We Design Beirut: Impressions, Results, And Future

by Alexandra Mansilla

We Design Beirut: Impressions, Results, And Future

4 Jun 2024

Honestly, talking about We Design Beirut gives us goosebumps. It is the team's unwavering passion, their resilience in the face of challenges, and the incredible artists involved. We Design Beirut ran from May 23 to 26, drawing thousands of visitors. Everyone walked around with wide eyes, utterly delighted by what they saw.

We had a brief chat with Samer Alameen, the partner of WDB, about his impressions as an organiser and the plans for the next edition.

Photo: Walid Rashid

— Samer, We Design Beirut has just finished. What are your impressions?

— Seeing Beirut so vibrant, alive, and positive… the city felt like it was celebrating. To be honest, I was ready for many wrong things to happen; however, it all went very smoothly.

— How many guests attended We Design Beirut?

— Over 10,000 guests!

— That is impressive! We are sure many guests shared their impressions with you. Could you share one that stood out to you?

— I remember these words perfectly: “It has been many years since I haven’t felt proud, and particularly proud to be Lebanese.” And, of course, I won’t forget one particular phrase that I got from some participants: “You have changed my life.”

— How would you summarise: what results did you achieve?

— The best thing we achieved was creating a chain between architects, designers, students, and material labs. Several collaborations have already started. Creating opportunities and change was the most rewarding part.

— What are your thoughts about the next edition? Do you have any idea when it will be?

— The next edition will involve a wider spectrum of designers, regional and international, and probably more architects. When is the next edition, and where are the locations? These are the topics we are currently discussing.

Samer Alameen. Photo: Roger Moukarzel

Philipp Mistakópulo, our Commercial Director, was among the 10,000 guests at We Design Beirut. Like everyone else, he was captivated by the power of Lebanon’s culture and the strength of its people, which is rooted in sincere love. Here is his letter revealing the simple secret that Lebanese people carry.

— During my visit to Beirut, I had a conversation with an artist Maria Yared. After earning her Master of Architecture from École Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture Paris Malaquais, Maria returned to Beirut to create. She was moved by the environment and felt the urge to produce something, as she put it. I have asked her: "Do you think the current design of Beirut represents a Renaissance in the Middle East?". Her answer was: "From what I see, I would agree. Let's see what happens next."

I want to thank the We Design Beirut team for their hard work. The challenge they accepted seemed very bold at one point, but they made it happen, bringing journalists from all around the globe to showcase Lebanon's stunning culture.

PSLab by Walid Rashid

I was eager to unravel the mystery of Beirut and its locals. In my free time, I would sit in a cafe, striking up conversations with strangers in pursuit of answers. Yet, the answer remained elusive.

I did not seek the answer in words, but in actions, as they carry more weight. I've come to the conclusion that Lebanese people are the greatest lovers, and here's why. The fight for love is a theme prevalent in literature, films, and more. If you don't fight, it suggests a lack of love. Lebanese people continually fight for themselves, revealing a secret — they are full of love. This love manifests in their hospitality and their interactions with others. Not a day went by without someone asking if I was okay or if I needed any help.

A Pastel Oasis, Collective Y by Rhea Younes. Photo: Jay Khawand

However, the article would be incomplete without gathering opinions. This prompted me to meet William Wehbe, the co-founder of Babylon — The Agency. His agency is dedicated to celebrating and promoting designers from the Middle East. He answered my question and emphasised three points:

1. Diversity

2. Open-mindedness

3. Ease of integration into the community.

This brings us back to the point that people are acting out of love.

Love is the answer.

by Alexandra Mansilla