Dubai Design Week (DDW), now in its ninth edition, opened its doors on Nov. 7 in the heart of Dubai’s purpose-built Design District (d3). The 6-day-long event, which ran until Nov. 12, was a splendid showcase of creativity through exhibitions, workshops, pop-ups, talks, and more, spanning diverse design disciplines such as architecture, product design, interior design, and multimedia. Over 500 participants from 40 countries converged to present their creations, all centering around the overarching theme of sustainability, with installations addressing pressing environmental issues.
The annual event’s emphasis on design as a solution to environmental challenges is evident in the transformation of d3. Below, some of the large-scale installations showcased across the district that illustrated the innovative use of biomaterials, emphasizing the potential for design to contribute positively to environmental change.
Arabi-An Tea House by Mitsubishi Jisho Design
Mitsubishi Jisho Design introduced the Arabi-An Tea House, the second iteration of their sustainable tea houses. Constructed using the miura method of origami, this unique structure is crafted from localized food waste, including tea dregs and grapes. With sustainability and circularity at its core, Arabi-An celebrates the art of tea as a symbol of human connection, fostering intercultural dialogues during Dubai Design Week. Elevating the experiment with the installation even further, a tea master was present at specific periods during the week to host tea ceremonies inciting conversations with the audience.
Urban Hive by Natalie Harb
In collaboration with BMW, Natalie Harb presented the Urban Hive, commissioned for the 9th edition of Dubai Design Week. This multifaceted initiative aims to transform urban landscapes by bringing nature into public spaces, and converting hard-surface areas like parking lots into community gardens. Operating within a circular economy model, Urban Hive mitigates the heat island effect, captures rainwater, and explores the integration of solar energy systems, rendering it entirely self-sufficient.
Pulp Fractions by Tee Vee Eff
Dubai-based atelier TEE VEE EFF introduced Pulp Fractions, a creative endeavor that transforms discarded paper and cardboard, particularly delivery boxes and packaging bags into stackable, adaptable structures. Addressing the issue of packaging waste, Pulp Fractions harnesses wind and light, offering sustainable versatility and an inspiring narrative of innovation and aesthetics.
The Future Will Be Sown by Made in Earth Collective
Immersive and sensorial, The Future Will Be Sown invites audiences to reflect on the transformative power of materials, communities, and regional stories coming together. This installation prompts reflection on sowing as an act of thinking ahead, cultivating meaningful relationships with land and people, and a provoking proposition for regenerative growth and climate-positive action.
Naseej by AlZaina Lootah and Sahil Rattha Singh
Meaning “to weave” in Arabic, Naseej draws inspiration from Emirati craftsmanship. Designed by AlZaina Lootah and Sahil Rattha Singh, the work was produced to be fully upcycled, leaving no trace behind and adhering to a circular economy model. Each layer of wood was carefully arranged to form a tapestry mirroring the intricate patterns found in Emirati traditional weaving and the elegant geometry of palm tree leaves. Once the installation is dismantled, all the materials can be recycled for future use.
The Altostrata – Therme Pavilion by Arthur Mamou-Mani
Designed by Arthur Mamou-Mani and crafted using 3D printing technology, the Altostrata – Therme Pavilion stands at the intersection of sustainable design and pioneering technology. It utilizes biodegradable, sugar-based PLA, and panels that are built in a manner that minimizes waste, reduces resource consumption, and offers a flexible design that can be effortlessly reconfigured and transported.
Of Palm by Abdalla Almula
Abdalla Almulla’s Of Palm pavilion explores the creative potential of harnessing the indigenous palm tree for multifaceted community needs. From structural components to interior design and showcased products, every aspect of the pavilion was crafted from the versatile palm tree, exemplifying sustainable design and resourcefulness in harmonizing natural elements with innovative architectural concepts. Abdalla’s project underscores the intrinsic value of the palm tree as a powerful statement of sustainability matched with human ingenuity.
