Read ‘The Collaboration Issue’ – Note from the editor

In this era of rapid technological advancement, the exchange of ideas has never been easier. Virtual reality, augmented reality and sophisticated design software have revolutionised how we conceive and build projects. However, the heart of collaboration lies in the human connection, in the exchange of ideas and expertise that transcends the digital realm.

As Dubai prepares to host yet another edition of Dubai Design Week, I find myself reflecting on the profound significance of this event and the pivotal role it plays in celebrating the spirit of collaboration in the A+D industry. Dubai Design Week is more than a gathering of talent; it is a convergence of minds, a celebration of creativity, and a testament to the power of collective innovation. Architects, designers, artisans and thought leaders from around the globe come together to share ideas, showcase their work and forge partnerships that have the potential to reshape our urban landscapes and redefine the way we experience spaces. So, for this edition of identity – the Collaborator’s Issue – it seemed opportune to talk to Mette Degn-Christensen, Director of Downtown Design, to find out more about the upcoming edition of the fair and what it entails.

Mette spoke at length about the fair’s various transformative points and how the upcoming edition was crafted based on the knowledge gained from going through case studies of its previous iterations. In recognition of the need for collaboration, this year’s agenda features some of the biggest names alongside some new entrants who are looking to forge partnerships in the region and make their mark. What makes these collaborations truly exceptional is their diversity and their promotion of regional talents. identity was able to secure an exclusive interview with Fatma Al Mahmoud, guest curator of the UAE Design Exhibition at Downtown Design 2023, ahead of the show to get a sneak peek at the local talents and their representation at the fair. The specific exhibition is one of many collectives to be featured at the fair, where a melting pot of styles, philosophies and approaches converges in a celebration of creative expression. It is this very diversity that propels the industry forward, challenging conventions and expanding the boundaries of what is possible.

Collaboration with communities, stakeholders and the environment itself is a moral necessity. A well-designed space is one that not only serves its inhabitants but harmonises with the surrounding ecosystem. In that spirit, this issue features some of the key projects in the region and across the globe that showcase the beauty and transformative power of designers coming together for a cause.

Here’s to keeping that collaborative spirit alive and to the boundless possibilities of design.

Read the October 2023 ‘The Collaboration Issue’  issue online here.