Design Diplomacy: The Role of Design in Cultural Exchange

Elena Boheme
Sep 26, 2023
5 min read

Design has always been more than just aesthetics; it's a powerful tool that can transcend boundaries and foster connections between people from diverse backgrounds.

The insights shared by the panelists at the Index Design Show Riyadh underscore the vital role of empathy, research, and inclusivity in the design process.

In each of these endeavors, the key to success lay in creating a cultural journey deeply connected to the surrounding environment, allowing us to weave captivating stories and deliver memorable experiences.

If you're looking to embark on design projects that embrace cultural celebration and connection, I'm here to collaborate and guide you on this transformative journey. Let's create spaces that not only captivate but also unite cultures, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come. Reach out to me to explore the possibilities.

At the recent Index Design Show Riyadh, a panel of experts delved into the concept of "design diplomacy" and its role in cultural exchange. This discussion highlighted how design can bridge cultural gaps, foster understanding, and promote international collaboration. In this article, I'll explore the insights shared by the panelists and to get a deeper understanding of the impact of design on cultural diplomacy.

Speaker 1: Rasha Al Tekhreeti - The Cultural Educator

Rasha Al Tekhreeti, the founder of Warû, an Interior Architecture & Strategic Design agency, emphasized the educational aspect of design. She shared how design can serve as a powerful tool to educate people about other countries and cultures. One prominent example she cited was the Louvre Abu Dhabi, which showcases the importance of respecting the surroundings and the culture when designing spaces. The idea is simple yet profound: when you visit a space in a foreign land, you should feel like you're truly experiencing that country. Whether it's Saudi Arabia or Spain, each place has its unique identity, and design plays a pivotal role in preserving and conveying that identity.

Rasha's insights challenge designers to use their craft to contribute to existing cultures and provoke change. Design has the ability to evoke emotions and tell stories, and it is through these stories that we can provoke change and enhance cultural understanding. She also highlighted the concept of eclectic design, where elements from various cultures blend seamlessly to create a harmonious global experience. This is precisely what places like the Global Village in Dubai achieve, providing visitors with a shopping experience that transports them to different countries.

Design is a forward-looking endeavor, and Rasha encouraged designers to create with the future in mind. The designs we create today are meant to stand the test of time and continue to tell stories for generations to come.

Speaker 2: Taha Abdulaziz Alandejani - The Inclusivity Advocate

Taha Abdulaziz Alandejani, an architect and design director, brought a unique perspective to the discussion. He highlighted the inclusive nature of Islam, emphasizing that Islam welcomes people from all over the world. His insights were particularly relevant in the context of a new Mekkah development projects in Saudi Arabia. Thise projects is not just about a places of worship; it's a magnet that attracts people from diverse backgrounds, making it a melting pot of cultures.

Taha emphasized that the design challenge was to create an exceptional experience for all visitors, ensuring the highest levels of convenience and safety. The goal is to make everyone happy and enable them to enjoy their visit. Saudi Arabia, with its rich cultural diversity, presents an opportunity to celebrate various cultures through design. From pilgrimage experiences that are meticulously designed to infrastructure, logistics, and spaces for Hajj, Saudi Arabia is ready to apply these design experiences to other projects.

Empathy emerged as a key theme in Taha's insights. Successful design, especially in the context of cultural exchange, requires understanding and empathizing with the needs and expectations of diverse audiences. He also shared a fascinating example of the mashrabiah, a traditional architectural element that brings together various Arabic pieces from different Muslim cultures, symbolizing unity and respect for ethnic diversity.

Speaker 3: Brandie Janow - The Design Diplomat

Brandie Janow, a creative advisor and strategist, is passionate about design diplomacy. She views design diplomacy as a unique and personal journey for each designer. Her insights underscore the idea that design has the power to bring people and communities together, transcending boundaries of discipline, culture, and religion.

Brandie's extensive experience in the Saudi Arabian market highlighted the role of design diplomacy in fostering cross-cultural connections. She emphasized the importance of research, data, and analysis in making informed design decisions. To truly understand a culture and its nuances, designers must be willing to delve deep into research, ensuring that their designs are respectful and meaningful.

Moreover, Brandie discussed how design has the potential to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions. It's a tool that can redefine perceptions and promote inclusivity. In the context of Riyadh's evolving goals in becoming a cultural city, Brandie emphasized the unique journey each city takes based on its objectives. Riyadh, for example, is actively working to create something distinct from cities with different aspirations.

As design disciplines evolve, Brandie pointed out that designers today are responsible for building new infrastructure, and this responsibility carries a significant impact on future generations. Designers play a pivotal role in shaping the world for years to come.

Speaker 4: Shahad Alsudais - The Culture Preserver

Shahad Alsudais, the founding partner and architect at Quartz Architects, shared insights into design projects that facilitate cultural exchange. She highlighted the importance of preserving core cultures, especially in the face of a diverse influx of nationalities into Riyadh. Designers, she emphasized, have a unique opportunity to reinterpret local heritage while respecting its authenticity.

Governments play a vital role in identifying and preserving local cultures. Shahad discussed how Saudi Arabia's government is working to acknowledge and celebrate the country's rich cultural diversity. Projects like the Saudi Foreign Ministry showcases how design can become a means of cultural expression and exchange.

Speaker 5: Antonio Verde - The Multicultural Bridge Builder

Antonio Verde, co-founder of Quartz Architects, discussed the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh. This project exemplifies how design can seamlessly blend cultures and harsh environments, creating spaces that meet the needs and lifestyle requirements of different cultures. Antonio emphasized the importance of educating people about authenticity and heritage, as extreme multiculturalism can sometimes lead to superficiality and consumerism.

He stated that design serves as a universal language, bridging cultures through objects and architecture. Through thoughtful design, it's possible to connect people from diverse backgrounds and foster a deeper appreciation for each other's heritage.

Moderator: Mariana De Carli Orti - The Design Diplomat

The panel discussion was expertly moderated by Mariana De Carli Orti, who emphasized the importance of design diplomacy as a means of fostering cultural exchange rather than establishing design colonies. This shift in perspective highlights the collaborative nature of design diplomacy and the role each designer plays in building bridges between cultures.

Conclusion

Design diplomacy is a fascinating concept that reveals the immense potential of design in bridging cultural divides and fostering collaboration. The insights shared by the panelists at the Index Design Show Riyadh underscore the importance of empathy, research, and inclusivity in the design process.

I believe, as designers, we have a responsibility to create spaces and experiences that celebrate cultures and preserve heritage. In an increasingly interconnected world, design has the power to transcend boundaries and make the world a more inclusive and understanding place.

In the words of Brandie Janow, "We are creating something together." Through design diplomacy, we can create a world that celebrates our differences and builds connections that transcend borders.

Examples of interior design dimplomacy, not delated to Index event, but rather to make you travel trough interior designs.