Once again, the Lisbon Conferences bring together specialists and professionals from the international design panorama and from the different disciplines that relate to the Biennale. Targeting a broad audience, the lectures aim to potentiate interest around the theme and project disciplines through the contributions of important figures of contemporary culture and creativity.

In this edition, the Lisbon Conferences present a new format that integrates debates and round table discussions, as well as the usual solo conferences. With themes that explore questions related to the identity of international design events, and the relationship between industry and design, they are articulated by important figures from the national and international cultural panorama.


Two sessions that focus on the theme of the identity and positioning of design and culture events. How does one communicate the identity of an ephemeral event? In what way does that identity, which defines a territory, become a barrier? Within this process of definition, what are the implications of adopting global work networks? How do these platforms articulate with the main players of this field, designers and creative agents? Here is a unique opportunity to listen to 10 individuals that are responsible for 10 of the most important design events in the world, in sessions moderated by the former Culture Minister, José António Pinto Ribeiro and with closing remarks by António Costa, President of the Lisbon Municipality.


The relationship between design and the ability for companies to compete and succeed is crucial. Not only for new companies but also for those that are in need of innovation and restructuring. In a global market, what are the key factors that determine this success? How can we introduce design in a way that will transform it into a lever for companies?
We bring to Lisbon two examples of international success, from Italy and Denmark, to share their experiences and know-how with the Biennale’s public.
FLOS is an Italian company that produces some of the most iconic lighting pieces in the history of design. Founded in 1962, the company has established new lighting typologies and innovative archetypes, counting with great masters of international design. Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Jasper Morrison, Patricia Urquiola and Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec, are some of the talents who have created lamps for FLOS.
Kvadrat is Europe’s leading manufacturer of design textiles. Founded in 1968, the company creates high quality contemporary textiles and textile-related products for private and public spaces. Their designs reflect dedication to pushing the aesthetic, technological and artistic boundaries of this field. Kvadrat works with leading designers, architects and artists, such as Peter Saville, David Adjaye, Olafur Eliasson or Thomas Demand. Their products play a key role in the important architectural masterpieces as the MoMA, New York; Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao and Guangzhou Opera House in China, among many others.


The No Borders theme transversally accompanies the Biennale. In the last sessions of the Lisbon Conferences, two very distinct perspectives on this theme are explored. The contribution of a creative and dynamic geo-analyst and political scientist, Nuno Rogeiro, unveils an analysis of the current global map, referencing design as a form of communication and positioning; the other input is from one of the most important and stimulating science fiction authors of today, who will undoubtedly veer our perspective towards the future.