Bringing together top designers, architects, curators, makers and cultural figures from around the world, Global Design Forum is one of the most hotly anticipated events on the design calendar. This year’s extensive thought leadership programme will take place inside a historic venue within the grounds of Topkapı Palace (pictured above), while other installations and activations will pop up around the Turkish capital over the course of the four days.
The latest edition centres on the theme ‘Worlds in Contact’ and will explore the role of design at a time when traditional frameworks for understanding the world are no longer applicable. Through talks, keynotes and panel discussions, the event will aim to address crises of ecology, technology, migration, extraction and inequality.
The decision to host the event in Turkey marks ‘an ambitious step in its evolution as a truly global platform for design dialogue and cultural exchange,’ according to organisers. ‘The launch of Global Design Forum İstanbul marks an exciting new chapter in our mission to create a truly international platform for design dialogue,’ agrees Ben Evans, founder of London Design Festival and Global Design Forum. ‘İstanbul’s unique position at the crossroads of cultures makes it an inspiring setting to explore how design can respond to global challenges while celebrating local identity.’
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Turkish artist and designer Melek Zeynep, who created a hugely popular installation for London Design Festival 2024 is leading this year’s artistic direction and heading up the citywide programming, which will also feature a contemporary garden design competition. ‘İstanbul is a city that neither begins nor ends; one that derives its singularity from the ways its fragments connect, and whose boundaries can never be fully defined,’ she explains. ‘It stands as one of the most idiosyncratic cities in the world. We approached the city precisely through this special “in-between” lens and its unique juxtapositions.’
Other leading industry figures taking up posts for Global Design Forum 2026 include: Beatrice Galilee, forum content advisor; Beral Madra, art and culture advisor; Celâleddin Çelik, architectural advisor and, Jay Osgerby, creative advisor with Universal Design Studio. For the full programme and to secure your spot, visit londondesignfestival.com/gdf-istanbul
