The curators will independently interpret the theme “Imperfection”, adopted at the suggestion of Deyan Sudjic, Director of The Design Museum in London, and a member of the biennial’s advisory board. Emre Arolat and Joseph Grima will present two different approaches within the framework of the biennial theme. The framework of their curatorial studies will be announced at the beginning of 2012.

Emre Arolat studied architecture at Mimar Sinan University, and co-founded Emre Arolat Architects (EAA) with Gonca Paşolar in 2004. Arolat, who has held the presidential membership in ISMD, is a member of TMMOB Chamber of Architects. He has had teaching experiences at architectural design studios and as a project jury at several universities in Turkey.

Joseph Grima is a Milan-based architect, editor, writer and curator. He is the editor of Domus, the internationally renowned magazine of contemporary architecture, design and art founded by Gio Ponti in Milan. He is the former director of Storefront for Art and Architecture, a non-profit gallery and events space in New York City devoted to the advancement of innovative positions in art and architecture.

The first Istanbul Design Biennial, will be realized between 13 October–12 December 2012 by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts.