We Design Beirut returns for Edition Two, from October 22 – 26, 2025. The five-day event aims to celebrate and promote design and creativity. Amidst the setting of some of Lebanon’s most historically significant and architecturally valuable monuments and buildings, the event aims to breathe new life into Lebanon’s centuries and decades-old cultural and architectural legacies through a diverse range of showcases and exhibitions, installations, panel talks and workshops.
Anchored in the three pillars of empowerment, preservation and sustainability, We Design Beirut’s activations encapsulate the ‘WE’ in We Design Beirut, by facilitating collaborations and partnerships among designers, artisans, students,
architects and educators – a synergy of creative talent. A healing, restorative meditation to refuel energies, ignite passions, and build bridges. This sets the foundation for connection and engagement, an exchange of ideas and techniques,
and most importantly serves as an international showcase of the region’s burgeoning innovative and creative expression, translating to a more rich and diverse design landscape.
We Design Beirut Edition Two dives into themes of legacy, revival and continuity.
Set against the backdrop of fifty years of war, the event aims to stage a cultural renaissance. Honouring and preserving the historical significance of monuments, crafts, heritage sites, musical and artistic traditions. By doing so, we ensure their
continued relevance and reinstate their influence for future generations.
Building on the structure and momentum of our inaugural edition, the event continues to evolve with a focus on commemorating both individuals and monuments. Our opening night is an homage to Lebanon’s greatest Oud maker;
Nazih Al Ghadban in collaboration with the Arab Maestro, Michael Ibrahim.
This year’s edition features six exhibitions and seven key locations. At the Abroyan Factory, two Craft Exhibitions pay homage to Lebanon’s craftsmanship heritage through Threads of Life, showcasing textile arts, and Métiers d’Art, a living atelier pairing artisans with expert designers to push the limits of technique, material and form.
The Design ‘In’ Conflict student exhibition at Burj El Murr, curated by Archifeed founders Teymour Khoury and Yasmina Mahmoud, in collaboration with Tarek Mahmoud and Youssef Bassil and with the support of Solidere (The Lebanese
Company for the Development and Reconstruction of Beirut Central District), explores how conflict shapes space and form through the work of students from 9 Lebanese universities. These exhibitions will also feature panel talks,
activating a timely discourse between panelists and audience.
At Villa Audi, the Design Exhibition titled Totems of the Present and the Absent, curated by Gregory Gatserelia, pays tribute to SMO Gallery, founded by Gatserelia himself. This iconic gallery is credited with identifying, fostering, and nurturing
some of Lebanon’s greatest design talents.
At the Roman Baths, the Marble Design Exhibition titled Of Water and Stone, curated by Nour Osseiran and produced and sponsored by Stones by Rania Malli, one of the region’s largest and most respected marble manufacturers,
reinterprets the ancient site’s rituals of cleansing and connection with the
support of Solidere.
We Design Beirut will spotlight Immeuble de l’Union, a modernist landmark in Sanayeh. Designed in the 1950s and now undergoing a meticulous renovation by Karim Nader, the building reflects Beirut’s architectural evolution and urban
transformation. As part of the event, it will host a retrospective exhibition:
“Union, A Journey Through Architecture And Light” by Karim Nader x Atelier33, exploring the site’s history and renewed role in the city’s cultural landscape.
We will also host our Emerging Designer Exhibition: “Rising with Purpose”, dedicated to showcasing young talent under the age of 30, led by: Karel Kargodorian, Marc-Antoine Frahi, Miriam Abi Tarabay. This exhibition offers a fresh take on Lebanese design: rooted in context, made with intention, and driven by relevance.
Additionally, and as part of our public program, this year’s edition will include a bus tour of the modern architectural monuments around Beirut, curated and guided by architect & professor Dr. Omar Harb, founder of Modern Architecture
From Lebanon, a website forum showcasing how architects in Lebanon have
contributed to modern architecture and cultural spaces.
The event will also include excursions to Tripoli and the Saloua Raouda Choucair Foundation. In Tripoli, at the International Fair which is Oscar Niemeyer’s largest project outside Brazil, where we will host a tour on its cultural significance and
potential for revival.
Located in the mountains of Lebanon, the Saloua Raouda Choucair Foundation honors the legacy of pioneering abstract artist Saloua Raouda Choucair. Designed by the artist herself, the space offers an intimate look into her world, featuring her
modular sculptures and personal archives, a unique glimpse into her legacy with a harmonious blend of design, architecture, and nature.
Riding on the momentum of the inaugural event in May 2024, We Design Beirut Edition Two aims to expand the vision, diving deeper into the rich tapestry of culture, craft, architecture, and design, and weaving together the threads of
innovation and tradition.
WE DESIGN BEIRUT EDITION TWO, IS IN PROUD PARTNERSHIP WITH SDC
The Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC) is Switzerland’s official agency for international development and humanitarian aid. It is dedicated to reducing poverty, promoting sustainable development, and advancing peace and human
rights in developing countries. Guided by a commitment to long-term impact, the SDC combines Swiss expertise with strong local partnerships to build resilient communities around the world.