“The Bathhouse is a meditation on ritual, nature, and the quiet power of materials,” said Richard Christiansen, Founder of Flamingo Estate. “We imagined a place where wildflowers, water, and light come together to create a sensory experience that reconnects us to the rhythms of the earth.” Surrounding the bathhouse, four custom, one-of-a-kind pollinator baths offered respite and hydration to pollinator species drawn into the installation by the blossoming flowers. Handmade by skilled artisans in Kohler’s historic foundry, the pieces are cast in iron and then flame‑sprayed with raw copper before the edges are finished to reveal two unique expressions of copper.

“For the Flamingo Estate Bathhouse, we wanted to explore the relationship between architecture and ecology, how design can create moments of care not just for people, but for the natural world around us,” said Michael Seum, VP of Global Design at Kohler Co. “The pollinator baths translate this idea into sculptural form, drawing from Brutalist principles on the exterior while softening into organic, nature informed surfaces within. It’s a reflection of our belief that design should hold space for both human ritual and environmental stewardship.”

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Here is a curated selection of some of the most compelling exhibits to look out for this year, each offering a distinct perspective on design, material and space:

Serotonin – the chemistry of happiness

Set in the Loggia of the Pinacoteca di Brera during Fuorisalone, American Express will present  “Serotonin – the chemistry of happiness” by Sara Ricciardi. The immersive installation will translate serotonin into a sensory environment of pulsing inflatable forms, exploring the link between beauty and emotion. Visitors will experience a rhythmic, breathing space that will reflect how design can shape feelings of joy and wellbeing in Milan.

When Apricots Blossom

Set within Palazzo Citterio during Fuorisalone, When Apricots Blossom is an immersive exhibition inspired by Uzbek poetry and centred on themes of resilience, heritage and renewal. Curated by Kulapat Yantrasast, it brings together installations, craft-based design and film to explore the cultural legacy of the Aral Sea region, highlighting how tradition and contemporary design intersect in Milan.

Nilufar Hotel

Nilufar Gallery will present a dual exhibition during Fuorisalone that explores collectible design through two distinct narratives. At the Depot, Nilufar Grand Hotel transforms hospitality into an immersive, fictional environment where rooms become scenographic installations shaped by designers including david/nicolas and Allegra Hicks. At the same time, La Casa Magica at Spiga reflects on the home as a symbolic, ritual space, positioning design as a tool for storytelling and cultural meaning in Milan.

Echoes of Memphis

Arte is to present a pop-up installation in Brera, reimagining wallcoverings as sculptural, expressive surfaces. Inspired by Memphis design and Ancient Egypt and created with Gabriela de Sagarminaga, the space highlights natural materials such as raffia, cork and shells, forming a monochrome environment where texture and craftsmanship define the experience in Milan.

Ooooh, that’s EpiQ!

At Palazzo del Senato, Škoda Auto will present “Ooooh, that’s EpiQ!” during Fuorisalone, transforming the historic courtyard into a playful, evolving landscape inspired by modelling dough. Developed with Ricardo Orts of Ulises Studio, the installation will blend physical and digital environments through an interactive dome, sculptural forms and activations exploring mobility, creativity and design culture in Milan.

Nokori

Giopato & Coombes to present a new installation at Giopato & Coombes Gallery, exploring light as a lingering presence rather than a fleeting moment. Through immersive luminous compositions, the project reflects on perception, memory and materiality, creating an intimate spatial experience in Milan.

Renaissance of the Real

At Fondazione Luigi Rovati, USM Modular Furniture and Snøhetta will present Renaissance of the Real, a multisensory installation by Annabelle Schneider exploring presence in an age of digital overload. Built around the USM Haller modular system, the space forms a breathing, cocoon-like structure of steel and soft textiles, combining architecture, sound, light and scent to create a deeply immersive sensory experience in Milan.

Drifting Lights

Preciosa Lighting will be presenting Drifting Lights at TEMPESTA Art Gallery in Brera, an immersive installation featuring sixty suspended glass panels activated through subtle 3D light mapping. Designed by Michael Vasku and Andreas Klug, the work will explore how shifting light, colour and reflection can shape mood and perception, creating a calm, contemplative spatial experience in Milan.

