The countdown is on for the third edition of Downtown Design as it presents its biggest offering — over 90 of the world’s most authentic and innovative design brands — at its new home, Dubai Design District.
As the region’s only trade show dedicated to premium interior brands, Downtown Design wears many hats. Not only does it offer designers, builders, architects and suppliers a platform from which they can connect and conduct business, the show eventually contributes to the growth of our regional creative community by establishing a wider appreciation of authentic design and true quality.
“My goal was to build on the success of the past two years and maintain the quality of the exhibitors, but also to create a fair where the region’s buyers and consumers could find a diverse mix of new brands, undiscovered talents and inspiration,” says Fair Director Rue Kothari. “We spent time talking to both buyers and brands in the region to better understand their needs and objectives and were able to build a response to better serve the needs of both.”
The result? 6,000 sq m of show space that brings together more than 25 countries represented across 15 different product categories. The geographical diversity reflects both the ambition of the fair and Dubai’s positioning as a global hub.
“It can be daunting for people, even design professionals, when you haven’t experienced a product first-hand,” says Dubai-based architect Agata Kurzela of AK Design. “Downtown Design reflects the importance of connecting the various segments of design: producers, influencers and end consumers.”
Bridging the gap between design brands and design consumers, the show offers unprecedented access to both established and upcoming brands across a product range that varies from bathrooms and kitchens to lighting, furniture, accessories and soft furnishings, among others.
“The fair is a 360-degree approach to educating the region on design,” feels Arun Koshi, founder, Spencer Interiors. “Having some of the best names in the field sharing their experiences and knowledge through the show’s roster of panel talks opens up our mind to what’s going on globally. The regional design community stands to benefit from that exposure.”
This year, Mexico’s Laura Noreiga joins Dubai-based architect Viktor Udzenija and NYC-based interior design Bruno Guelaff on the panel discussion “How to grow your own Design Brand”. Oliver Baxter, Insight Programme Manager at Herman Miller, the global leader in ergonomic furniture, will give a talk on “Happiness by Design: Mastering Workplace Performance”.
THE KITCHENS
Leaders in cooking technology, Gaggenau will present their award-winning seamless, full surface induction top, while the Italian kitchen design label Arclinea will present its range of sleek, almost sinuous kitchens that are as much functional as they are installation pieces! Zip, the Australian brand of haute water dispensers, will present the one-of-a-kind 4th Generation HydroTap that can also deliver sparkling water.
THE LIGHTS
The award-winning kinetic lighting installation by Lasvit, Supernova, makes its Middle Eastern debut at the fair. Designed to interact with it its environment, it promises to be quite the showstopper. Preciosa will celebrate the very best of bohemian glass lighting pieces, just as the Czech lighting label Brokis intersects classical materials, modern technology and bold compositions that push the boundaries of contemporary design.
THE FURNITURE
A show of this stature is bound to be dotted with iconic furniture pieces and brands. Moroso, Rolf Benz, Walter Knoll lead the charge. What I am after are new, cool brands that will be icons of the future. MUUBS, the Danish furniture and design Company known for a rather raw aesthetic and profound love for naturally available materials, will present an even edgier collection of design items for the home.
Smarin, the French design house known for a playful and non-conformist approach to sustainable design will present “Kairos — an installation where we breathe”, recently launched during Good Design, Milano 2015. Dubai favourites, Kartell, continue their long standing commitment to innovation, giving the humble polycarbonate a glamorous makeover.
THE BATHROOMS
Hansgrohe will present its pioneering Select bathroom range, the first in the industry to introduce operation at the touch of a button. Moving away from twisting knobs, the concept is aimed at bringing comfort and luxury to our water experience. The Tuscan brand Antonio Lupi has been pushing boundaries in bathroom design for well over 60 years. Investments in technology and creativity, collaboration with international architects and tailor-made production ensure they stay ahead of the trends curve.
THE FLOORS
The Swedish carpet flooring experts, Bolon, will present their new 3D collection, Silence, inspired by nature, historical patterns and traditional wooden parquet flooring. The flooring is designed to change appearance depending on where the light is falling and is also 100 per cent phthalate free. Illulian — one of the leading antique and luxurious hand-made rugs companies — promises no products are mass produced or standard.
