In Prague, Design Meets Milan

From June 5 to 7, 2025, Prague’s Karlín district will host the second edition of the Rohan Design District, turning into a vibrant crossroads of ideas and experimentation across architecture, design, art, and glass craftsmanship. Under the theme Fragile World, the festival offers three days of talks, tours, installations, and performances, all free to attend with prior registration.

The event opens up to international dialogue through a new partnership with Brera Design District, strengthening the connection between Prague and Milan in the name of contemporary design. A creative bridge that broadens the horizons of the Czech festival and confirms its European ambitions. “Our collaboration with Brera Design District shows that we have something to offer at an international level,” says Lukáš Školoud, co-founder of the festival.

Since its inception in 2024, Rohan Design District has aimed to foster connections among architects, designers, and urban planners. This year, it’s set to grow significantly, both in content and collaborations. “We’re building a platform with long-term potential,” says co-founder Radek Váňa. The 2025 edition focuses on how design and architecture respond to the rapid transformation of contemporary cities.
The beating heart of the event will be the atrium of the Amazon Court building, which will host discussions with leading voices in urban development. The festival kicks off with an interview with Serge Borenstein, a key figure in Karlín’s post-flood redevelopment, followed by presentations from major developers such as Sekyra Group, Penta Real Estate, and J&T Real Estate. Among the guests are also architect Petr Tej and designer Rony Plesl, who will present his project for EXPO 2025 in Osaka.
 

The idea of fragility will be explored through a major group exhibition dedicated to contemporary Czech glass art. Curated by Jiří Pelcl, recipient of the Czech Grand Design Award, the show features works by notable designers including Lucie Koldová, Jan Plecháč, František Jungvirt, Kateřina Handlová, and Plesl himself. One of the highlights is Triumph of Trophies by Maxim Velčovský, which debuted at Milan Design Week 2025 and will now be on view at ELITE BATH+KITCHEN and bulthaup Praha showrooms.
The festival extends beyond exhibitions and talks to actively engage the local community. Events include an open-air cinema, a sports meet-up with David Luu, musical performances featuring the cast of the musical Beetlejuice, and a concert by Ondřej Gregor Brzobohatý. Guided architectural tours will take visitors through some of Karlín’s most iconic buildings, from the Fragment building and the DOCK office complex to the HolKa pedestrian bridge.

The initiative is held under the patronage of Prague’s District 8 and supported by Mayor Ondřej Gros, who highlights the festival’s cultural and community value: an opportunity to showcase how local creative forces are shaping the future of Karlín and the surrounding Rohanské nábřeží area.