ULTRALIGHT: challenging matter through subtraction and perception

Karbony will present ULTRALIGHT at La Tenda Milano during Milan Design Week 2026, as part of La Tenda’s 6OLD programme ‘The Challenge’. The project explores subtraction as a design gesture, reducing carbon fibre into suspended, thread-like structures that appear to defy gravity. As light passes through, the material shifts between shadow and drawing, forming a minimal spatial composition in Milan.

Alcova

For its 11th edition, Alcova will return from 20–26 April 2026, unfolding across two striking sites in Milan. The first is the former Baggio Military Hospital, a vast green complex opening previously unseen spaces, while the second is Villa Pestarini, a private modernist residence opening to the public for the first time. Together, they create a dialogue between preservation and reinvention.

Together, these projects will define a city in motion, where design will extend beyond exhibition spaces and into streets, courtyards and unexpected corners. Each installation will contribute a different perspective, yet all will share a common intent: to turn space into experience and observation into participation.

The post The Most Exciting Exhibits to Check Out at Fuorisalone appeared first on identity.

Explore the Design Interventions:

Fountain of Technicolour Beads by One Bite Design Studio transforms Clerkenwell Green into a vibrant sensory experience, raising awareness of Colour Vision Deficiency (colour blindness) through a cascade of colourful beads.

The Canary Clock Tower stands as a tall sculptural marker inspired by Clerkenwell’s clockmaking heritage, revealing real-time air pollution levels through analogue dials made from recycled plastics a striking reminder of the invisible dangers in the environment.

The Pulse of Becoming creates a living sculpture symbolising cycles of life and rebirth, using natural materials and seeds that gradually sprout and change, allowing transformation to be observed in real time.

Step Inside Installations and Brand Activations:

BAUX champions sustainable, functional, and beautiful acoustic materials made from stone wool a natural volcanic resource delivering durability, fire resistance, and high acoustic absorption. At Brewhouse Yard, textures, forms, and acoustic impact are explored, emphasising circular design and environmental responsibility.

Aqua Libra advances workplace wellbeing through innovative hydration solutions from integrated tap systems to the Flavour Tap supporting healthier, more energising work environments.

Dynamic Office Solutions leads in UK-manufactured, high-quality workspace furniture, offering modular soft seating ranges with bespoke options and fast-track fabrics. Interiors are enhanced to support creativity and productivity, with the Dynamic Bus showcasing the future of workplace seating.

Engage with Talks and Interactive Events:

The [d]arc thoughts talks return to the atmospheric House of Detention for the fourth year, presented by darc the only international design magazine dedicated to decorative lighting in interiors. These sessions bring together industry experts, associations, and leading brands to explore the art and science of lighting design.

Conversations at Clerkenwell champion design-led dialogue with a diverse lineup of global designers, emerging talents, craftspeople, and material specialists sharing fresh ideas and perspectives.

Design is to celebrate, to challenge, and to inspire throughout Clerkenwell Design Week. From immersive installations that spark curiosity to innovative brand activations and thought-provoking talks, the 2026 festival is set to turn Clerkenwell into a vibrant canvas of creativity and innovation. Across 19th to 21st May 2026, the streets, squares, and studios of this historic district will become stages for ideas that define the future of design.

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Bloomsbury Revisited presented lampshades, wallpapers and home accessories inspired by the Bloomsbury artists, introducing new spring 2026 designs alongside updated colourways. Produced in-house and supported by a bespoke offering, the collection emphasised narrative and individuality.

At Martin Huxford, sculptural lighting pushed plaster and bronze into bold forms. Floor lamps, chandeliers and sconces were defined by heavily textured surfaces, with references ranging from Fortuny’s pleated textiles to geometric abstraction.

Deus ex Gardenia introduced its British Museum collection, reworking 18th-century artworks into 12 wallpaper designs spanning botanicals, repeat patterns and murals, balancing subtlety with expressive detail.

