The milestone 10th edition of Dubai Design Week (DDW) closed out with a bang this week. Alongside the annual celebration of interior design and homewares Downtown Design, which is the cornerstone event of DDW, came a whole host of installations and projects from local and international artists all seeking to capitalize on the buzzing energy of the city throughout the week. Through Editions, a brand new platform that marks a watershed moment in the region’s art and design scene, a number of designers, artists, and galleries presented limited-edition pieces, showcasing mediums from photography and ceramics to print. Here, find MILLE’s picks of the best offerings from Dubai Design Week 2024.
ABWAB “A Present: Absent Mudhif” by Ola Saad Znad
As part of the 2024 Abwab program, Iraqi architect Ola Saad Znad brings the Marsh Arabs’ heritage to life with her installation, A Present/Absent Mudhif. The piece draws on the traditional reed-and-mud structures unique to Iraq’s marshlands, embodying a sustainable approach to architecture that has supported local communities for centuries. Yet, in Znad’s vision, the Mudhif appears fragmented, echoing the devastating effects of water scarcity on the marshes. Reimagining the Mudhif as an open, inclusive space, Znad highlights the urgency of sustainable design rooted in cultural traditions.
0.5 EDITIONS by Kameh
Inspired by John Muir’s words, “Into the forest I go to lose my mind and find my soul,” UAE-based atelier Kameh debuted a series of five sculptural chairs that capture the journey from burnout to renewal. Crafted from ash wood with a striking charred finish, each chair embodies the ancient Japanese technique of Shou Sugi Ban (also known as Yakisugi). Traditionally used to make wood more resistant to fire, water, and insects, this process involves charring the wood’s surface before cooling, cleaning, and finishing it with natural oil. The result is both protective and visually stunning, with the scorched wood taking on a deep blackened hue and rich texture. Kameh reinterprets this heritage technique to symbolize resilience and rebirth, bringing a modern sensibility to this age-old craft.
Buddha Chair designed by Delaram Bolourchi
Design gallery Blooker showcased Nian Architects Studio’s latest collection, where minimalist industrial elements are transformed into refined furniture. The Sunrise Chair, a standout piece, captures the serene beauty of dawn with its sculptural form. Lacquered wood, brass accents, and rich fabric tones blend to evoke the sun’s gentle arc and the sky’s warm hues at sunset, merging artistry with functional design.
The Neo Majlis by Future Bedouin
Founded by Dubai-based Polish artist Alex Olszewska, Future Bedouin is an art platform that fuses Middle Eastern heritage with modern technology. Known for her graphic design and illustrations, Olszewska draws inspiration from Arabic themes, Islamic art, and the desert’s natural beauty. The Neo-Majlis, an inflatable art installation that reimagines the traditional Bedouin gathering space with futuristic elements, showcased at Dubai Design Week brought tradition mixed with technology to the art world.
Rabbit Tree by Qeeboo
Designed by Stefano Giovannoni, The Rabbit Tree is a whimsical, tree-shaped piece that combines form and function. Its two-level design features a higher branch with a 70 cm circular tabletop at 75 cm, perfectly paired with the Rabbit Chair from the same collection. The lower branch adds versatility, accommodating a Rabbit Baby Chair or serving as a convenient spot to hang bags, making it a playful yet practical addition to any space.
Road Series by Çağla Köseoğulları
As part of its commitment to boundary-pushing art, SANATORIUM introduced Road Series by Çağla Köseoğulları. This evocative collection explores the art of folding clay, a medium through which Köseoğulları revisits and reshapes body memories, creating a tactile, introspective journey that redefines personal and artistic expression.
Sand and Sea by Haberdashery
Sand & Sea brings the serene meeting of dunes and waves to life through fluid, sculptural installations. Rippled translucent crystals symbolize the sea, while luxurious precious metal finishes evoke the sands, creating a harmonious blend of textures inspired by natural landscapes. Suspended from microfine cables with gold-plated fixings, each element appears to float, capturing the essence of nature in a beautifully minimal and mesmerizing composition.
