
Thursday 23 May | 5-6 PM
The Importance of Craftsmanship & Artisans in Communities
Moderator: Anna Carnick, Editor in Chief of Design Miami
Panelists: George Mohasseb, Karen Chakerdjian, Karim Chaya, Michèle Maria Chaya and Nada Debs
………………………………………………………..
2. VILLA AUDI
Thursday 23 – Sunday 26 May | 10 AM – 9 PM
EXHIBITION: PAST ECHOES
“Past Echoes: A Journey Through Middle Eastern Product Design”
Curated By Babylon – The Agency, founded by Joy Mardini and Will Wehbe
POPUPS
The Malt Gallery
Fatboy
INSTALLATIONS
Altus
Collective Y by Rhea Younes
Stones by Rania Malli
PANEL TALK
Saturday 25 May | 11 AM – 12 PM
Heritage & Preservation
Panelists: Beirut Heritage Initiative, Galal Mahmoud, Rabih Zeidan of Annabel Kassar and Together LiBeirut
…………………………………………….
3. ABROYAN FACTORY
Thursday 23 – Sunday 26 May | 10 AM – 9 PM
Participating Universities: ALBA, AUB, LAU, USEK& USJ
Student Design Advisors: Anne-France Berthelon, Federica Sala & François Leblanc Di Cicilia
MATERIALS EXHIBITION
Sustainability Consultant Adib Dada
Participants: Plastc Lab, Bits to Atoms, Hadi Abou Hamdan, Juzur, Michele Breidy, Oyaway, Ziad Abi Chaker x Johanne Issa
PANEL TALK
Friday 24 May | 5-6 PM
Sustainability in Design
Panelists: Post Industrial Crafts, Adib Dada, Shaha Raphael and Ahmad AbouZanat
——————————————————————————————-
CITY EXHIBITIONS
Thursday 23 May—Sunday 26 May 10 AM – 8 PM
SWIRLMANIA by Studio Nada Debs
ALL THINGS MUST(‘NT) PASS by Bernard & Teymour Khoury at Interdesign Building
LAB STORY – A RETROSPECTIVE & FORGOTTEN SPACES by Iwan Maktabi
For more information, visit wedesignbeirut.com.
If you liked this article, check out art galleries to discover in Beirut.
Loading