One of the best things at the International Design Forum in Dubai so far, was the amazing “marathon” of interviews which was held by Rem Koolhaas and Hans-Ulrich Obrist from around 7 pm till after midnight on Monday.

This extreme-conference format was apparently developed by Koolhaas and Obrist and was apparently practiced in London before but not merely for 4 hours, but for 24 hours straight!! Read all about it in this fascinating Metropolis article.

Two Jordanians where part of the mini marathon: Mayor Omar Maani and Architect Rasem Badran (who is emerging as the conference’s leading, but somewhat tortured, contrarian).

Those who have seen Koolhaas interview/speak before told me that Koolhaas was back in his rhythm today: cynical and sharp. To Badran’s “East-West” discourse he threw a “What about East-East” question. And he accused Karim Rashid of sounding like an evangelist of the Design Religion. Just delicious!

Here are some images:

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