Mariana Pestana

Mariana Pestana works and lives in Lisbon. She is an architect, researcher and curator specialized in the field of contemporary design and architecture. Her work materializes in cultural programs that take the form of exhibitions, events, conferences, installations, and publications. She is co-founder and director of The Decorators, an interdisciplinary studio that makes collaborative projects ranging from furniture to buildings, with the aim to expand notions of place, community and commensality (eating together). Mariana was the curator of the 5th Istanbul Design Biennial titled “Empathy Revisited: designs for more than one” (2020-21). Previously, she curated several exhibitions, such as “Eco-Visionaries” (MAAT, Lisbon; Matadero, Madrid; and Royal Academy, London) and “The Future Starts Here” (V&A, 2018). Having lectured at Central Saint Martins (2011-14) and Chelsea College of Arts (2012-16) among other universities, Mariana is currently an Invited Assistant Professor at Instituto Superior Técnico in Lisbon.