Synonymous with maximalist design, DesignKraft is bringing a vibrant and colourful aesthetic to this year’s Downtown Editions, Downtown Design's dedicated showcase of bespoke and limited-edition design, exhibiting its latest collection of eclectic furniture and lighting pieces to present a bold and eye-catching display.
Downtown Editions features a broad spectrum of design, from high-end manufactured furniture and handmade limited-edition objects to designer collaborations and brand launches. Among the line-up for this year is Dubai-based atelier and workshop DesignKraft, known for its playful, functional and sustainable furniture, lighting and objects. One of many distinctive brands to showcase at this year's fair, the atelier was born as a labour of love by founder and creative director Sidarth Menon, who sought to create a studio that focused on modernist, yet functional design-led pieces.
“We are proudly made in the UAE with an emphasis on local production and circularity through our ‘Design for Life’ programme, which offers clients a permanent avenue to reimagine or recycle any piece designed through us,” said Menon. “As one of the only designer-makers in the UAE, we look to exhibit top-of-the-line craftsmanship at our workshop, guided by a bold and unique design vision.”
In addition to its own collections, DesignKraft also takes on bespoke commissions and commercial work on a select basis, providing exclusive services and limited-edition designs.
At Downtown Design’s 2020 Digital Fair, DesignKraft presented The Bubble Gum, a bold and creative take on an accent table, showcasing the atelier’s technical capabilities and maximalist aesthetic.
This year, the studio is launching a new capsule collection, entitled ‘Hallucinations: Organic forms locally grown’. At the heart of this collection is the atelier’s ‘Made in UAE' ethos, which applies to the production process as well as to its sourcing of locally available materials.
“With this collection, our pieces are part of a 'Not Shipped' series where we look to work solely with materials made in the UAE, like fibreglass composites, camel leather and glass,” Menon added.
The collection will be comprised of functional objects that take an organic, meandering form, drawing inspiration from nature and ceramics to create a new type of craft, rooted in handwork and detail, but employed through modern tools and materials.
The aim, says Menon, is to present “a ‘modern craft’ to create objects that draw their own attention and perhaps begin a conversation about responsible production and conscious consumption.”
Registrations to attend Downtown Design 2021, taking place 8-12 November at d3 Waterfront, are now open. click here to register.