23. 7. 2026
The second edition of the DesignBlok Talks conference will run for two days for the first time this year — on October 6 and 7, 2026, more than 40 Czech and international architects, designers and other experts will gather as part of the DesignBlok international design festival in Prague to discuss this year's central festival theme: light. The conference will take place in the historic central hall of the Průmyslový palác at Výstaviště Praha, becoming the very first event to be held there following extensive renovation. DesignBlok Talks is organized by DesignBlok in collaboration with the world's most widely read design portal, Dezeen, and the Centre for Architecture and Urban Planning (CAMP, the Prague Institute of Planning and Development).
The DesignBlok Talks conference was created in response to the need for deeper professional dialogue on topics shaping the present and future of design, architecture and related fields. Since its founding, it has become an important platform for architects, designers and interior designers, developers, manufacturers, journalists and curators to meet, and an integral part of Professionals' Day (the day dedicated to industry professionals) as well as the rest of DesignBlok's professional programme. Following last year's success, this year it naturally grows further — expanding into a two-day format and moving to the newly reopened Průmyslový palác.
Three programme blocks spanning design and architecture
The programme will offer three thematic sections — Future of Design, Future of Architecture and Future of Living. Tuesday will be devoted to design and architecture, while Wednesday's programme will focus on home and furniture. The architecture section is partnered by the Centre for Architecture and Urban Planning (CAMP). Talks and discussions will be held in both Czech and English.
The conference's dramaturgical concept is led by Danica Kovářová, Programme Manager of DesignBlok, who is responsible for shaping the programme and selecting the speakers. "Within the three main programme blocks — Future of Design, Future of Architecture and Future of Living — I built the conference's dramaturgy so that it reflects the theme of light in its various practical, theoretical and metaphysical meanings. Light is first of all a thing — a source, a fixture, its glow, and often also a reflection. It is what we see, but also what, because of it, we cannot see: what remains behind a diffusing screen, in shadow, or invisible outright. Light is at the same time a carrier of emotion, and above all an element that changes how we look at things — whether we speak of a bright future, or of a spark of an idea or passion for an original vision. It is the clarity of things and of thoughts, though this coin also carries its reverse side — darkness, without which light would make no sense. And finally, light is hope. So may the DesignBlok Talks conference enlighten us!" says Danica Kovářová.
The conference will open with the Future of Design block, which puts material, production, authorship and know-how at the centre of attention. Through the themes of light, glass, innovation and brand-building, it will connect designers, manufacturers and companies shaping the face of contemporary craft and industry. The following series of talks and discussions, Future of Architecture, will focus on a city in transformation — how is Prague changing between history, development projects and contemporary lifestyle? Within these talks, light appears as a tool of atmosphere, safety, orientation and the identity of the city after dark. The block gives space to architects, municipal institutions and developers, and asks how to design a city that is not only new, but also legible and liveable. Wednesday's Future of Living block moves into the space of everyday life — home, emotion, colour, light, furniture and atmosphere. Representatives of the world's most important design retailers present in the Czech Republic will open up the question of how experience is created in space, and how taste is born.
World-renowned figures of design and architecture on one stage
On a stage designed by leading Czech scenographer Marek Cpin, leading figures of Czech and international architecture and design will appear. The international programme will feature appearances by minimalist architecture icon Claudio Silvestrin, designers Sebastian Herkner, Laurids Gallée and Daniel Rybakken, interior architect Christophe Delcourt, Magis CEO Alberto Perazza, cultural visionary Stanley Wong, a prominent figure of the Hermès family and founder of the Petit h project Pascale Siegrist Mussard, Dutch colour expert Judith van Vliet, and journalist, curator and former director of the Stockholm Furniture Fair Hanna Nova Beatrice. The Czech scene will be represented by, among others, studio Dechem, Jakub Berdych Karpelis, Maxim Velčovský, Kateřina Handlová, Jan Plecháč, Lucie Koldová, Václav Mlynář, representatives of Bomma, Brokis, Lasvit, Stopka, Ravak, Konsepti and Vitra, and this year's Czech Grand Design Hall of Fame laureate Eva Eisler.
One of the notable guests of this year's DesignBlok will be British designer Lee Broom, who will bring to Prague the monumental light installation BEACON, created in collaboration with the Czech brand Brokis. Following its premiere in London and its presentation at Milan Design Week, the installation will be shown to a Czech audience for the first time this year, on Jan Palach Square in front of the Rudolfinum. "Light has always meant much more to me than just its practical function. It has the ability to transform how we perceive space and how we feel within it. I'm interested in the emotional impact of light, and in how it can create moments of joy, reflection and wonder — much like art. With the Beacon project, I wanted to explore light on a larger, public scale, and to create a work that not only illuminates its surroundings but also brings a shared experience to everyone who encounters it," explains Lee Broom.
The conference will be hosted, among others, by Dezeen editor-in-chief Max Fraser, who is also president of the DesignBlok Awards jury, and Ben Hobson, journalist and co-director of Dezeen. The complete programme and further speaker names will be announced in the coming weeks on the festival website.
Guided tours of the renovated Průmyslový palác
DesignBlok's return to the restored Průmyslový palác will also be marked by the chance to get to know this iconic building up close. Výstaviště Praha is preparing a series of guided tours for the public. "The reopening of the Průmyslový palác is an exceptionally powerful moment for us. We are all the more delighted that the very first event to take place here will be DesignBlok. But we also want the wider public to enjoy the renovated palace, which is why, in cooperation with Prague City Tourism, we are preparing a series of guided tours led by accredited guides, allowing people a glimpse into the story of this remarkable renovation and into places that had been inaccessible for many years," comments Tomáš Hübl, Chairman of the Board of Výstaviště Praha. From September 25 to October 12, approximately fifty tours with discounted admission will take place as part of the palace's opening, each with a capacity of 30 people. Registration will open in the coming days via the Prague City Tourism website, with up-to-date information available on the Výstaviště website.
Part of the programme for professionals
On Tuesday, October 6, 2026, following the conclusion of the DesignBlok Talks conference programme, Professionals' Day will follow — the traditional DesignBlok festival preview intended for industry professionals. Attendees will be able to view all festival locations and curated exhibitions before they open to the public, meet in person with more than two hundred designers and representatives of studios and brands, and make new professional connections. A DesignBlok Talks ticket also includes accreditation for Professionals' Day.
Tickets
DesignBlok Talks tickets are sold at a discounted rate combined with a full festival pass for DesignBlok. In the first pre-sale wave, a ticket costs 1,900 CZK (2,400 CZK after August 1, 2026; 2,800 CZK on site). A VIP option is also available for 5,400 CZK (5,900 CZK after August 1, 2026; 6,400 CZK on site), which additionally includes entry to the VIP Networking Lounge with all-day refreshments, access to the VIP Lounge at the Veletržní palác and at the Jízdárna Pražského hradu (Riding School of Prague Castle), two tickets to the festival's opening ceremony with a welcome drink, and reserved seats at the Diploma Selection fashion shows and at the DesignBlok Stage. The number of pre-sale tickets is limited.
DesignBlok, Prague's international festival of design and fashion, celebrates its 28th edition this year under the theme Light. The public festival will run from October 7 to 11, 2026, across several key venues: the Veletržní palác of the National Gallery Prague, the Jízdárna Pražského hradu (Riding School of Prague Castle), the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague, and the Průmyslový palác at Výstaviště Praha. It is complemented by dozens of showrooms and galleries throughout Prague. Tickets are available for pre-sale at designblok.cz.