Placed proudly inside Dubai Design District (d3) is Iraqi designer Ola Zaad Znad’s ‘Present Absent Mudhif.’ The structure is made from tight bundles of reeds, strewn together while wet to make them pliable so that when they dry the building becomes firm. One of three regional practices showcasing new pieces as part of Abwab, an annual commission showcasing talents from across Southwest Asia and North Africa, Znad’s work presented the Marsh Arabs’ architectural heritage in Iraq using reeds and ancient Sumerian techniques alongside locally sourced mud. Znad, who trained in the United Arab Emirates, has done extensive research into the vernacular building techniques of her native Iraq in line with Abwab’s theme for this year dedicated to vernacular architecture and regenerative design processes.
Znad’s structure, in great contrast to the glistening modern skyrises of Downtown Dubai, offers a moment to pause on the importance of heritage and cultural continuity.
Marking its tenth year, Dubai Design Week offered the ever-changing hyper futuristic Gulf metropolis a celebration of creativity and design, one that championed new contemporary structures as much as those that represent the rich heritage and traditions of the Arabian Gulf and the nearby regions of North Africa and South Asia. The event showcased over 500 acclaimed designers, brands and creatives from over 40 countries.
Dubai, as the event demonstrated once again, is quickly becoming a new global hub for the design industry.
Alongside the captivating installations, projects and exhibitions on view throughout d3, was the returning Downtown Design fair, this year celebrating its 11th edition. Featured once again at the d3 Waterfront Terrace from 6-9 November was its largest roster yet of top international designers, brands and notable speakers in the realm of architecture and design, making it its most comprehensive edition yet.
“We are delighted to see how the fair has grown into a cornerstone cultural event, both creatively and commercially, while offering an engaging stage for the most exciting established and emerging talents working in the Middle East and far beyond,” said Mette Degn-Christensen, Director of Downtown Design in a statement.
Among the international participating in Downtown Design this year were Poltrona Frau, presenting its elegant and timeless designs with their Imagine Collection, featuring an array of designs rife with innovation in technique and materials. Hero pieces included the quirky Squash Collection by Faye Toogood and Draga & Aurel’s Parka Sofa. Also on display were Jean-Marie Massaud’s masterpieces, the Archibald Bed and Task Managerial Office Chair, Sebastian Herkner’s Nymph Lamp next to the versatile Stock 'n Roll Night Table and the striking DUO Collection of tables and chairs, a collaboration with Ceccotti Collezioni designed by Roberto Lazzeroni.
Also at the fair was The Conran Shop marking its debut in the UAE, and the enchanting booth of de Gournay presenting its iconic hand-painted and embroidered wallpapers through an exquisitely presented lounge concept that was an instant Instagram hit. Meanwhile, Cosentino, the Spanish, family-owned company renowned for innovative, sustainable surfaces, unveiled a creative concept by Kuwaiti Babnimim Design Studio titled “The Moon Gate.” An immediately eye-catching design, particularly due to its large circular elements reflecting the shape of the moon. The archetypal moon-like gateway of yore is reimagined as free-standing circular portals that seemed to rise from the ground and is representative of the cyclical nature of life as well as the “circular nature” of Cosentino’s sustainable surfaces Silestone and Dekton, used for everything from walls to the flooring.
Of note was also Hands on Design from Milan exhibiting a series of 10 carpets made in collaboration with artist Nika Zupanc. Each carpet, with their unique hues and design, is inspired by the intricate beauty of the diverse roads that take us through life. The carpets, with their superb artistry, are akin to artworks themselves, offering a sense of grounding and mysticism at the fair.
For a chance to pause and relax amid like-minded professionals, the Sun Club Lounge by Veuve Clicquot created by awarded French design Studio Marcel Poulain aimed to bring a sense of the Dolce Vita lifestyle and carefree living under the mediterranean sun to the Arabian Gulf waters of Dubai. Marking the third year that the brand presented a lounge at Downtown Design, inside the lounge design studio Marcel Poulain, winners of the Mobilier National prize at the Toulon Design Parade 2021, created bespoke bars, tables, sun lounges and parasols, featuring Veuve Clicquot’s iconic yellow to offer the joie de vivre energy of the French Riviera.
A major highlight this year was the inaugural Dubai Editions, taking place in a dedicated section adjacent to Downtown Design presenting over 50 galleries, design studios and collectives from the Middle East region and internationally, with a focus on more affordable works of collectible design objects, art and prints.
“We envision Editions to be an inviting space where cultural enthusiasts—whether collectors or curious newcomers—can explore, connect, and discover pieces that resonate with them,” said artistic director of Art Dubai in a statement.
Notable presentations included Iwan Maktabi’s presentation of carpets designed by acclaimed UAE artist Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim; Leila Heller’s booth showcasing intimate prints, design objects, such as Iranian Dubai-based Roham Shamekh’s “Scavenger Chair,” in stainless steel, wood lacquer with an explosive plastic resin sculpture of a bird painted in chrome; London-based Iterarte’s booth presenting delicate drawings by Iraqi artist Salam Atta Sabri; Fadi Basbous Studio’s new art jewelry inspired by the legacy of Alfred Basbous created by Lebanese jeweler Selim Mouzannar and a presentation of Lebanese designers Studio Bazazo, Beit Collective and Nareg Krikorian, showcasing their latest designs against all odds at the fair.
“With a strong local presence where over 50 percent of our exhibitors are from Dubai, we aim to tell the story of the city’s evolving contemporary culture, building a community-focused platform with diverse entry points and making space for emerging talents to create new connections,” added del Val.
With an influx of new residents in Dubai since the end of the coronavirus pandemic, the inaugural Dubai Editions demonstrates a desire to tap the city’s growing market for art and collectible design and Dubai place as an upcoming capital for creativity in art and design.
