6 days Ago By Qatar Tribune
Qatar tribune Tribune News Network Doha VCUarts Qatar and Anthro-Tech Ateliers will host a public lecture and panel discussion on ‘Design for Humanitarian Crisis Response’ on April 14, in collaboration with the Embassy of Sweden to the State of Qatar. The event, scheduled for 4:00 pm at The Atrium, VCUarts Qatar, will explore how design thinking and innovation can help communities affected by displacement, conflict, and environmental crises. The session will begin with welcome remarks by the Dean of VCUarts Qatar, Amir Berbić, followed by a keynote lecture from Johan Karlsson, managing director at Better Shelter, a humanitarian nonprofit developing temporary shelters for displaced people.
Johan will share insights from over a decade of work at the intersection of design, engineering, and humanitarian response. “As designers, we have the unique responsibility not only to create beautiful and functional spaces but also to address the critical needs of those affected by disasters and conflict. This panel discussion highlights the transformative power of design in humanitarian efforts, offering innovative solutions that can provide shelter, dignity, and hope to those in need during the most challenging times.
It is our privilege and duty to be part of this conversation and to drive change through thoughtful, empathetic design,” said Amir Berbić, Dean, VCUarts Qatar. “Sweden has long championed innovation with purpose – where design, sustainability, and human rights go hand in hand. This event reflects our strong belief in the power of creativity to solve real-world challenges.
We are proud to support a conversation that brings together designers, academics, and humanitarian actors to co-create solutions that offer safety, restore agency, and rebuild lives in times of crisis,” stated Ambassador of Sweden to the State of Qatar, HE Gautam Bhattacharyya, underscoring Sweden’s commitment to global humanitarian innovation. The keynote will be followed by a panel discussion between Dr. Alkindi Aljawabra, director, Qatar Museums and Johan Karlsson, Better Shelter, moderated by Dr.
Johan Granberg, professor of Interior Design at VCUarts Qatar. This event aims to inspire dialogue around how designers, architects, and students can contribute to global humanitarian efforts through creative, scalable, and culturally responsive thinking and practice. “At Better Shelter, we believe that thoughtful, human-centred design, developed in collaboration with humanitarian organisations, donors, and academia, can help restore a sense of agency and hope for people who have lost everything.
I look forward to sharing our journey and learning from others working at the intersection of creativity and crisis,” said Johan Karlsson, managing director, Better Shelter. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact: Kathryn London-Penny, director of communications at VCUarts Qatar: [email protected] Copy 13/04/2025 10.
