Sometimes, a historic space becomes the perfect scene for talking about the future. On October 17, 2024, the Palace of Culture in Iași transformed into a stage for dialogue between architecture, design, and the creative community. There, BEYOND – A Vitra Experience brought together nearly 40 architecture studios from Iași, Chișinău, and London, in an evening where design objects became starting points for conversations, encounters, and inspiration. 

BEYOND is more than just a series of events – it is an invitation to engage in open, authentic dialogue about design and architecture, about process, intention, and impact. Born out of a desire to foster meaningful connections between professionals and iconic names in the design industry, BEYOND explores what lies behind the object – whether it’s a piece of furniture, a lighting fixture, or the built environment itself. 

The atmosphere carried a sense of both familiarity and discovery, where old friends reconnected and new bonds naturally took shape. Vitra’s iconic pieces, displayed like works of art, were more than simple objects – they became catalysts for dialogue, tangible expressions of a philosophy where functionality intertwines with the poetry of form. 

The event was organized together with our long-standing partners Project1, Vitra’s representatives in Romania, and was enriched by the presence of special guests. Robert Atkinson, from IA Interior Architects London Studio – our collaborators for over a decade – shared insights into an architecture that blends rigor with creativity. Meanwhile, Patrizia Bartolini, Vitra Regional Sales Manager, guided us through a captivating presentation that revealed not only the brand’s philosophy but also the unseen stories behind each piece. 

More than an exhibition or a presentation, A Vitra Experience was a journey. A journey in which we rediscovered the power of design to shape the places we live in, and to influence the way we work, dream, and relate to space. 

This first edition aspires to become the beginning of a tradition in Iași: an annual celebration of creativity, where architecture and design meet the people who give them meaning. 

arh. Cristina Varhanioschi, Medaru Architects