7 Designers to Keep an Eye on from the Madrid Design Festival

The Madrid Design Festival, which will take place until March 15, is in its 8th edition and presents more than 200 activities based on the theme "Redesign the World", featuring exhibitions, workshops, and lectures. A reference in the international scene, the event focuses on cities and positions design as a powerful tool to address environmental and social challenges. We have listed the names of 7 designers who will be present at the festival for you to follow their works that guide the agenda of sustainability. Check it out:

Sabine Marcelis

The central exhibition of the event, called “La Línea Sueña”, is signed by Dutch designer Sabine Marcelis. The exhibition presents a variety of artists seeking to innovate and transform projects through light. The professional, who is part of the exhibition among the 45 creators, is known for her designs that play with light since the beginning of her career. The works presented in the exhibition encompass various areas, from interior lighting design to the conception of light fixtures and other components. All reflect a design approach deeply connected to architecture and projects and combine a unique vision of light where the technical and symbolic aspects coexist harmoniously.

Jorge Penadés

Spanish designer Jorge Penadés, known for his commitment to conscious design and an inventive approach in the use of materials, presents the exhibition “Uprooted” at the event. The project celebrates the 10th anniversary of the office and critically examines the complex narratives of Spain's olive oil industry. Available until February 22, the exhibition is curated by Seetal Solanki and consists of a collection of furniture, a visual essay by photographer Max Creasy, and unconventional installations that explore the concept of "material interview."

Manuel Conde

(Divulgação/Divulgação)

With the intention of exploring the interconnected multidimensional aspects of the phenomenon of light, Manuel Conde signs “Radiante Light Art Studio”. The studio, which will be available until February 23 at the festival, focuses on conceptual and empirical analysis of light and its elements – such as colors and shadows – in the perception and representation of reality. Thus, Conde seeks to understand how elements of light and sound can induce altered states of consciousness and stimulate active listening.

Mario Cucinella

(Divulgação/Divulgação)

Italian architect Mario Cucinella, founder of the architecture studio Mario Cucinella Architects, brings to the festival the masterclass "Sparking Change” between February 19 and 22. The class is based on the environmental and social challenges and discusses the installation he developed for the Roca Madrid Gallery. Furthermore, the professional explores how design can bring about positive changes through his own holistic approach.

Claudy Jongstra

Claudy Jongstra is known for her artworks and architectural installations that redefine ancient techniques of wool felting and plant-based dyeing. The exceptional quality of her work is ensured by her dedication to the cultivation of regenerative natural materials, such as Drenth Heath sheep wool and traditional dyes, on her biodynamic farm in Friesland. On February 22, she will present at the event her vision of the intersection between art and ecology, inviting the audience to imagine regenerative systems while emphasizing collaborations and interdisciplinary dialogues.

Héctor Serrano

The exhibition “Héctor Serrano: El viaje entremedias. 25 años conectando” explores the design approach and creative processes with an emphasis on the importance of the journey to the final result. A fundamental aspect of Serrano's methodology is what he calls the “unexpected ingredient”: that creative spark that brings life to his designs, whether through humor, user interaction, or innovation in sustainability and research. For this exhibition, which starts on February 27, the professional develops a unique solidarity project called Roots, aimed at raising funds for those affected by hurricane DANA.

Inma Bermúdez

In the Madrid Design PRO programming of the festival, Inma Bermúdez will share her experience in creating the Suricata project for Finsa and Sancal under the motto “Versatile materials and designs for changing scenarios”. The designer will bring, from February 19 to 22, details of this construction from the initial idea to the final product. She will be accompanied by Esther Castaó, CEO of Sancal, and Ana Castro, designer at Finsa. Also in this event's schedule, other notable figures in the field will participate, such as designer Sir Paul Smith in conversation with critic Deyan Sudjic; and British designer Bethan Laura Wood and the contemporary design studio WE+, founded by Toshiya Hayashi and Hokuto Ando, which explores design as a discipline that crosses social and natural values.