"People are starting to crave connections again" says DesignTalks 2026
Promotion: as part of the DesignMarch design festival in Iceland, the conference DesignTalks brought together international award-winning speakers, including designers Stefan Sagmeister, Hjalti Karlsson and architect Dorte Mandrup.
Over the last two decades, DesignTalks has established itself as an important platform to discuss design and architecture for both the local scene and international guests.
This year's programme, which ran from 6 to 10 May, focused on the theme of Connections. Here, the event's participants were invited to explore how design can strengthen communities, foster dialogue and create meaningful bonds.
"We felt it was timely to think about focusing on connections, in a world that feels hyperconnected and disconnected at the same time" explained the DesignTalks team. "And we feel that it resonated with people."
DesignTalks explained that the conference previously focused on international input, but due to the accelerating development of the Icelandic design and architecture scene, the recent years' programme has introduced both local and international speakers, with this edition focusing on fostering meaningful connections and encounters.
"People are starting to crave connections again," the team added.
Under this year's Connection's theme, DesignTalks expanded the interactive dialogue between speakers and audience members, who contributed questions and comments throughout the day, creating dynamic participation throughout the programme.
"It was clear from the audience response and the conversation during the breaks that nobody was left untouched, and the talks sparked some juicy conversations," added the DesignTalks team.
The event's digital platform was designed by the local design studio STRIK, which also designed the festival's identity.
DesignTalk highlights included talks by two-time Grammy Award-winning designer Stefan Sagmeister, who has worked with clients such as HBO and the Guggenheim Museum, and by graphic designer Hjalti Karlsson, co-founder of the New York studio Karlssonwilker.
Architecture was represented by Danish architect Dorte Mandrup, whose internationally acclaimed practice focuses on architecture deeply connected to cultural and environmental context.
Mandrup's studio recently completed the Exile Museum in Berlin and the Ilulissat Icefjord Centre in Greenland.
London-based fashion platform 1 Granary spoke about emerging talent and the importance of networks in the fashion industry, while London and Reykjavík fashion brand Ranra – known for its experimental and sustainable approach to design – discussed material innovation.
DesignTalks explained that Ranra has gained attention for its collaboration with outdoor brand Salomon, as well as its own collections.
Among other talk highlights was a presentation by interdisciplinary design collective Terta with Elliðaárstöð, a cultural destination in Reykjavík’s Elliðaárdalur, discussing contemporary approaches to architecture and public engagement.
Artist and designer Kristjana S Williams presented her work, spanning collage, illustration and digital design for clients, including the Vatican and Coldplay, while Nordic collective 1+1+1 discussed the collaborative work between its designers in Iceland, Finland, and Sweden.
"DesignTalks once again demonstrated the growing international relevance of Iceland's creative scene," said the DesignTalks team. "With another sold-out edition complete, anticipation is already building for next year."
Previously, Dezeen rounded up highlights from DesignMarch 2024 and DesignMarch 2025.
To learn more about DesignTalks, visit its website.
The photography is by Sunna Ben
DesignMarch takes place from 6 to 10 May 2026 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 by Dezeen for DesignTalks as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.
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