The Italian Design Day (IDD), now in its tenth edition, is the annual thematic initiative launched in 2017 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in collaboration with and with the support of the Ministry of Culture.
The IDD features a wide program of events organized worldwide by the network of Italian Embassies, Consulates, Italian Cultural Institutes, and ITA Offices abroad, with over one hundred ambassadors each year promoting the excellence and creativity of Italian design.
Under the theme “Re-Design. Regenerating spaces, objects, ideas, relations”, IDD 2026 focuses on urban regeneration and circular economy, emphasizing the role of design and architecture in addressing global challenges. Inspired by the debate fostered by the Biennale di Venezia and the exhibition at MAXXI, the initiative showcases Italy’s distinctive approach rooted in a long-standing cultural and technical heritage and in cities shaped by continuous transformation — combining sustainability, social inclusion, and technological innovation.
A key focus is the dialogue with China, where the adaptive reuse of industrial heritage has become central to urban development strategies. The event in Beijing, featuring architect Paolo Desideri of Roma Tre University, will present significant Italian and Chinese regeneration projects, including Rome’s Porta Metronia metro-museum station, fostering collaboration among academic, institutional, and business communities in both countries.
The Italian Design Day promotes an integrated and forward-looking vision of regeneration that strengthens communities, fosters innovation, and drives sustainable growth.
