It’s almost time for Dubai Design Week 2017, and we took a few minutes to see what’s in the pipeline. Taking into consideration Dubai’s passion for collaboration and innovation, and as a reflection of the city’s global outlook, Dubai Design Week is both regional and international in scope and ambition. As an event, it covers both public and private sectors, culture, education and entertainment, and spans multiple disciplines, ranging from graphic and product design to architecture and industrial design.
In keeping with this drive to always go bigger and better, Downtown Design – the anchor event for Dubai Design Week – has announced its largest and most significant edition to date, celebrating five successful years as the leading design trade fair for high quality design in the Middle East.
Rue Khotari, Show Director of Downtown Design, says, “We’re delighted to be marking five years of Downtown Design with a show double the size of previous editions. Not only does this reflect the strength of the exhibition and its reputation but also the growth in high-demand sectors of lighting, furniture and textiles. The show continues its rise, while focusing on connecting exhibitors to the region’s leading architects and interior designers. Helping brands and buyers to unlock the potential of the Middle East design market is at the heart of Downtown Design.”
Abwab: We’re particularly looking forward to Abwab, which returns for its third incarnation. The Arab word “Abwab” refers to doors, and will feature selected talents by asking designers who’ve submitted their designs, to nominate another designer – a design dominoes method. The show will provide visitors a unique insight into techniques, materials and craft through 45 selected designs from 15 countries. The Abwab pavilion, which will be placed at the centre of d3, has been designed by Dubai-based Fahed & Architects. According to Rawan Kashkoush, Head of Programming at DXBDW/Art Dubai, Abwab symbolises a union of sorts where people are brought together: “With a strong presence in India, Middle East and West Asia, and with partners located across the world, Abwab is a mélange of talent: people from varied backgrounds and culture, who bring with them the richness of knowledge and distinct perspectives.”
Iconic City – Loading…Casa: Each year, this research based exhibition and pop-up series shines the spotlight on the design scene of a different city within the region. Curated by Salma Lahlou, the third edition of the popular exhibition highlights the story of Casablanca through five perspectives: counter-culture, amnesic memory, hedonism, transhumance and mutation. It will also showcase newly commissioned works from a sound artist, a graphic designer, a photographer and an interior architect to portray the unique character of Casablanca.
