Watch the first session of DesignMarch's talks on the use of "overlooked" natural materials

Dezeen has teamed up with DesignMarch to livestream a day of talks focusing on materiality and sources for inspiration in the creative industry. Watch the first session here from 10am UK time.

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 UK time, the first talk will explore the use of "overlooked" natural materials in architecture and design, how soil can be used and how designers draw inspiration from their cultural backgrounds.

Featured speakers include Lebanese architect Lina Ghotmeh, Mexican designer Fernando Laposse, German designer Johanna Seelemann and Icelandic designer Bergþóra Guðnadóttir and musician Jóel Pálsson – founders of Farmers Market.

The series of talks will take place throughout the day on 2 April 2025 and is split into three themed talks, which will be livestreamed on Dezeen.

Later today, the second session will deep dive into further material use such as how architects could built with lava. The talk will also feature theoretical notes on materiality in contemporary world and the relationship people have towards it.

Panellists will include Icelandic architect and founder of s.ap architects Arnhildur Pálmadóttir and Italian philosopher Emanuele Coccia.

The third session will explore creative processes in the fashion industry with examples from experiences in influential fashion houses and brands. The final session will end on notes on multi-sensory design and storytelling through perfumed scents, music and visual arts.

The conversation will feature contributions from Italian creative director Ferdinando Verderi and Icelandic designers Ingibjörg and Lilja Birgisdætur, founders of Fischersund Art Collective.

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 17th year, DesignMarch is Iceland's largest design fair. Curated by Hlin Helga, 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 DesignTalks can be purchased via this link.

DesignMarch takes place from 2 to 6 April 2025 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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