Future Fest 2024: Invigorating Insights From the World’s Top Architects

This year’s Future Fest will welcome speakers from REX, Mecanoo, MVRDV, Alison Brooks Architects and more.

Get ready for a feast of architectural inspiration: Future Fest is back for a third season of engaging live talks with some of the world’s best architects!

This year’s series will take place from September 24 to 26, and every talk is 100% free to attend. We’ve assembled a roster of renowned speakers from around the globe, including speakers from REX, Alison Brooks Architects, Mecanoo and more, to offer their insights from three critical perspectives: Renewing, Rethinking, and Regenerating architecture.

Explore the talks below and register for those that interest you. By registering, you’ll ensure that you receive a link to watch the talk on the day of the event — completely free! We look forward to seeing you soon to learn and get inspired for the future of design.

Day 1 | Tuesday, September 24

The House of Courtyards designed by Studio VDGA, Dubai, United Arab Emirates | Photo by Ema Peter Photography | Popular Choice Winner, Architecture +Photography, 12th Annual A+Awards

Talk 1 | How Collaboration Enhances Architectural Photography with Ema Peter and Studio VDGA

Date/Time: Tuesday, September 24, 10 am ET

Special Guests: Ema Peter, Principal at Ema Peter Photography and Deepak Gugarii, Founder of Studio VDGA

To kick off Future Fest 2024, discover the powerful partnership between Ema Peter and Studio VDGA as they explore the intersection of architecture and photography. This talk will reveal how architect-photographer collaboration transforms complex designs into compelling narratives.

Talk 2 | How MVRDV’s Joyful Design Ethos Is Innovating Urban Futures

Date/Time: Tuesday, September 24, 1 pm ET

Special Guest: Klaas Hofman, Senior Associate and Architect, MVRDV

In this presentation, learn how MVRDV revitalizes outdated structures and transforms urban environments into vibrant community spaces. Explore the firm’s innovative projects that blend functionality with joy, creating unique mixed-use developments that cater to diverse needs.

Talk 3 | How Foster + Partners Are Pioneering New Forms of Urban Architecture

Date/Time: Tuesday, September 24, 3 pm ET

Special Guest: Nicola Scaranaro, Partner, Foster + Partners

Dive into Foster + Partner’s pioneering approach that harmonizes contextual sensitivity with technological innovation. This talk will explore how the firm tackles complex urban projects, including high-rise commercial and mixed-use developments, while integrating sustainability.

Day 2 | Wednesday, September 25

Perelman Performing Arts Center at the World Trade Center by REX, New York City, New York | Photo by Iwan Baan | Popular Choice Winner, Hall/Theatre, 12th Annual A+Awards

Talk 4 | How REX Is Reimagining Performance Architecture

Date/Time: Wednesday, September 25, 11 am ET

Special Guest: Joshua Ramus, Founding Principal, REX

The Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC) is a cultural keystone in the World Trade Center master plan. Discover how this dynamic design integrates architectural ingenuity with community-centric values, resulting in an adaptable performance space that enhances artistic expression and fosters a deep connection between the audience and the performance.

Talk 5 | How HDR Is Designing Meaningful Architecture for a New Era

Date/Time:Wednesday, September 25, 1 pm ET

Special Guest: With 5 Practice Leaders from HDR

Led by Global Design Director Brian Kowalchuk, FAIA, this conversation will explore how contemporary design addresses the evolving needs of institutions like hospitals and academic campuses, emphasizing the integration of technology, equity, and sustainability to create human-centered environments that drive positive change..

Talk 6 | How Practice for Architecture & Urbanism | PAU Is Advancing Adaptive Reuse

Date/Time:Wednesday, September 25, 3 pm ET

Special Guests: Vishaan Chakrabarti, Founder & Creative Director, and Ruchika Modi, Principal, Practice for Architecture & Urbanism | PAU

Vishaan Chakrabarti and Ruchika Modi, as they discuss their transformative project, The Refinery, which revitalizes the historic Domino Sugar complex while preserving its industrial character. Attendees will learn about designing accessible, community-focused spaces, crafting narratives that honor history, and integrating biophilic elements with sustainable materials.

Day 3 | Thursday, September 26

Exeter College Cohen Quad by Alison Brooks Architects, Oxford, United Kingdom | Photo by Hufton+Crow

Talk 7 | How Alison Brooks Architecture Crafts Community and Civic Spaces

Date/Time: Thursday, September 26, 11 am ET

Special Guest: Alison Brooks, Founder & Creative Director, Alison Brooks Architects

Join Alison Brooks as she discusses her practice’s unique approach to architecture, emphasizing the importance of cultural research in fostering community engagement. Discover how her projects exemplify a sculptural design language that enhances civic identity and inclusivity.

Talk 8 | How Mecanoo Finds Identity in a Globalized World

Date/Time: Thursday, September 26, 1 pm ET

Special Guest: Rodrigo Louro, Associate Architect at Mecanoo

Delve into how unique architectural dialects shape our built environments, as Mecanoo discusses how contemporary buildings can contribute to local identity. This talk will showcase recent projects, highlighting their shared goal of area regeneration while emphasizing human-centered design, cohesive narratives, and fundamental sustainability in architecture.

Talk 9 | How Salagnac Arquitectos Connects With Nature Through Architecture

Date/Time: Thursday, September 26, 3 pm ET

Special Guest: Lucca Spendlingwimmer & Evangelina Quesada, Principals at Salagnac Arquitectos

Contemporary Tropical Architecture promotes the maximum integration of the building and the environment, lowering its impact on the natural world. Dive into this design philosophy with the award-winning Costa Rican firm Salagnac Arquitectos, as the firm’s founders explain the creative process behind their stunning, sustainable brand of architecture.

Interested in accessing the recordings to previous editions of Future Fest?

Follow this link for the full 2023 program.

Follow this link for the full 2022 program.

Top image: Tainan Public Library by Mecanoo, Tainan City, Taiwan