With a focus on sustainability, Joro drew on its Indian manufacturing heritage to present textiles rooted in craft and conscious production, while Annika Reed Studio showcased woodblock-printed wallpapers and fabrics, where hand-carved designs brought texture and a sense of narrative to interiors.

Alongside the installations, London Design Week 2026 featured a rich programme of talks, panels and hands-on sessions. Francis Sultana, hosted by House & Garden, explored his world-class portfolio, offering insights into creating interiors that blend contemporary and historic design while integrating large-scale art and sculpture.

In Design Stories, Kit Kemp shared the philosophy behind her Firmdale Hotels projects, revealing how colour, pattern and bespoke details shape spaces into immersive, character-filled experiences.

Panels such as Super Women celebrated the achievements of leading female designers and antique dealers, with designers including Henri Fitzwilliam-Lay, Anahita Rigby, Tat Charlie Porter and Jennifer Manners discussing their careers, influences and legacies.

Practical demonstrations invited attendees to engage directly with materials and craft: Creative Matters led a weaving workshop at Stark Carpet, Lincrusta offered interactive wallcovering sessions where visitors decorated their own samples, and the ‘Human Tassel’ installation by The Creative Dimension Trust celebrated a decade of craft-based learning and skill development, guided by students and industry specialists.

The talks, panels and workshops highlighted the creativity and craft behind today’s interiors, leaving visitors inspired by the ideas, processes and collaborations shaping the future of design.

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We caught up with Karine Obegi, CEO of OBEGI Home and Mauro Nastri, Global Export Manager of Italian brand Porada, at their collaborative stand in Downtown Design. It was Porada’s debut exhibiting at the fair. The brand – originally from Cabiate, Italy – showcased its modern living philosophy, the Porada House, in an exclusive space alongside OBEGI Home, which is the brand’s local partner and official dealer.

Partitions, screens and a palette of warm colours created a welcoming and refined atmosphere that introduced visitors to the world of the Porada House – a vision of Italian savoir expressed through high-end furniture and modern interior spaces. The OBEGI Home booth itself hosted a multi-brand showcase featuring over 20 leading international brands and artists.

Besides panel discussions at its showroom, OBEGI Home also hosted an event celebrating Porada’s mastery of wood craftsmanship, tracing its evolution since 1968. The week also included dedicated events for the next generation of designers from American University in Dubai (AUD) and Heriot-Watt University, underscoring a commitment to nurturing future talent.

You can watch the interview with Obegi and Nastri on our YouTube channel, @identityae.

An Ideal Standard x Villeroy & Boch panel on shaping hospitality design experiences

We also held a panel at the Ideal Standard x Villeroy & Boch showroom in City Walk, on shaping experiences for hospitality, especially those with a focus on health and wellness. The concept of sustainability as a checklist was discussed by the panel, which included: Constantin von Boch, Head of Sales A&D Europe, Villeroy & Boch Group; Diane Thorsen, Hospitality and Design Director at Gensler; and Henrique Dias, Hospitality Director at DLR Group. 

We also explored how, while materiality, touch, colour and functional performance have always been fundamental, sustainability has now become a leading driver of product development. This shift has also transformed the way products are developed, tested and adapted for different global markets, each of which now has unique certification requirements. One of the strongest themes running through the panel was the need for sustainability to move past ‘box-ticking’ and become a deeply embedded design ethos.

On building to last with GROHE

At our studios, we hosted a panel in collaboration with bathroom brand GROHE under the theme of ‘Building Spaces that Endure’. The session brought together leading voices in architecture and interior design to explore how innovation, sustainability and collaboration shape spaces that stand the test of time. Participants included: Stefan Schmied, Leader of LIXIL International, IMEA region; Bruno Gomes, Design Director at Dewan Architects & Engineers; Adriana Graur, Design Director at dwp; and Hiten Pankhania, Design Leader at Nikken Sekkei. The discussion covered the collaboration between brands and architects and how each can adapt to creating future-ready spaces through interventions in design, technology, innovation and sustainability. 

