Dubai Design Week returns home to d3 in November with diverse events

Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

Held under the patronage of Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and member of the Dubai Council, in strategic partnership with Dubai Design District (d3), a member of TECOM Group PJSC, and supported by Dubai Culture, Dubai Design Week (DDW) returns to its home in d3 (Nov. 7-12). The free-to-attend event will host its most diverse programme of events and activities yet, including exhibitions, new commissions, pop-ups, talks, workshops, as well as other innovative design projects and experiences. A key feature of this year’s programme will be large-scale outdoor installations with a focus on how design, science and technology can converge to reclaim materials of the past, as well as reimagine new forms that foster sustainable practices with immersive public interventions made from materials such as palm leaves, loofah, sugar and paper pulp, with 3-D printed architecture at the forefront.

The event aims to attract more than 150,000 visitors to d3, a global creative hub, including architects, designers, thought leaders, influencers and public audiences from the region and around the world. It would further cement Dubai’s position as the design and creative capital of the Middle East and a UNESCO City of Design. Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of d3, said: “Through Dubai Design Week, we look forward to providing a platform for extraordinary talent hailing from d3 and the UAE, the broader region, and beyond, to exhibit their work and influences globally.” Natasha Carella, Programming Director for Dubai Design Week, said that “we aim to foster a dialogue around sustainability … which we see as pivotal for the future of the design industry.” Dr Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, CEO of the Arts and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, said: “Dubai Design Week serves as our annual tribute to the world of design and the designers who shape it.”

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The highlight event of DDW is undoubtedly Downtown Design; it is gearing up for a tenth edition at d3 Waterfront Terrace (Nov. 8 – 11). Downtown Design showcases the latest collections, innovative products and design solutions, complemented by a line-up of creative concepts and installations, experiences and industry events in interior design, furniture, lighting and home accessories. Returning to this year’s programme, Abwab is an annually remodelled feature acting as a platform for regional design talent from across the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia. The festival’s commission has been awarded to Emirati architect and founder of MULA design studio, Abdalla Almulla. He will create an architectural pavilion centred round sustainability and materiality.

Urban Commissions also returns this year inviting designers and architects to propose innovative outdoor furniture in the public domain. The winning design, which will be unveiled at the festival in d3, has been selected by a jury panel consisting of experts in the design field, including Ahmad Bukhash, Robert Shakespeare and Cyril Zammit. The Week will feature over 20 outdoor installations and projects, with a focus on how design, science and technology can converge to reclaim and transform traditional materials, as well as reimagine new forms that foster sustainable practices. FabPub, a joint venture between Mamou-Mani Architects and Therme Group will showcase The Altostrata, a 3-D-printed architectural pavilion made from biodegradable sugar-based PLA and eco-cooling walls made entirely from loofah and a paper pulp modular system, as well as other interactive interventions; architects Wael Al Awar and Kazuma Yamao, of waiwai, will present Urban Hadeera, a prototype of a traditional structural shelter, using sustainable cement alternatives developed through their award-winning research project Wetland Lab.

A series of exhibitions will showcase the latest in design from the region and beyond, including the annual UAE Designer Exhibition, curated by Fatma Al Mahmoud and supported by Dubai Culture. It will highlight work from new and emerging UAE-based designers; 100/100 Best Arabic Poster, supported by 421, presents posters from the region that aim to document the Arab world’s visual culture and The Royal College of Art from London will feature projects that explore sustainability, design and emerging technologies linked to themes including textiles, healthcare, infrastructure and the rehabilitation of environments. Student projects, a materials library and works by emerging and established architectural firms, will also be showcased.

A line-up of talks, workshops and masterclasses will offer visitors of all ages hands-on activities, guided by a range of practitioners, ranging from professors of world-renowned institutions to expert facilitators and craftsmen. The opening keynote is by Lidewijk Edelkoort at The Forum in Downtown Design. Those looking to take a piece of DDW home can visit the The Marketplace (Nov. 11-12). It is a shopping experience in d3 that displays products from the city’s creatives, artisans and small businesses, from handcrafted unique goods and sustainably sourced products to a wide range of delicious food and children’s activities.

d3 is a cutting-edge retail district offering a variety of multi-brand boutiques, fashion brands, art galleries and showrooms. In addition, it is home to leading companies and talent including architects, interior designers, photography studios, product and fashion designers. Some of the region’s most popular events take place in d3 such as Arab Fashion Week and Sole DXB. The district also regularly hosts a roster of industry talks, workshops and educational programming, accessible to people of all ages. Dubai Culture develops regulatory frameworks for the emirate’s cultural and creative sectors, based on the priorities of its strategic roadmap 2020 – 2025.