Samir Bantal
Samir Bantal, architect and director of AMO, OMA’s research studio founded to address the changing nature of architectural clients. AMO transforms brands into cultural platforms, and explores speculative futures for private and public entities. Under his leadership, AMO has redefined how fashion houses, institutions, and corporations engage with contemporary culture through research, exhibitions and design.
His “Countryside: The Future” research project with Rem Koolhaas and Harvard examined rural transformations, culminating in a major Guggenheim exhibition that questioned urban-centric futures. Bantal’s relationship with Virgil Abloh transcended retail, producing the influential “Figures of Speech” exhibition and Off-White stores that blur boundaries between commerce, culture, and community space.
His vision for Stone Island creates environments that articulate the brand’s fabric approach through material innovation and turning the store into a platform for design collaborations. Recent projects include the interior and film for Qatar’s pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Nike collaborations, and museum developments, demonstrating how architectural methodology addresses contemporary cultural challenges.
Samir is the keynote speaker of the plenary opening of the festival during the afternoon programme of WDCD Live on 6 June at Pakhuis de Zwijger in Amsterdam. To attend, you’ll need a passe-partout ticket for the full festival day.
🎟️ Get your ticket here!