Interview with Mariana Wehbe, Founder of We Design Beirut
Artisans, Architecture, Panels and City Exhibitions, We design Beirut is set to open its first edition this May inviting a global audience to present and preserve design from the Levantine. We spoke to the founder Mariana Wehbe, about her vision for the event.
Mariana Wehbe, Founder We Design Beirut | Photo by Sebastian Böttcher.
Team We design Beirut | Image credits @wedesignbeirut
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We Design Beirut seems like a very exciting intervention in the region especially because of its multidisciplinary contemporary approach. What are your thoughts on design from the Levantine in today's connected digital world where cultural identity is blurring and yet extremely relevant to hold on to this identity though visual and material expressions in design. How does Levantine design stand out in the global landscape?
We Design Beirut is really quite unique in its approach. It is multilayered in terms of design and also in terms of physical spaces which I believe is integral to experiencing a city best. We have activated a number of beautiful monuments that will continue the story of the Levantine design aesthetic, one that is unique in its openness to multiple cultures and influences that have shaped it over centuries. Although anchored in our cultural traditions and craftsmanship, there has been a unique evolution to the Levantine design process because of these influences. We Design Beirut is championing a timeline of past, present, and future. This country has been celebrated for its East and West fusion, and its balance of tradition, authenticity, but also progressiveness and originality. It has been the crucible of international design, inspiring great designers such as France’s Jean Royere and Brazil’s Oscar Niemeyer. Our cultural references in design always stand out, wherever we go, in whatever we do, amidst whatever we go through. It is my hope that We Design Beirut will be a small, yet impactful part in the continuation of this design journey.
With a vast history, the region has many layers and hence many traditional craftsmanship in the region prevail. How important is it for this to marry a contemporary approach? Do you believe that artisans need to re-invent themselves and collaborate more with modern designers for products and other projects?
I don’t believe that artisans need to ‘reinvent’ themselves, on the contrary it is the upholding of centuries-old techniques that sets them apart. The operative word here is exposure. They need to be present and relevant in the contemporary design dialogue. The connections between artisans and designers need to be reinforced which will naturally make way for innovation and creativity, without compromising the workmanship. The work of these cultural treasures will be showcased at PSLab, which is our We Empower location. Today's Lebanese designers are contributing to the revival of design culture. They are filtering through Western inspirations and conventional Middle Eastern influences to bring out new conversations on design. Through our themes of We Empower, We Preserve, and We Sustain, we are putting in conversation both emerging and established designers, influences old and new. It is so important to have an intermix between modern voices and traditional artisanal practice.
Architecture is a big part of We Design Beirut. Could you comment on how placemaking and public design play a role in the overall cultural fabric of a city and how architects/ design thinkers influence the day-to-day experience of a city especially Beirut?
Perhaps one of the most important elements of We Design Beirut is in fact the ‘WE’. We believe this whole project has been a collective effort of like-minded people that support the incredible talent and potential of the local and regional design scene. We Design Beirut is unique in its celebratory vision of the city itself; we are not only celebrating persons, but architecture, monuments, and locations.
The architecture of our sites and various locations are a testament to their influence and impact on the cultural fabric of our city, that we wholeheartedly hope will resonate with our visitors and guests. We are inviting everyone to explore, question and ultimately create.
Lastly, there are many design festivals around the world, but the middle east has been particularly gaining momentum. Any thoughts on why such interventions are needed to bring people together and create cultural connections?
We Design Beirut’s intention is to celebrate each city’s cultural treasures, talents, and local design ecosystem. Our first edition based in Lebanon is the embodiment of this vision. As I always say, we need to step back in order to jump forward, and this is particularly true in design. Our aim is for the We Design Beirut platform to create a global dialogue, enriching network, and an expanded ecosystem in every city it takes place in. From Cairo to Dubai, there is a burgeoning design scene, and while each city is having its own conversation with innovation, Beirut is offering its most iconic landmarks to reactivate and pump life into the local design ecosystem.