It will offer visitors the possibilities to design their own signature rugs made by hand in Himalayan wool and pure silk.
Beirut-based Iwan Maktabi will bring rare carpets and textile art to Dubai.
THE ACCESSORIES
Founded in 2012, Capsule Arts, the Dubai-based boutique art consultancy will present an exclusive large-scale installation of hand painted ceramic plates made by Faiencerie Georges, layered with objects and accessories by European artisans Benoit Avery, GUAXS, Rina Menardi and SkLO.
Drawing on unique materials, a sophisticated colour palette and collaborative partnerships with celebrated designers, the Danish home essentials brand LIVING Georg Jensen will reveal beautiful products for dining, décor and gifts.
NEVER SEEN BEFORE
In partnership with Dubai Design Week, six internationally acclaimed design weeks will each present a capsule of their home-grown, emerging brands — all making their world stage in Dubai. The project – Destinations – will, in exchange, have the UAE’s brands showcased at their annual design event.
Helsinki Design Week, the largest design festival in the Nordic countries will present brands Nikari, Saas and Johanna Gullichsen while up-and-coming American labels Hello Lumio, Design Council and Galanter & Jones form part of the San Fransciso Design Week edit. Beijing Design Week aims at changing our understanding of China as a design power; Benwu Studio, EOQ and Zaozuo represent.
Abierto Mexicano De Diseño, the only design festival of its kind in Latin America, will showcase works by the brands LCMX, Tributo and Ediciones Jalapa. Melbourne Design Week presents designers Christopher Boots, Andre Hnatojko and Jonathan Ben Tovim.
Closer to home, the Istanbul Design Week will represent brands Day Studio, Escape from Sofa and Halit Berker that bridge the country’s glorious past with modern-day aspirations.
THE ITALIANS ARE HERE
At a sprawling 700 sq m, the Italian pavilion at Downtown Design 2015 — a collaboration with the Italian Trade Association — will see 15 luxury artisanal brands showcase crafts, materials and products that proudly wear the “Made in Italy” stamp.
The bespoke flooring company, Fantini Mosaici, best known in the region for its stunning finishes at the iconic Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan Bin Sultan Mosque, will present marvels in flooring. The innovative home products label with an eco-soul, HOM, brings new generation of design-taut household equipment to heat and dry bathrobes, towels and clothes — perfect for our spa loving nation. Using the oldest construction material known to man, soil, Matteo Brioni SRL will introduce natural paints and texturised plasters that can be applied to both vertical and horizontal continuous surfaces with the ability to seamlessly convert into any shape.
ON TREND
Rue Kothari, Fair Director at Downtown Design curates top trends from the show’s 2015 edition exclusively for tabloid!
As our metropolis grows and becomes more sophisticated, we are increasingly drawn to elements inspired by nature for our homes. Creating a sanctuary is ever more important when our working lives are dominated by digital aspects — so we find ourselves yearning for colours, materials and textures that remind us of a simpler time; of our childhood, of green meadows, endless beaches and the deep blue of the ocean.
Metallics: We are in love with copper still, the industrial feel, the warmth of the colour is irresistible, and give us the feeling of the human hand used to make it. Many designs evoke traditional copper piping, making items seem repurposed and pre-loved.
Natural/jungle colours: Whether they are reminiscent of a field of windblown grass or the dense tropical jungle, a palette of blues, greens and yellows add a fresh element, soothing to the eye and versatile enough to add an accent to a brilliant white room.
Energy efficient lighting: From gargantuan crystal chandeliers to freestanding outdoor lighting in jewel tones, it’s become imperative to pay attention to the light source; employing energy efficient lighting concepts, such as LED, that are kinder to the environment.
Light reflecting textures: Highly polished glass, laser-cut oxidised metals, pearlescent panels and mirrored walls, not only illuminate interiors but add an additional layer of luxury to a space.
Downtown Design 2015, 27th to 30th October at Dubai Design District. More on downtowndesign.com
— Pratyush Sarup is design manager at one of the UAE’s premium interiors firms
