Downtown Design, 12-15 November 2019 Ready
The event was held under the patronage of Sheikha Latifah bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, head of the Dubai Culture and Arts Commission, Downtown Design won its seventh edition with revenue from the 12-15 November 2019 growth of the region's design department.
Recognized as the Middle East's leading platform for original, high-quality design, Downtown Design integrates international brands with the regional design community, strengthening Dubai as a central meeting place for creatives. Part of the programming of Dubai Design Week, the region's largest creative festival, and in partnership with the Dubai Design District (d3), the Downtown Design is located within a bespoke structure overlooking the D3 Waterfront. This years fair presentation presents a dynamic environment where new selection of brands and feature areas meet the design opportunity.
Installations are fair, highlighting design creativity around the world: Carousel Light, tech artist Anthony Jameswill brings their dynamic glass and LED sculptureIcosahedronand global architecture practice LWK+ Partners will present interactive installation at PreCiosaTradition and Modernity in the studio of ina reflects both the housing site.
2019 Fair Highlights
As for the 2019 showcase, Downtown Design engages three award-winning design teams and helps them redefine fair design, executing ideas that demonstrate the sophistication of regional design companies. Wilson Associates, the Swiss Bureau and XBD Collective are working on bringing creative elements to fair public areas, including the Bar and Cafe.
Brands showcasing their designs in the Middle East for the first time, from Pedrali, the Czech luxury crystal manufacturer Moser, to the colorful, contemporary design furniture from Italy. The North American brand will launch a contemporary chair at the Scrum Exhibition, showcasing their innovative and eco-friendly high quality floor and wall coverings. All parts of a new generation of international brands that want to use the Downtown Design platform to highlight their presence in the region.
Downtown Editions Highlights
This year, Downtown Editions will continue to focus on new regional initiatives, young designers and upcoming brands.
Emerging designers, Hajar Abdallah, whose first installation celebrates the region's equestrian culture, and Sharjah-based Rhythm Contemporary Craft Council are Emirati artisans and leading contemporary designers, providing designers inspired by the culture and traditions of the Middle East. The award-winning architectural studio will launch ten new tables inspired by Binchy & Binchy Architecture, challenging themselves to decide on a design language that is truly Emirati.
Returning to the Downtown Editions, Aljoud Lootah, Roudha Shamsi, 1971 Design Spacesand Geel will present their latest limited edition work, while Taskiel Designers will release the results of their 2019 Tanween Design project: Abdulla Al Mulla, Lana El Samman and Yara Habib.
Forum on Downtown Design
In a series of talks and workshops designed to support design professionals and enthusiasts, 'The Forum' Digital provides creative, business and strategic industry insights from global and regional design professionals. Themes range from how to create a business in design, to managing clients in design firms, and design marketing.
Highlights include award-winning Paris-based architect Lina Ghotmeh and India's leading architect and curator Ashish Shah, both of whom are part of a team that has won the power of design, And multi-faceted interior designer Greg Natale, who will offer a master class on achieving a successful design business.
Denise Neri, who directs the architectural and conceptual design of Aesop stores around the world, Leading a team on the future of the retail business, leading Italian furniture makers Alessandro Minotti of Minotti and Dara Huang, founder of multi-order studio design house Liberty, will create design brands with the power to stay afloat.
Dezeen founder and editor Marcus Fairs will lead a panel discussion exploring the role of the design community as an agent of positive change.
