During Dubai Design Week a diverse line-up of pop-up exhibitions and pavilions will provide visitors of d3 a variation of direct and interactive experiences, exploring cultural aspects of design, architecture and creativity, the entire week.
With a focus on design talent from the region, a series of site-specific installations will be situated around the festival’s main hub at Dubai Design District (d3), including: ‘Umbra’, an immersive gateway to Dubai Design Week at d3 which invites visitors to explore the interplay of shadow and light, inspired by the Mashrabiya. Consisting of an interface composed of modular panels, ‘The Maze’ by Nyxo Visionary Design will be a dynamic installation that will explore interactive surfaces with a sculptural quality, creating a seamless and unique pattern every time the visitor reconfigures its rotation and Istanbul-based MAS Architecture Studio will present the six-metre tall ‘Barjeel’ installation, inspired by the traditional wind towers of the UAE and composed of layers of reclaimed cardboard and strip lighting.
An annually remodelled showcase, for this year’s Abwab designers will explore the various ways we learn: India, supported by Pidilite, will present creation myths as stories brought to life with light, Lebanon will stage a psychological journey through real and imagined walls and the Eastern Provinces of Saudi Arabia, supported by Ithra, will present the transformation of a traditional craft into an architectural tapestry.
The Audi Innovation Hub will be a beacon of design innovation, inside and out. This year, the immersive structure will be situated at the heart of d3, created by Emirati architect Abdalla Almulla, using patterns as design guidelines.
Set within a striking, colourful structure situated at the heart of the festival, Dubai Design District (d3) will host a pop-up space titled d3 Central, for visitors to find out more about the district, the designers, studios and galleries who call d3 home and how to be part of the local design community.
Deliveroo featuring creative installations and edible experiences for visitors of all ages to explore will host an immersive experience with a tasty twist, ‘Design, Delivered’. The Expo 2020 Dubai Pop-Up Pavilion takes visitors on a journey and offers insights into what is to come; from the unique country pavilions to the once-in-a-lifetime moments that await and Swiss watchmakers Rado pay tribute to the iconic architect and designer Le Corbusier with a limited-edition collection exhibited alongside the winning project of the inaugural Rado Star Prize UAE.
‘Kabul Old City – A Visual Journey’, a multimedia experience presented by Turquoise Mountain, will provide viewers with direct and interactive experience of the cultural richness and diversity of the old city of Kabul. A showcase of prototypes based on contemporary forms of miniaturisation, ‘DIRes19:Miniaturising Interactive Technologies’ is a group exhibition bringing faculty and students together with start-ups and In5 members.
Visitors will also be able to explore new feature areas including bespoke café and bar concepts, installations alongside an extensive programme of talks and workshops throughout Downtown Design, located on the d3 Waterfront.