Registration, Immersive Tour, & Workshop

Time

8:30

Welcome Address from Fast Company Middle East & Msheireb Properties

Time

9:30

Biophilic Design: A design movement inspired by nature

Biophilic design goes beyond traditional concepts in architecture, interiors, and urban planning, offering a fresh approach to spaces that connect with nature. Gain insights into the science behind biophilic design and how it engages all senses, creating environments that nurture and rejuvenate.

Speaker:

Charu Kokate, Senior Partner, Safdie Architects

Time

09:40

Panel Discussion: Can we adopt sustainable new-age materials?

Imagine a world where everything, from your wardrobe essentials to indispensable gadgets, seamlessly merges cutting-edge design with environmental consciousness. A future where sustainability is more than a buzzword—it's woven into our thinking. Beyond scientific advancements, it's about navigating supply chains, influencing consumer behavior, and fostering global collaborations.

Speakers:

Faysal Tabbarah, Associate Dean and Professor of Architecture, American University of Sharjah

Matthew Utley, Principal, Grimshaw

Nasser Abulhasan, Principal, AGi Architects

Moderator:

Rachel Dawson, Senior Correspondent, Fast Company Middle East

Time

10:00

Creating for Gen Z

How can the design industry and brands deeply understand and appeal to the two billion Gen Z-ers globally – a generation of digital natives who could swipe before they learned to walk? A generation that likes to break down barriers.

Speaker:

Amrita Sethi, NFT Artist

Time

10:30

Mind the AI Gap: Deciphering content and business realms

Ever wondered about the inner workings of AI? Uncover the mysteries behind machine learning and neural networks and their influence on content creation. Explore the integration of AI into marketing, product development, and service operations, gaining a unique perspective on the fusion of technology and business strategy. It's an exploration of how AI is reshaping the landscapes of content creation and corporate strategies.

Speaker:

Dr. Mario R. García, Chief Executive Officer & Founder, García Media

Time

10:50

Circular Design in Practice - Transforming Waste into Resources

Challenge conventional thinking as you are guided through hands-on strategies, showcasing real-world scenarios that reshape our approach to material consumption. Immerse yourself in the practical application of circular design principles, unlocking the potential to turn discarded materials into valuable resources.

Speaker:

Arthur Huang, Founder, MINIWIZ

Time

11:20

Creative break

Time

11:40

Fireside Chat: How can museums use technology to become immersive?

Museums are on a transformative journey where digital alchemy breathes life, turning them into vibrant living narratives. How will the museum experience break conventions with interactive exhibits and augmented reality?

Speakers:

Fahad Al-Turky, Exhibition & Public Programme Manager, Msheireb Museums

Shaika Nasser Al-Nassr, Director of MIA, Museum of Islamic Art in Doha

Time

12:10

Panel Discussion: Can the Middle Eastern design language become global?

Till now the focus has been localizing global design values. But with so many regional brands addressing a global audience, how can the Middle East develop a unique design language that is global?

Speakers:

Abdulrahman Al Muftah, Designer

Miguel Viana, Chief Creative Officer and Co-founder, UnlockBrands

Sharifah Alhinai, Co-Founder, Khaleeji Art Museum

Arjan Pit, Managing Director MEA, UnStudio

Moderator:

Rachel Dawson, Senior Correspondent, Fast Company Middle East

Time

12:30

Cities need to be designed for People, not Businesses

The reach of design has never been greater. While this is a positive accomplishment for a discipline eager for recognition, it also brings an acute layer of responsibility. Unfortunately, design has often ignored its role in creating a culture of excess, addiction, and pollution. The big question is, how can we justify this by design? Why do designers fall into such a recurrent fallacy, in all antagonistic to their aim of solving problems and helping humans?

Speaker:

Manuel Lima, Designer & Author

Time

13:00

Is technology empowering creativity or stifling it?

The rapid advancement of technology has become a double-edged sword in the creative realm. While it undoubtedly serves as a catalyst for innovation, there's a growing concern about its potential to overshadow or even replace human creativity. Beyond its conventional applications, technology, including artificial intelligence, is reshaping the creative landscape in unprecedented ways, challenging established norms and pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and problem-solving.

Speaker:

Nayef Al-Ibrahim, Founding Partner and Chief Executive Officer, Ibtechar

Mohammed Al-Qassabi, Head of the Robotics and AI, Qatar Scientific Club

Time

13:20

2024's Design Secrets for Regional Revitalization

What are the key design trends shaping the region and how can they pave the way for regional revitalization? From AI's immense potential to accelerate ideas and innovations, to the allure of the 20-minute city, explore how the universal language of design tackles challenges, fosters common ground, and creates positive change amid economic pressures and climate challenges. Join the conversation shaping tomorrow's solutions for a brighter future.

Speaker:

Tim Martin, Managing Director and Principal, Gensler Middle East

Time

13:50

Creative Networking break

Time

14:10

Can design save the world?

In a world grappling with unprecedented challenges, the role of design has never been more pivotal. Like a symphony conductor, creators shape our culture with each note. From groundbreaking techniques to responsible communication, they lead us into a harmonious future, where creativity orchestrates progress.

Speaker:

Dana AlFardan, Qatari composer and songwriter

Time

14:40

Panel Discussion: Are we designing for the experience economy?

Crafting an exceptional user experience is an endeavor that extends beyond the conventional scope of design. It demands a comprehensive strategy recognizing the interdependence of engineering, marketing, design, and interface. The objective is not merely to meet expectations but to exceed them.

Speakers:

Ahmad Kattan, Concept Designer & Architect

Jack Holloway, Head of Product Experience, Landor

Gabor Schreier, Chief Creative Officer, Saffron Brand Consultants

Hamad Mubarak Al-Hajri, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Snoonu

Moderator:

Suha Hasan, Correspondent, Fast Company Middle East

Time

15:00

Revitalizing our cities. How can urban planning be reimagined?

In our evolving cities, the pursuit of growth must harmonize with community development. Explore innovative approaches to urban planning that go beyond development and create resilient, connected, and equitable communities.

Speaker:

Andrea D'Antrassi, Associate Partner, MAD Architects

Time

15:30

Creators’ Roundtable: Innovation, Expression, and Empowerment

The global creator economy, currently valued at around $250 billion, is set to skyrocket to almost half a trillion dollars by 2027. How can countries create the right ecosystem to fuel this growth?

Speakers:

Aya Ibrahim, Entrepreneur & Creator

Farah ElKordy, Creator

Hamad AlAmari, Entrepreneur & Comedian

Yasser Ahmed, Entrepreneur & Creator

Moderator:

Karrishma Modhy, Managing Editor, Fast Company Middle East

Time

15:50

Closing remarks

Time

16:30