This internationally recognised platform values innovation that transcends technology and exists independent of wealth; equality without hierarchy amongst universities, regions and designers; universal design open to all types of projects; and impact on the world at large through solutions to some of the world’s most pressing problems. With more than 1000 submissions, double the number received last year, Global Grad Show 2018 will showcase 150 selected projects from 100 of world’s top universities and emerging programmes.

The Curator of the 2018 show, Brendan McGetrick, took some time to answer five questions for id.  Enjoy – and then take a spin through the slideshow to get a glimpse of theory in action!

What was your process when curating this year’s show?

There are four main principals that we follow and when it comes to selecting the projects for Global Grad Show. These include universal design innovation, how that transcends into technology and how the projects impact the wider world. To us, design and groundbreaking ideas are universal so equality is at the forefront of our minds when selecting the projects – we ensure that hierarchy amongst universities, regions and designers doesn’t affect which projects are included in the exhibition. 

What was your biggest challenge?

The biggest challenge was making the selection because we had 1,000 submissions and we only had 150 places. Making the selection with so many possibilities and wanting it to be diverse and representative of all the things that are happening around the world, was the biggest challenge. 

What surprised you the most?

My surprise this year is how many projects are really critical of technology and trying to show how ew can liberate ourselves from technology and also, quite frankly, protect ourselves from technology. I think that’s maybe what’s not expected of young people, but it’s obviously something they are very concerned about. 

What have these projects taught you about the next generation of design?

Every year, Global Grad Show selects projects based on their power to accelerate change and improve lives. The major global trends that are being tackled this year include; climate change, medical breakthroughs, ageing populations, low tech solutions, design for disability, community and smart cities. 

It’s interesting to see how some of the world’s brightest young minds and the next generation of design talent are identifying and responding to a range of potentially disastrous issues, and presenting innovative solutions to these problems.

These projects are from every corner of the globe. What do they all have in common?

Climate Change is a big trend this year for our young designers, but what’s interesting is that the projects are not about preventing Climate Change, but are solutions for when it actually happens.  

Another trend that is prevalent this year is technology and the recognition across the world that technology isn’t necessarily good for you.  We acknowledge that technology having a negative effect on our relationships and how we deal with people, as well as our health. 

Similarly with the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.), there are some positive benefits to using this new technology, but also some frightening negatives.  There are multiple projects and solutions in this year’s show that address this; for example protecting an individual’s identity and making it clear to people when A.I. is involved, what sort of decisions it’s making about you and how it’s assessing your behaviour, whether that be when applying for a school or a job.

For visitors to the Global Grad Show, it offers a real insight into the world issues these graduates are dedicated to solving, including what people should be really concerned about and how design is a practical solution to complicated issues. 

http://www.globalgradshow.com/

The post Gen NOW: The Global Grad Show appeared first on identity.

Downtown Design Means Business

by Rue Kothari

Given a voice, it would be so easy to slip into the current zeitgeist of moaning about the economy and how we’ve collectively hit an oil patch and are skidding headlong towards oblivion. So, spoiler alert here, I’m actively bucking the trend to peddle some much-needed positivism.

There’s no head-in-sand mentality here. I’m acutely aware of how versatile you have to be to navigate the swift and sudden bumps of the region’s bucking economy. This year, I’ve had to work twice as hard to execute the vision for our fair, but what has encouraged me along every step of the way has been an unswerving belief on behalf of so many brands and businesses that when things get tough, you don’t hide, you put up a fight.

Dubai-based Sergio Mendes, previous designer for Ginger & Jagger, launches his first collection at Downtown Editions.

If you’re smart, this is a time to exploit opportunities. Key innovations are driving interest in new materials, and although architects might be finding it tough, interior designers are riding a wave of corporate fit outs and hotel renovations. Western economies, now disabled by political upheaval are giving their design industries a reason to look to the East, to take advantage of new channels being forged by the demands of emerging cities.

Emirati Designer Layth Mahdi’s robot-designed marble accessories.

