Enjoy this year’s DesignTalks streaming on Dezeen
The international conference DesignTalks took place on April 2nd 2025 with the theme the Source, like the DesignMarch festival itself. Dezeen teamed up with DesignMarch to livestream the conference that focused on materiality and sources for inspiration in the creative industry.
“We looked to the source for inspiration and revision. It is both a beginning and an origin. A still state - and dynamic, at the same time,” says Hlín Helga, curator of DesignTalks about this year’s theme.
A diverse mix of designers, architects and creative leaders took the stage and tackled the theme from different angles. Below are links to three parts of the live stream that you can now enjoy again and again.
Save the date for next DesignTalks May 6th 2026.
First session
The first sessions explored the use of "overlooked" natural materials in architecture and design, how soil can be used and how designers draw inspiration from their cultural backgrounds.
Featured speakers include Lebanese architect Lina Ghotmeh, Mexican designer Fernando Laposse, German designer Johanna Seelemann and Icelandic designer Bergþóra Guðnadóttir and musician Jóel Pálsson – founders of Farmers Market.
Second session
The second session examined how architects could use lava as a building material. The talk also featured theoretical notes on materiality in the contemporary world, and the relationship people have towards it.
Panellists included Icelandic architect Arnhildur Pálmadóttir from s.ap architects and Italian philosopher Emanuele Coccia.
Third session
The final session explored creative processes in the fashion industry with examples from experiences in influential fashion houses and brands, featuring Italian creative director Ferdinando Verderi.
Other topics including exploration of multi-sensory design and storytelling through perfumed scents, music and visual arts, introduced by Icelandic designers Ingibjörg and Lilja Birgisdætur, founders of Fischersund Art Collective.
