A curated thought-leadership programme exploring the question: Without a soul, is it a place? Futurecity joins ION at MIPIM 2026 (Cannes) March 10th-12th to discuss new ideas on place, community, culture, design and development for ION RIVA. JOIN US in the six curated ION Conversations
ION Riva A new mixed-use neighbourhood on the Black Sea coast of Istanbul integrating housing, landscape, culture, wellness and civic life into a coherent whole. Futurecity has developed an ambitious culture led placemaking strategy for ION Riva, introducing the concept of four “Culture Houses” conceived as cultural and community infrastructure around themes of health and wellness, cultural production and cultural presentation. An internationally renowned creative team including Futurecity, Snøhetta BIG - Bjarke Ingels Group , MVRDV, KEYM, Urbanion, DB Architects and Bilgin Architects are the team behind ION RIVA.
ION Conversations The ION teams’ ideas will be discussed at MIPIM at the ION Pavilion (Stand C12 A1, outside the Palais des Festivals). Designed by Snøhetta, the pavilion will host hospitality, cultural exchange and six ION Conversations, a curated thought-leadership programme exploring the question: Without a soul, is it a place? A single large round table will seat 28 people in a circular conversation. No panels. No hierarchy. Six conversations between thought leaders across the industry to shape the direction of ION development. Sign up to be one of the 28 panellists at the ION Pavilion Stand C12 A1 on Thursday 10, 11 and 12 March. Book tickets at ION Conversations on the website or email info@futurecity.co.uk
Across six roundtables, we will explore:
- NATURE — How do we build with nature?
- HOME — What makes a home different from a house?
- COMMUNITY — How do we design for human connection?
- RESPONSIBILITY — What do we owe the past, present and future?
- INNOVATION — How do we amplify life through our latest tools?
- CREATIVITY & LEARNING — How can places support imagination and growth?
NLA Champion & MIPIM Challenger
We’re delighted that Maheer Khan will be at MIPIM 2026 as both an NLA Champion and an MIPIM Challenger, championing human-centred urbanism.
As part of the ION Conversations programme, she’ll co-lead roundtables exploring the question: Without a soul, is it a place? Building on this work around emotional literacy in cities, Maheer will argue that if we want places that truly foster belonging, safety and wellbeing, we must design not just for performance — but for meaning and shared experience.
Let’s Connect in Cannes
MIPIM offers a rare moment to step back from the day-to-day and talk about what really shapes successful places — identity, culture, long-term value and shared responsibility.
If you would like to meet with Mark, Andy, George or Maheer during the week (9–13 March), we would be delighted to arrange a conversation.
To set up a meeting, please contact info@futurecity.co.uk.
We look forward to continuing the dialogue in Cannes.
image of NLA Coffee Conversation, NLA