Light will permeate this year’s DesignBlok in many forms: as a practical tool, a technological phenomenon, a defining element of architecture and design, and a conceptual symbol. Through exhibitions, installations, lectures, discussions, and presentations, the festival will explore how light affects our perception, emotions, and everyday lives, as well as how design can contribute to society’s development.
“This year, we are working with light as a symbol of knowledge, truth, hope and life – the opposite of darkness. Jan Amos Comenius attributed to light the power to free us from confusion and lead us towards truth. He saw the highest goal as bringing knowledge and enlightenment to humankind. Within this broader context, we will examine the influence and role of design in today’s world. Does design have the power to improve the world? How does it contribute to development and quality of life? What movement and order can it bring to the way we address our problems? These are the questions we will explore through exhibitions, discussions and lectures, including the DesignBlok Talks conference programme,” explains Jana Zielinski, Director of DesignBlok.
Marcel Wanders to receive the award for outstanding contribution to global design
Dutch designer Marcel Wanders will be the principal guest of honour at this year’s DesignBlok. On Thursday, 8 October 2026, he will personally receive the DesignBlok Award for Outstanding Contribution to Global Design. The ceremony will take place in the historic Central Hall of the Industrial Palace at Výstaviště Praha, where DesignBlok will become the first major event held after the building’s extensive reconstruction.
Marcel Wanders is one of the most distinctive figures in contemporary global design. Since the 1990s, his work has challenged the boundaries between craft and industrial production, decoration and construction, tradition and technological innovation, while bringing emotion, imagination and human experience back to the centre of design. His iconic Knotted Chair from 1996 became a symbol of this approach, while projects such as the Skygarden light for Flos, his work for Moooi, which he co-founded 25 years ago, and the richly layered interiors of the Mondrian Doha hotel demonstrate the breadth of his practice across product design, lighting and interior design.
“I have always believed that design is not about creating things, but about creating meaning. Objects can make our lives easier, but their true purpose is to inspire us, comfort us, connect us and remind us of our humanity. To receive this award is a great honour, not only for the work I have done, but for the belief that imagination, beauty and emotion still have an important place in the world we are building together,” says Marcel Wanders.
DesignBlok Talks: two days exploring the future of design, architecture and living
The second edition of DesignBlok Talks will expand to two days for the first time this year, taking place on 6 and 7 October. More than 40 Czech and international architects, designers and other experts will speak at the conference in the Industrial Palace.
International speakers will include Claudio Silvestrin, Sebastian Herkner, Laurids Gallée, Daniel Rybakken, Christophe Delcourt, Alberto Perazza, Stanley Wong and Pascale Mussard Siegrist, while the Czech scene will be represented by names including studio Dechem, Jakub Berdych Karpelis, Maxim Velčovský, Kateřina Handlová, Jan Plecháč, Lucie Koldová, Václav Mlynář and Eva Eisler.
The Industrial Palace reopens with DesignBlok following its reconstruction
DesignBlok will be the first major event to open the historic Central Hall of the Industrial Palace to the public following its four-year reconstruction. The restored hall will provide a generous setting for gatherings, talks and ceremonial events. It will host DesignBlok Talks, a live design edition of the popular Czech quiz show AZ-kvíz, the ceremonial reopening of the palace, the presentation of the DesignBlok Awards 2026, and Saturday’s fashion shows featuring the finalists of Diploma Selection. In cooperation with Výstaviště Praha, DesignBlok will also organise guided tours of the palace. As part of DesignBlok for Kids, a Škoda Auto children’s zone and interactive installations will be located in front of the Industrial Palace.
Learn more about the event here.