For Downtown Design specifically, our strategy is built to serve the changing needs of the industry. We are far from the traditional fair model of merely selling space and marketing to buyers. Our fair is a design experience, keenly curated, creatively executed and underpinned by strong commercial principles. We grow year on year, but sustainably, and never at the expense of our quality.

The Foundry by Tinkah presents their new material Ramel, an antidote to monotonous mechanical processing.

This year, with the inclusion of Editions, we are amplifying our advocacy of regional design talent. Bringing together more than 40 local designers as well as another 20 from the wider Middle East on one single platform gives them access to professional buyers, who can commission and specify their work on a larger scale. Feeding our homegrown designers can only help to strengthen our industry from within, foster the growth of ‘Made in the UAE’ brands and ultimately boost our exports.

Beatwoven weave sonic geometrics into their fabrics, in this case ‘Let’s Dance’ by David Bowie.

Downtown Design is not just a showcase, it’s a conduit for opportunity, creativity and connectivity in the Middle East, and a shining example of possibility and positivity for the rest of the world.

https://www.downtowndesign.com/

Company Profile: Downtown Design + Downtown Editions

Established:  2013, Dubai

Designer collaborations: Marc Ange, Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Asif Khan, Fredrikson Stallard, Edward Van Vliet, Patricia Urquiola

Unique angle/mission/perspective: A dynamic design platform for international brands, Middle East designers, installations and features – all highly curated for their relevance to the regional buyer

About Rue: London-born Rue Kothari has built considerable local knowledge over a 15 years living in the UAE. Rue spent 11 years working in consumer publishing across a range of branded titles before becoming the Editor in Chief of Harper’s Bazaar Interiors, creating and launching the first HBI Design Awards. Fair Director of Downtown Design since 2015 she has been responsible for establishing the fair as the leading platform for design in the Middle East. This year, she’s unveiled Downtown Editions, curating the largest local and regional talent to date. Rue is a strong, global advocate for Dubai’s design industry, combining passion and insight with an extensive knowledge and experience of the regional design market.

The post Business of Design: Rue Kothari appeared first on identity.

Inspired by Expo 2020’s focus on sustainability, Tribe and Sneha Divias Atelier have designed the Rise Chair entirely from natural and sustainable materials such as bamboo and rattan. The partnership evolved naturally when Tribe, whose philosophy encompasses fair trade values and sustainable designs, met with the Atelier, who continuously promotes sustainability in their projects.

Tribe’s collection comes from over thirty different countries, each with its own tradition of craftsmanship and local materials bringing a different approach to design. Their products fulfil the needs and requirements of today’s furniture, whilst also retaining the artisan personality of the villages in which they were made.

The ‘Rise’ chair was designed at Tribe’s studio in Dubai and made in a small village in the outskirts of Indonesia by a family of weavers. Rise aims to combine innovation and sustainable practices, and was inspired by the shared vision of Expo2020. With a distinctive shape that rises upwards, the chair is a metaphor for Dubai’s ascending growth as an international design hub.

Rise’s modern round-shaped form echoes current design trends and with an elegant linearity and minimalist structure, the care is all in the details. Bamboo and Rattan peel were chosen due to their strength and malleability and Sneha designed an upholstered back and base cushion with delicate piping and hand-made ties. Rise is a true statement piece for every home as well as being extremely functional and comfortable.

The Rise chair by Dubai’s Tribe.

Jo England, owner of Tribe Dubai, commented: ‘Through this collaboration, creative communities in underprivileged parts of the world get the opportunity to show their talent internationally. Sneha, like Tribe, encourages artisanship and heritage preservation with skills that are passed down from generation to generation. Together we believe that there is a rich story behind each piece that needs to be cherished and shared. This is the first time that we are exhibiting at Downtown Design and we see the event as the perfect platform to highlight this beautiful exchange of ideas between different cultures and a celebration of the timeless skills of the artisans’.

https://www.tribedubai.com/

http://www.snehadivias.com/

The post Preview: On the Rise @ Design Week appeared first on identity.