Meet Christian Bezzina & Dania Douaidari

FiftySix Design Talks: Mediterranean Tales of Furniture

As spring ushers in new beginnings, the FiftySix Design Talks series is set to bloom with an extraordinary session dedicated to the art of furniture design. This March, we’re bridging continents and cultures, hosting a special edition that promises to be a confluence of tradition, innovation, and craftsmanship. Join us for an evening where the tactile strength of metal blends with the beauty of mosaics and textiles, presented by two remarkable designers: Christian Bezzina of Medina Steels and Dania Douaidari of Dania D. Designs.
Christian Bezzina
Christian Bezzina

Christian Bezzina: Crafting Dreams into Steel

From the heart of Malta, Christian Bezzina, the visionary behind Medina Steels, transforms steel into statements of style and function. With a philosophy that centers around the motto ‘We create your imagination,’ Christian’s workshop is a hub of creativity where metal bends to the will of innovation. His bespoke pieces, ranging from elegant dining tables to intricate mirrors and artful ornaments, reflect a commitment to craftsmanship and the limitless possibilities of custom metalwork. Nestled within a restored WWII-era nissen hut, Medina Steels is not just a studio but a sanctuary where dreams are forged into reality.
Dania Douaidari
Dania Douaidari

Dania Douaidari: Weaving Heritage with Modern Elegance

Venture further across the Mediterranean to the ancient city of Damascus, where Dania Douaidari crafts furniture that narrates tales of Syrian heritage and Mediterranean charm. Through Dania D. Designs, she offers a collection that is a reflection of her homeland’s beauty of enchantment. Utilizing locally sourced materials like wood, brass, rattan, and the traditional art of mosaics, Dania’s creations are a mosaic of cultural narratives, blending the old with the new. Her work, enriched with elements like mother of pearl and Arabic calligraphy, is a celebration of Syrian artistry and the seamless melding of Mediterranean aesthetics.
FiftySix Design Talks by Valletta Design Cluster & the Golden Glitch

A Dialogue of Design: Malta Meets Syria

This edition of FiftySix Design Talks, set to be hosted in Friggieri Hall at the Valletta Design Cluster on Wednesday, 27th March 2024, at 1830hrs, marks a significant milestone by bridging the Mediterranean’s diverse voices through a digital-meets-physical format. We are proud to welcome Dania Douaidari online from Syria, alongside Christian Bezzina in Malta, transcending geographical boundaries to unite a community passionate about design. Prepare to be immersed in a rich conversation that explores furniture design’s multifaceted nature, from the robust integrity of steel to the intricate art of mosaic work. This event promises a deep dive into how both designers, drawing from their rich cultural heritages, influence modern design narratives to create pieces that resonate with functionality and profound meaning.

FiftySix Design Talks is an exciting collaboration between The Golden Glitch and the Valletta Design Cluster. This dynamic partnership brings together artists, designers, and innovators for a series of talks that explore the intersection of tradition and modernity in design. It’s a space where time-honored crafts meet contemporary ideas, all hosted within the historic walls of Valletta.

Want to join us at our next FiftySix Design Talks?
RSVP now!

The Latest on FiftySix Design Talks