The South X Southwest Festival 2025 in Austin explored themes of human
connection, truth, AI’s evolution, and longevity amidst rapid change.
Speakers sidestepped political drama, focusing on technology’s impact and
the need for grounded experiences.
Photo Credits: Van Der Beken. Bryan Johnson, on stage (Hubert Vestil). Meredith Whitaker,
CEO of Signal, in conversation with Guy Kawasaki (Jason Bollenbacher). Courtesy: SXSW.
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SXSW 2025
MILAN DESIGN WEEK 2025
PREVIEW.
"Mondi Connessi: Designing
for a Connected World," will
take place from April 7-13.
Three subjects - person,
technology and nature -,
created through AI, interpret
and narrate this year's
theme, by Silvia Badalotti.
Circularity emerges as the
central theme of the
campaign: mankind creates
technology, technology
impacts nature, and damage
to nature inevitably affects
mankind.
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BY CLAUDIA STEINAM PUBLISHED: 16 MARCH 2025
A key attraction was Refik Anadol’s AI-powered „Earth Dreams,“
translating environmental data into captivating visuals. The event also
featured diverse programming, including Arab cinema, sustainable
desert food production, and an
appearance by Emirati astronaut
Hazzaa Al Mansoori. Creative
director Brendan McGetrick
emphasized the importance of
Dubai’s optimism, given prevalent
grim future perspectives. He cited
the UAE’s rapid development in just
fifty years as an example of what’s
achievable. The pop-up aimed to
inspire curiosity and a positive view
of Dubai, showcasing its emerging
role as a global innovation and
creativity leader.
SPECIAL.
HOTEL SAINT CECILIA
AUSTIN.
A secluded 14 room oasis
situated mere steps from the
heart of the South Congress
neighborhood in Austin.
“Saints have no moderation,
nor do poets, just exuberance.”
- Anne Sexton
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