The experience period is starting at D-ESIGN Arena and Marble İzmir.

A New Center for Design and Experience at Marble İzmir:
D-ESIGN Arena

At Marble İzmir, to be held by İzmir Metropolitan Municipality between April 14–17, Hall D is being transformed into a dynamic experience space where design, innovation, and commercial collaborations meet under the concept of “D-ESIGN Arena.”

A significant innovation will be introduced this year at Marble İzmir – International Natural Stone and Technologies Fair, organized by İZFAŞ and hosted by İzmir Metropolitan Municipality on April 14–17. Hall D has been redesigned under the concept of “D-ESIGN Arena,” becoming a new attraction point where interaction and sectoral gatherings will intensify. With D-ESIGN Arena, the aspect of design that transforms into producibility and commercial value is highlighted, aiming to create a holistic interaction space that brings innovation together with the industry.

İZFAŞ General Manager Tuğçe Cumalıoğlu stated regarding the redesigned Hall D:
“The growing trade volume and occupancy level of Marble İzmir required a stronger step in the fair’s structure. With D-ESIGN Arena, we are creating a dynamic meeting space where design and art are visible, sectoral knowledge and experiences are shared, and international commercial interactions are intensified. We do not see our fairs merely as commercial platforms where products are exhibited, but as communication spaces where the sector comes together, interaction is strengthened, and new collaborations emerge. In line with this approach, D-ESIGN Arena will host many events—from the natural stone design competition to talk programs, from the Sculpture Workshop exhibition to international B2B meetings. We believe this new concept will enrich the fair experience while further strengthening sectoral interaction and business connections.”

8th International Natural Stone Design Competition

One of the key components of D-ESIGN Arena will be the 8th International Different Natural Stone Design Competition, organized within the scope of Marble İzmir. The competition aims to encourage the transformation of marble and natural stone into high value-added and innovative products, increase the sector’s international competitiveness, and guide young designers toward production-oriented ideas.

With participation from 67 universities across 8 countries, a total of 724 projects were submitted. Projects ranged from decorative items to unique furniture, functional designs for home and office use, and products such as sinks and bathtubs—all using natural stone and its waste materials. While producibility, innovative use of materials, and commercialization potential were key evaluation criteria, 19 finalist projects have been brought into production and will be exhibited at D-ESIGN Arena during the fair. Awards will be presented at a ceremony on the opening day.

Sculpture Workshop Works to Be Exhibited

As part of the Marble İzmir Sculpture Workshop, works created by six sculptors through a live production model at Fuar İzmir between March 16 and April 8, 2026, will be exhibited at D-ESIGN Arena during the fair dates (April 14–17).

Curated by sculptor Ekin Erman, the workshop features works by Bahadır Hızol, Çağdaş Erçelik, Dilşad Akçayöz, Orhan Gazi Keskin, Özkan Arslan, and Tonguç Sercan. These works will offer visitors the opportunity to experience the transformation of natural stone into artistic form on-site. After the fair, the sculptures will be placed in various locations across İzmir as permanent installations.

Talks Focused on Design and Architecture with Marble Talks

D-ESIGN Arena will also host Marble Talks sessions featuring local and international speakers, including professionals from the natural stone sector, architects, academics, and designers. The program will address current approaches, design trends, and application examples in the sector. In addition to professional visitors, architecture and design students will also have the opportunity to attend and gain insights.

A Dedicated Space for Business Connections

Within D-ESIGN Arena, the Marble B2B Lounge will serve as a key meeting point supporting the fair’s international trade volume. Industry professionals, buyers, and participating companies from around the world will be able to conduct scheduled one-on-one business meetings.

The Marble VIP Lounge, located in the same area, will function as a networking space where sector representatives can come together and establish connections.