Italian Design Day: A Platform for Cultural Exchange
On March 25, the Italian Embassy in Morocco, in collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency and the Italian Cultural Institute in Rabat, will host the tenth edition of the Italian Design Day (IDD) at the Palace of Italian Institutions in Tangier. This event, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), serves as a vital platform for enhancing the visibility of Italian design and fostering structured dialogue among institutional, professional, and academic actors. Under the theme “Re-Design: Rethinking Spaces, Objects, Ideas, and Relationships,” this year’s edition marks a significant milestone in the initiative's ongoing evolution.
The initiative encourages a reflection on the role of design and architecture in improving the quality of life while addressing current challenges such as sustainability, spatial transformation, and resource optimization. Design is viewed as a tangible tool that can influence the quality of the built environment, enhance the functionality of spaces, and add value to knowledge. The concept of “regeneration” involves reinterpreting existing structures, integrating historical assets, and ensuring continuity in design processes, thereby paving the way for innovative solutions.
Fostering Dialogue Between Italy and Morocco
According to Pasquale Salzano, the Italian Ambassador in Rabat, this tenth edition of the Italian Design Day exemplifies the desire to deepen the already vibrant dialogue between Italy and Morocco regarding spatial design and quality of life. He emphasized that the theme of “Re-Design” highlights an approach based on appreciating cultural heritage while reinterpreting it in light of contemporary changes. In rapidly evolving regions, it is crucial to promote a design culture that unites memory, innovation, and sustainability, creating concrete opportunities for collaboration between the actors of both countries.
Developing appropriate responses to current realities while seamlessly integrating historical, cultural, and territorial contexts is essential. The internationally recognized Italian experience is rooted in the ability to blend tradition with innovation, design culture with craftsmanship. This harmony is reflected in a network of companies, artisans, and creatives who bring these principles to life through projects distinguished by quality and longevity. Morocco, undergoing a rapid transformation of its territories and urban structures, represents an important arena for meaningful dialogue about the role of design in shaping living environments. The richness of its heritage, the vibrancy of its knowledge, and the growth of the architecture and urban planning industry open avenues for collaboration based on complementary approaches and the exchange of expertise.
The 2026 edition will feature the renowned Italian architect and interior designer Tommaso Ziffer, known for his work on luxury hotels and exclusive interior design. Ziffer has built a reputation for creating prestigious hotels, resorts, and private residences, developing an approach that merges Italian tradition, craftsmanship excellence, and contemporary innovation. His presentation will focus on modern design practices, particularly the reinterpretation of styles and the integration of memory into architecture and interior design projects. This session will also provide an opportunity to honor Valentino, an icon of Italian fashion, who recently passed away. Valentino's work has significantly shaped an understanding of elegance and stylistic continuity.
With a design philosophy characterized by clean lines, meticulous material selection, and a distinctive language of form, Valentino embodies a vision where creation and legacy coexist harmoniously. His career offers profound insights into the relationships between fashion, design, and architecture, which are central to the discussions of this edition. The event will include a conference followed by a discussion featuring the Italian architect and several prominent Moroccan figures, including Hicham Lahlou, a designer and interior architect; Karim Sbai, President of the Regional Council of the Architects' Chamber of the Center (CROAC); and Tarik Rhemiss, Editor-in-Chief of "ID Prestige" magazine. The dialogue will focus on the revitalization of urban spaces, the evolution of dining establishments, the integration of artisanal skills, and the conditions necessary for implementing sustainable approaches in projects.
Luigi d'Aprea, Director of the Italian Trade Agency, noted that this event offers an excellent opportunity for dialogue and exchange within the framework of cooperation between Italy and Morocco. It allows businesses, architects, designers, engineers, urban planners, craftsmen, and exhibition spaces to come together and develop projects collaboratively. From residential projects to public spaces and urban furniture, as well as interior design and accessories, Italy offers its experience, quality, and innovative spirit. D'Aprea highlighted that in 2025, Italian furniture exports to Morocco reached 90 million euros, reflecting the growing interest of consumers and industry experts. These results are largely due to the dedication of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), family businesses, workshops, creatives, and artisans who passionately engage in daily innovation and project development.
During the event, Hicham Lahlou will be awarded the title of Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, acknowledging his contributions to the development of design and the promotion of professional and cultural exchanges between Italy, Morocco, and the African continent. With this edition, the Italian Design Day reaffirms its role as a platform for dialogue and collaboration, contributing to the shared engagement with issues surrounding design, architecture, and territorial change.
As reported by agenzianova.com.
