fbpx
Close

Paving the way

identity hosted a panel in collaboration with Ideal Standard during Dubai Design Week about pushing the boundaries of design evolution

Ideal Standard

As the design industry shifts towards sustainable and performance-driven solutions, designers face a critical challenge: how to push the boundaries of innovation while honouring functionality and environmental responsibility. At the heart of this evolution lies the conversation around sustainability, innovation, storytelling and the deeply human aspects of creativity: emotion, inspiration and connection.

During Dubai Design Week, identity collaborated with Ideal Standard to host an engaging panel discussion at the Ideal Standard Design and Specification Center in City Walk, Dubai. The panellists included Roberto Palomba, Chief Design Officer at Ideal Standard and Founder of Palomba Serafini Associati; Pallavi Dean, Founder and Creative Director of ROAR; and Justin Wells, Founder of Wells International, who shared their insights on how the design industry can navigate and rise to various challenges that the future presents.

View the video below

The panel touched upon the reality of sustainability. Palomba reflected on the responsibility his generation bears for environmental degradation. “My generation pushed boundaries that led to the destruction of nature, from plastic waste to air pollution,” he shared candidly. Palomba underscored that sustainability is no longer a trend or a choice – it is a necessity and should be part of the law. “If we want to breathe in the future, we must act now,” he added. Palomba also highlighted the key principles guiding his sustainability-driven approach, highlighting considerations such as durability, disassembly and recyclability.

Dean emphasised that true sustainability must start at the grassroots level, from material sourcing to manufacturing processes. “It’s not about installing a sensor tap and calling it a day. It’s about considering every step of the product’s lifecycle, from the raw materials used to minimising wastage in production,” she noted. Wells emphasised the importance of aligning innovation with environmental responsibility and with reviewing every part of the design process, from the sourcing of material to logistics. He noted that designers must consider not only the functionality of their creations but also the broader impact on communities and ecosystems. Wells also highlighted that while technology and innovation provide exciting opportunities for evolution in design, they must be approached with caution. The industry’s future depends on creating spaces and products that not only meet user expectations but also contribute positively to the environment.

The panellists also discussed the importance of cultural context and the importance of craftsmanship in contemporary life, and shared their thoughts about how technology and affects their practices and businesses.

Subscribe to our Youtube channel

The Latest
18 hours ago

Yin and Yang

Inspired by the natural beauty of both the Pacific Northwest and Asian design elements, this house harmoniously merges the best of two styles and cultures.

February 17, 2025
ID50 PRODUCT DESIGN

id50 2025 – Product Designers

Here are the best product designers in the MENA region.

February 17, 2025

id50 2025 – Karim+Elias

Meet Karim+Elias, one of the top product designers in the MENA region

February 17, 2025

id50 2025 – Omar Al Gurg

Meet Omar Al Gurg, Founder of Modu Method and one of the top product designers in the MENA region

February 17, 2025

id50 2025 – KAMEH

Meet KAMEH, one of the top product designers in the MENA region

February 17, 2025

id50 2025 – Aljoud Lootah

Meet Aljoud Lootah, one of the top product designers in the MENA region

February 17, 2025

id50 2025 – Nada Debs

Meet Nada Debs, one of the top product designers in the MENA region and what she is looking forward to this year.

February 14, 2025
Wall House

Wall House

This monolithic style home in Esfahan, Iran has a wall that encourages connection rather than separation

February 14, 2025

A Modern Ode to Korean Heritage

Blending traditional architecture with modern sensibilities, Seondoljung – the latest addition to the Hanok Heritage House – forges connections between the past and present

February 12, 2025
Interiors & Furniture Show in Jeddah

The First Interiors & Furniture Show Will Showcase in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

The 3-day conference is focused on shaping the region’s design sector and will run from 18-20 February

February 11, 2025

id50 2025 – Aedas

Insights by Ignacio Gomez, Global Design Principal

February 11, 2025

id50 2025- Dewan Architects + Engineers

Insights by Ammar Al Assam, CEO