First-of-its-kind material library in the UAE opens

Colab, the first purpose-built materials library in the UAE, recently opened in the Dubai Design District (d3), to showcase the latest international materials and design trends. With no commercial interests or affiliation to any supplier, Colab aims to offer an unbiased venue for the design community to see, touch, research and discuss materials, as well as to apply this knowledge and experience to their own practices.

Colab aims to offer an unbiased venue for the design community to see, touch, research and discuss materials

Central to Colab’s mission is its commercial sample library comprised of a growing collection of innovative materials from around the world.  It is open to architects, designers, creatives, manufacturers and other material enthusiasts to explore.

“Materials come first,” says Richard Wilson, Creative Director of Colab. “What’s more, designers should care about their design as much as the materials they choose. With this in mind, we want to help the design community understand the importance of material selection. By offering access to some of the best material solutions and by providing an insight into tomorrow’s opportunities, we hope to act as a catalyst for new material and product ideas.”