Conversations with Huda Lighting

At Huda Lighting’s Downtown Design booth, we interviewed the Founder and Managing Director Khaled B. Alami on the founding of the brand and its subsequent success, expansion and future plans. We spoke to visiting product designers Lee Broom and Tom Dixon at the booth, both of which had some of their most exquisite collections on display. We also interviewed Yeghya Mardirossian, Group Head of Showrooms on the secret to delivering a consistent standard of quality to their clients, and to Dubai Showroom Manager, Romy Abi Warde on the curation of the booth beyond products into an experience that integrates sound, light control and lighting elements.

KOHLER Talks

Besides interviewing Marco Maximus – the designer behind Kohler’s immersive and tactile booth at Downtown Design, called ‘Colours of Nature: The Desert Chapter’ – we hosted a panel talk along with Inge Moore, Co-Founder of Muza Lab, and Rakan Jandali, Creative Director of KCA International. ‘Sustainable Futures’ uncovered what it truly means to be sustainable in a space where sustainability is now rapidly becoming mandatory across projects in the region. We also discussed regenerative design principles, as well as how important it is for brands to have regular communications with designers for product research. You can grab snippets of the talks in collaboration with identity on our Instagram feed, or watch the full video on our YouTube channel, @identityae. 

The post Dubai Design Week: A Retrospective appeared first on identity.

Qatari Diar Pavilion: Pearls Reimagined

Inside the palace, Qatari Diar’s pavilion evoked the pearl as a vessel of memory, value, and human connection. Its layered, translucent shell captured light in a way that reflected centuries of trade, cultural exchange, and craftsmanship along Egypt’s waterways echoing the Nile as a silent storyteller through time.

Qatari Diar Pavilion

Kahhal 1871 at Heliopolis HQ: Brush It Under the Rug

At Courtyard 1908 in Heliopolis, Kahhal 1871 and Marmonil explored hidden emotions and personal histories through textiles. Seven designers transformed private struggles  from imposter syndrome and cultural duality to resilience and vulnerability into bespoke rugs. The exhibition turned intimate truths into tangible, tactile expressions of creativity, featuring works by Bosaina Studio, Emma James, Kanjo, Karim Mekhtigian, Mohamed Fares, Ramzi Makram Ebeid, and Yasmina Makram.

Kahhal 1871

Dr Greiche: When the Nile Takes Shape

Dr Greiche Egypt presented a poetic glass installation at Aisha Fahmy Palace, tracing the Nile’s shifting banks through translucent, undulating forms. Stone and glass merged in a dialogue of tradition and innovation, offering visitors a contemplative journey where nature, craftsmanship, and design flowed seamlessly together.

Dr Greiche

Café Riche: A Living Cultural Forum

Downtown’s Café Riche came alive as a bridge between past and present. Its historic façade inspired installations that responded to the building’s rhythm and pulse, while contemporary creators added their voices. The venue became a living cultural forum, activating heritage while showcasing contemporary creativity shaping Egypt today.

Café Riche

Tamara Haus: House of Stories

Tamara Haus transformed a Renaissance Revival mansion into House of Stories, an immersive exploration of living through design, craft, scent, and taste. From street interventions to curated interiors, each space celebrated the legacy of Cairo’s golden era of department stores while embracing modern reinterpretation. The mansion became a dialogue between past and present, demonstrating how design, hospitality, and art intertwine to create human-centered experiences.

Tamara Haus

Cairo Design Week 2025 was more than an exhibition; it was a living, breathing citywide narrative. Through palaces, courtyards, and historic streets, the city became a canvas where memory, innovation, and imagination converged. This edition cemented Cairo’s position as a hub of regional creativity, leaving visitors with unforgettable encounters, immersive experiences, and a renewed appreciation for the stories that design can tell.

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Leading the showcase is acclaimed Emirati artist Mattar Bin Lahej, celebrated for the calligraphy that graces the Museum of the Future. His latest work, ‘Constitution’, takes centre stage as a limited-time kinetic sculpture rising between three and six metres in polished stainless steel. Inspired by the values embedded in the UAE Constitution, the piece reflects the nation’s spiritual foundations and its deep connection to culture. Through movement and form, it embodies the balance between tradition and innovation that characterises the country’s creative spirit.

