As the region’s most anticipated design event approaches, Dubai Design Week 2024 is gearing up over 30 projects with thought-provoking installations, that blur the boundaries between art, technology, and immersive experiences. From large-scale sculptures to intricate displays, audiences can look forward to being captivated by these innovative designs.
1. Linda Nieuwstad
With a focus on exploring materiality, Dutch artist Linda Nieuwstad’s handmade floral piece will be one of the most notable displays this year. The installation features blown-up proportions of flowers made from repurposed materials such as construction sheets, metal, woollen blankets, and truck tarps. The floral masterpiece merges art and nature, creating a space for viewers to enter and experience the vibrancy of the flowers. With her handmade technique, Linda captures the delicateness and aura of flowers, incorporating elements like withered petals, and holes in the leaves and adding fragrance that allows her flowers to look alive. Linda’s work stands as a reminder of the ephemeral beauty around us and the importance of admiring it, while also offering it as a sensory escape into nature.
2. Bone Studio’s Earth Block Pavilion
Another installation to look forward to is Bone Studio’s Earth Block Pavilion, in collaboration with Spanish Fetdeterra. The pavilion is made entirely from prefabricated, rammed earth blocks demonstrating sustainable design techniques. The Dubai-based studio, design methodology focuses on the essential form using sensorial earthy materiality and detailing, showcasing how natural materials can be used for sustainable construction.
Read more about Bone here.
3. Mitsubishi Jisho Design Teahouse
Mitsubishi Jisho Design will be inviting the audience to experience a traditional Japanese tea house. The tea house installation features a minimalist space made from 3D-printed waste sawdust, creating a space that honours both heritage and modernity. Drawing inspiration from the diverse cultural connotations associated with tea, the design concept asserts that its structure can be constructed anywhere. Since the whole project is about sustainability, the components may be removed and repurposed into shelves, tables, seats, and other furniture.
4. DEOND Phygital Arti Pavilion
Featuring their AI-infused Second Skin fabric, DEOND is also creating an immersive experience for viewers. The fabric explores the notion of phy-gital therapy that responds to environmental conditions, adapting its structure to changes in temperature, air quality, and humidity. The Phygital Arti Pavilion will explore how AI can be integrated into design and architecture, as well as support sustainability needs by reducing carbon emissions.
5. The de Gournay Lounge
Among the various installations is the de Gournay Lounge, which showcases the brand’s hand-painted and hand-embroidered wallpapers that enhance the tone of interiors with elevated details.
6. The Veuve Clicquot Sun Club Lounge
Another installation will be the Veuve Clicquot Sun Club Lounge. This lounge, which takes inspiration from the spirit of La Dolce Vita, will provide the ideal setting for guests to relax and indulge in beverages.
In line with the shift to sustainable design practices, Dubai Design Week 2024 will also feature several installations that feature organic and upcycled materials including banana fibre, soybean wax, henna, Himalayan salt, terracotta, and scrap metal. These installations will offer a glimpse into the future of design and architecture through its emphasis on innovation, materiality, and sustainability.
Read more features here.
Images courtesy Dubai Design Week.
