We are an organisation that uses design research methodology for social impact.
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Who?
We are an international team of multidisciplinary designers and researchers, who are dedicated to creating awareness about the value of design & design thinking.
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Why?
Because we believe that the design process has the potential to improve all aspects of life for everyone when applied to a well-researched problem.
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What?
We develop design research tools & methods for a variety of projects. We also organise international design related events, seminars, conferences, and workshops.
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How?
By recognising the potential of creative people, and bringing them together to collaborate as a multidisciplinary and intercultural team through the use of design research tools and empathy.
The MENA Design Research Center is a non-profit organisation. Founded in 2011, it remains one the region's few institutions that focus on Design as a multidisciplinary tool for social development and research. In 2012, the center initiated and organised the first Beirut Design Week, which set off the beginning of design weeks in the Middle East & North Africa.
Projects
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Egyptian Cycling Observatory
Under the framework of Tandem 360 program by MitOst, MENA DRC collaborated with Tabdeel from Egypt to provide strategic design and facilitation of product development for a digital platform dedicated to urban cycling in Egypt. Read more about the collaboration here.
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Between the City & the Camp
Under the framework of Creative Force program by the Swedish Institute, MENA DRC collaborated with Disorder from Sweden on a mapping and research project that investigates the relationship between the city and the camp.
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Beirut Design Week
Started in 2012, BDW is a national design festival that showcases the best of Lebanese and international design in order to strengthen creative economies and foster entrepreneurship, all within the context of region’s rich cultural heritage.
Learn more by visiting www.beirutdesignweek.org -
Desmeem
In 2012, 30 Designers came together in Lebanon to work in collaboration with Lebanese NGOS and local communities to tackle 10 social and environmental challenges that the country faces. This documentary reflects the highlights and process of three months of working on the DESMEEM project.
Watch the documentary to learn more about the project. -
The Design Industry in the Lebanese Creative Economy
A preliminary report discussing the design industry in Lebanon through a research conducted by MENA Design Research Center in 2016. Read the report here.
