Promotion: Spanish surfaces company Cosentino has welcomed hundreds of international designers to Almeria, Spain, as part of C-Next Designers Europe, one of the continent's largest interior design conventions.

The four-day design conference showcases the work of almost 300 leading interior design and architecture professionals from 17 countries across Europe. The event, which takes place from 1 to 4 October 2023, features a series of keynotes, panels and immersive activities led by designers including Tom Dixon and Andrés Reisinger.

Launched two years ago in North America by global company Cosentino – a leading producer of sustainable building surfaces – this year's edition of C-Next Designers sees Cosentino pilot its involvement in the European interior design sector.

Centred around the theme of "designing a meaningful future", the convention aims to highlight innovations shaping the future of design.

In addition to a guided tour of the company's industrial park and an exhibition at the Cabogata Beach Hotel featuring products from each participating designer, the convention includes a series of keynote talks by global designers.

Among the talks is a presentation by British designer Tom Dixon, in which he showcases Metamorphic, a sculptural installation created in collaboration with Cosentino to challenge traditional bathroom design.

Known for his influential lighting and furniture designs, British designer Dixon will discuss the inspiration behind his installation and the idea of embracing a new approach to interior design.

An additional talk by British interior designer Claudia Afshar and Cosentino's product and innovation director Valentin Tijeras explores Ukiyo – a new approach to wall cladding that uses Dekton material, in the context of luxury bathroom design.

Digital artist Andres Reisinger adds to the programme of talks with a discussion on artificial intelligence in design. Known for his dream-like imagery, Reisinger's recent works – which often involve NFTs – include a collection of "impossible" virtual furniture designed to be placed in 3D virtual spaces.

Other sessions at the event include immersive activities that invite guests into the Cosentino labs and factory facilities. Urban Bonfire CEO Ryan Bloom will lead a discussion on the rising idea of outdoor rooms, while Material Bank head of Europe Philippe Brocart will explore the fastest and most sustainable material selection methods.

Also involved with the convention are design studios Gaggenau, FormaFantasma, and Vibia, as well as industry professionals including Zaha Hadid Architects head of interior architecture, Kar-Hwa Ho and Dezeen editorial director, Max Fraser.

For more information on C-Next Designers Europe, visit its website.

Partnership content

This article was written by Dezeen for Cosentino as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.