International Visitors Programme
Joseph Zeal-Henry visited the Design Biennale Rotterdam from 18 to 20 February 2025. During the biennale, he took part in a variety of events and activities exploring the intersection of design, culture and innovation. His time here was characterised by meaningful exchanges, stimulating discussions and an enriching exploration of the role of design in global narratives.
His arrival was marked by a welcome dinner at Rotterdam's De Ballentent. The Design Biennale’s two co-founders were among the guests, as were Johannes Offerhaus, Giles Tettey Nartey and other participating designers, as well as the journalist Osman Can Yerebakan.
Before the biennale began, Zeal-Henry met Tim Wes, a Rotterdam-based designer and musician who is also the owner of the Kunstfabriek exhibition space and bar. As part of his contribution to the biennale, Zeal-Henry screened one of his films at the Kunstfabriek.
On 19 February, the day began with a guided tour of the Design Biennale Rotterdam exhibitions, during which Zeal-Henry engaged with the works on display. He later delivered a captivating keynote speech at the Nieuwe Instituut as part of the Design Biennale Conference. In his keynote, he focused on the connection between Rotterdam and Boston, two port cities united by their workers’ mentality and their shared history in global trade and innovation. In the evening, he attended the opening event at the Baanhof, where he met other designers and cultural figures. During the event, he gave an interview to Monocle about his keynote speech and its themes.
The next day, 20 February, he joined a panel discussion at the Huidenclub, alongside curator Amanda Pinatih and cultural agent Zineb Seghrouchni. The panel explored how designers are reshaping narratives, bridging diverse traditions and reimagining the global design canon. The conversation offered fresh perspectives on the influence of design on identity in today’s interconnected world.
To conclude his visit, Joseph Zeal-Henry visited OMA, where he joined Samir Bantal, the director of OMA’s inhouse research studio AMO, for an exclusive tour, giving him an in-depth insight into the office’s innovative work.
Joseph Zeal-Henry is a designer, urbanist and curator whose practice advocates for a more equitable built environment through policy and cultural production. His multidisciplinary practice works to develop public infrastructure through public service and culture. He has written for Tank Magazine, Dezeen, Casabella and The Architectural Review. He is currently the 2024 Loeb/ArtLab Fellow at Harvard University.