People + Place honours the vital relationship between people, community, and the spaces we live, work, and come together – in an increasingly digital world.

At its heart, design is about people – their emotions, needs, and how we make sense of the environments that shape us. From indigenous knowledge systems to contemporary practice, Aotearoa’s unique design identity offers a powerful lens for creating inclusive, sustainable, and human-centred futures.

ADW 2026 invites everyone – from creatives to the creatively curious – to explore how design can foster social connection, spark conversation, and build a deeper sense of belonging, both locally and globally.