Msheireb Properties CEO Highlights Power of Design for Sustainability at Upcoming Innovation Summit

Msheireb Properties CEO Ali Al Kuwari emphasized the critical role of design in driving change and sustainability ahead of the Innovation by Design Summit set to take place in Doha, Qatar on April 25, 2024.

The summit, hosted by Msheireb Properties and Fast Company Middle East, will bring together experts to discuss design principles and solutions for creating a more sustainable future.

Al Kuwari highlighted the importance of adopting circular design principles, incorporating sustainable materials, energy-efficient practices, and creative waste management techniques into systems, buildings, and products as a feasible path towards positive change. He noted that Msheireb Properties embraces circular design in their projects, such as using grey water for toilets and irrigation at Msheireb Downtown Doha, the world's first sustainable downtown regeneration project.

Why this matters: The Innovation by Design Summit and Al Kuwari's emphasis on design as a tool for sustainability underscore the growing recognition of design's potential to address global environmental challenges. As more companies and leaders embrace circular design principles, it could accelerate the transition to a more sustainable future.

The summit will showcase a diverse lineup of speakers and panelists, including prominent Qatari innovators and entrepreneurs such as Abdulrahman Al Muftah, Dana Alfardan, Fahad Al Turky, and others. They will explore various aspects of design and its impact on society, covering topics like biophilic design, sustainable materials, AI, circular design, and the potential for a global Middle Eastern design language.

Al Kuwari stressed that design is not just about aesthetics, but a powerful tool for communication that can raise awareness and inspire action, as seen in the Msheireb Museums. "Design has the power to change minds and shape the future of communities and the planet," he stated. The summit will include discussions on topics like 'Can Design Save The World?' and 'Circular Design In Practice - Transforming Waste Into Resources'.

The event will culminate with the launch of the Msheireb Award for Innovation in Design, a global initiative celebrating exemplary design-driven solutions across four categories: human-centred design, sustainable design, technology-powered design, and lifestyle and luxury design. The summit aims to inspire and empower the next generation of designers and innovators to create solutions that positively impact communities and the planet.

The upcoming Innovation by Design Summit in Doha will gather leading artists, architects, business leaders, government officials, educators, and sustainability and technology experts to explore the pivotal role of design in shaping society. With its focus on circular design principles and thoughtful design as key to a more sustainable future, the event is poised to inspire the Qatari creative community and spur the development of innovative solutions to global challenges.

Key Takeaways

• Msheireb Properties CEO has advocated for sustainable design solutions.
• Innovation by Design Summit in Doha to discuss design for sustainability.
• Msheireb Properties embraces circular design principles in its projects.
• Summit to showcase Qatari innovators and explore design's impact on society.
• Msheireb Award for Innovation in Design to celebrate design-driven solutions.