Mattar Bin Lahej

Alongside this, two permanent murals enrich the destination’s distinctive industrial backdrop. A self-taught artist from Sharjah Rashid Al Mulla, whose mural ‘Tiny Stories – Big Dreams’ draws from folklore, surreal narratives and the timeless rhythm of Emirati life. His sketch-like style depicts a nation rooted in heritage yet reaching confidently for the future, illustrated through imagery such as palm trees transforming into solar panels and camels journeying from the desert towards the cosmos.

Rashid Al Mulla

Noor Al Khamiri, whose background blends architectural engineering with artistic passion, contributes ‘The Spirit Within’, a mural characterised by playful imagery and vibrant colours. Through her quirky and modern illustration style, Noor captures the rich Emirati culture, featuring an Emirati woman adorned with traditional motifs and national symbols, symbolising the harmony between heritage and innovation thriving in today’s UAE.

Noor Al Khamiri

Together, these works reshape Boxpark into a space where art serves as both expression and gathering point. As the murals become permanent features and the kinetic sculpture takes its temporary bow, the destination reinforces its growing reputation as a platform for creativity and community engagement. ‘One Nation’ invites all who enter to experience the meeting of tradition and contemporary imagination, offering a vibrant tribute to unity at a moment of national celebration.

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You can view the full list of winners here.

A special thank you to our incredible sponsors and partners for their valuable support.

Platinum sponsor: CASAMIA

Gold sponsors: Studio971, Gaggenau ,ClayArk

Silver sponsors: HMA Living , IF Hub,  Valcucine Merise

Bronze sponsor: Glaze

Gift partner: The White Company, Sans Souci, African + Eastern

Vote processing partner: Jacobsons

And the winners are…

Interior Design

Architecture

Innovations in Design

People’s Choice Award Residential Winner : Maasomeh Hilal Design

View more photos from the night here.

The post In photos: Winners at the identity Design Awards 2025 appeared first on identity.

Office more than 20,000 sqft –

Winner – Summit Technology Solutions, Spaces Architects

Highly commended – Global Management Consulting Firm, ROAR

Office less than 20,000 sqft-

Winner – Government Experience Exchange, Kart Group

Highly commended – UAE Space Agency, MOMA International

Fit out

Winner – Julphar Avenue and Towers, Ras Al Khaimah, HTS Interior Design

Highly commended – The Dubai Mall – The Gold Souk Enhancement, Dutco Interiors

Restaurant

Winner – Gerbou, Kristina Zanic Consultants

Winner – Daily Press, Styled Habitat

Highly commended – Studio Frantzen, Bishop Design

Retail

Winner – Avantcha, XO Atelier

Highly commended – Elyah, IDST

Nightlife

Winner – The Copperhead Pub, KCA International

Highly commended – Formula 1 Lounge, Agata Kurzela Studio

Residential – Apartment

Winner – Penthouse 309, LESTRO ITALIAN LUXURY DESIGN

Highly commended – Duplex at One Za’abeel, Nakkash Design Studio

Residential – Villa

Winner – Bay Villa, LW Design Group

Highly commended – Grande Dame, Blush International

Highly commended – Sobha Villa, DIPIUGI

Hotel

Winner – Desert Rock Resort, Studio Paolo Ferrari

Highly commended – The Penthouse – Delano Hotel, La Bottega Interiors

Health + Wellness

Winner – Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay – Medi-Spa, Muza Lab

Highly commended – Al Qasr Kids Club, Lulie Fisher Design Studio

Highly commended – Center for Prenatal Pediatrics at Latifa Hospital, SAY Studio

Emerging interior designer of the year

Winner: Samar Mouazen, KCA International

Winner: Basant Ibrahim, DLR Group

Architecture

Residential

Winner – EA Residence, NAO

Highly commended – Verdigris, Wanders Wagner Architects

Highly commended – Villa Gaia, VSHD Design

Commercial

Winner – Green Coast, Rqitects

Highly commended – Zest Café, Vahid Joudi Studio

Public building

Winner – AlUla South Gas Station, SAL Architects

Winner – Al Fanar School, EMKAAN

Highly commended – King Abdullah Financial District Metro Station, Zaha Hadid Architects

