Huda Abifares speaks about the relevance of type design research for creating culturally relevant communication, sustaining heritage and urban environments, and developing culturally-sensitive products. She discusses projects by The Khatt Foundation that focus on open-platform, exchange and collaboration, and education as case studies for a potential model of operation.

The talk will discuss an ongoing agenda, “Almost Natural”, through situating it as a critique towards ongoing green building practices and how a blurring between the natural and synthetic offers an alternative attitude towards building and construction in the Anthropocene.

How can the act of making help promote economic growth, bring communities closer together, and overcome a variety of social issues? In this panel discussion, chaired by the editor of Crafts magazine, Grant Gibson, speakers from Disarming Design from Palestine, The Jordan River Foundation, the Princess Taghrid Foundation explain how craft is capable of making a difference, highlighting the power of collaboration and sustainable programs in craft.

Designer May Khoury gives a talk about Badr Adduja’s concept and upcycling vision. Join May Khoury to learn the story behind each piece of design, a process in which she modernizes and changes the purpose of old traditional heritage pieces, while preserving their authenticity.

For design to become a real industry in Jordan, it has to prove its economic, social and environmental relevance. Is this a neo-Bauhausian statement misplaced in 21st century Jordan? Should designers stay content with a role of ornamentation and embellishment of form, producing so called "art pieces", or will they be a force in the new manufacturing and digital revolutions? This talk joins Ahmad Humeid, curator of the 2017 Hangar Exhibition with Dina Haddadin, the exhibition designer and curator of the 2016 Crafts District in a discussion on the status of design in Jordan.

This open talk covers the design and graphic approach of Tarek Atrissi Design in their worldwide projects that include type design, branding, graphic design, and exhibition design.

This talk by Shifa’a Al-Khatatbeh, addresses the importance of sustainability in buildings, the concepts and applications of Green Building and Rating Systems (LEED, JGBG). The talk will end with a discussion of a case study on the Izzat Marji Headquarters.