Hotel

Winner – Mandarin Oriental Downtown, UN Studio with Werner Sobek

Highly commended – Shebara Resort, Killa Design

Cultural Building

Winner – Saddling Boxes & Private Deck, Studio D04

Highly commended – Bait Elowal, MADA 360

Innovations in Design

Product Design

Winner -Ze+Met, Studio Aya Moug

Highly commended – Peas in a Pod, Kidzink

Project of the Future (Big Scale)

Winner – Burj Azizi, AE7

Highly commended – 140, International Design Associates

Project of the Future (Small Scale)

Winner – Bayt Al Nakhl, Wolfgang Regner Architects

Highly commended – Villa Mila, Nellis Architecture

Outdoor space

Winner – Abu Dhabi Maritime’s ‘Community Activation Programme’ pilot projects, LWK+ PARTNERS

Highly commended – COVEBEACH, Prospect Design International

Design of the year: Interior design –

Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay – Medi-Spa, Muza Lab

Design of the year: Architecture –

Shebara Resort, Killa Design

People’s Choice Award: Residential –

Mushrif villa, Masoomeh Hilal Design

People’s Choice Award- Commercial –

Peak Fitness, Saccal Design House

The post Identity Design Awards 2025 – Winner’s List appeared first on identity.

The creative heartbeat of Lebanon came alive once more as We Design Beirut opened its doors for Edition Two, uniting designers, architects, artisans, students, and cultural institutions in a five-day celebration of design, architecture, and craftsmanship. Running from October 22 to 26, 2025, the event transformed the city into a living canvas for creativity and collaboration, honoring Lebanon’s layered history while reimagining its cultural future.

Set across five of Beirut’s most iconic landmarks Abroyan Factory, Burj El Murr, Villa Audi, the Roman Baths, and Immeuble de l’Union the second edition delved into ideas of legacy, revival, and continuity. Fifty years after the beginning of Lebanon’s civil conflict, the festival served as a space for healing and restoration, reaffirming Beirut’s role as a resilient hub of design in the Middle East. Built on the pillars of empowerment, preservation, and sustainability, it fostered an atmosphere of exchange and renewal among generations of creatives.

Edition Two of We Design Beirut unfolded in vivid moments, captured in the images below:

Threads of Life

Métiers d’Art

The program unfolded through a series of exhibitions and showcases that wove tradition with innovation. At Abroyan Factory, Threads of Life and Métiers d’Art celebrated the art of textile and craft, while Skin of a City by Patrick Baz and Anthony Saroufim Les Indisciplines explored the human body as a vessel of liberation. At Burj El Murr, Design “In” Conflict, curated by Teymour Khoury and Yasmina Mahmoud, presented works by students from nine Lebanese universities, examining how conflict shapes architecture and identity. Villa Audi hosted Totems of the Present and the Absent, curated by Gregory Gatserelia as a tribute to SMO Gallery, while the Roman Baths came alive with Of Water and Stone, curated by Nour Osseiran, reinterpreting ancient rituals of cleansing and connection through marble. Immeuble de l’Union, restored by Karim Nader, became a beacon of continuity with his installation Union A Journey of Light and Rising with Purpose, a showcase celebrating designers under 30 shaping Lebanon’s creative future.

Burj El Murr

Roman baths

The Designer Showcases pushed the boundaries of material and making. The Lab by Naggiar transformed a functioning metal fabrication facility into a creative workshop where eleven artists and designers produced new works on-site. Fabrica Design Platform introduced clay unbound, a sensory exploration of ceramics as material and memory. Iwan Maktabi unveiled GROUNDWORKS featuring new collections by Shaha Raphael and David/Nicolas, while Nalbandian Carpets collaborated with Selim Mouzannar, Sandra Mansour, and others to reinterpret centuries-old weaving traditions through contemporary design.

Fabrica design

Iwan Maktabi

Nalbandian Carpets

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