The 2021 jury for Abwab’s commission for this year’s architectural pavilion features a host of leading industry experts and prominent designers.
Dedicated to commissioning work from across the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MENASA), the annually remodelled key feature of Dubai Design Week, Abwab invites designers, creative studios and architects to submit their proposals for an architectural pavilion under the theme of regenerative architecture and restorative design, turning their focus on the human impact on the planet and the role of design as a restorative and reparative tool while embedding nature as a core element. The winning project will act as the centerpiece feature of the creative festival taking place 8-12 November, in its main hub at Dubai Design District (d3).
The panel includes Abdalla Almulla, Emirati Architect and founder of MULA design studio, as well as Adib Dada, a Lebanese architect and founder of regenerative consultancy and architecture firm theOtherDada, whose work promotes a symbiotic relationship between nature and the built environment by exploring new ways of creating generous and regenerative building.
Also judging this year are Lara Zureikat, one of the leading designers in the field of landscape architecture in the Middle East and the associate director for the Center for the Study of the Built Environment (CSBE) in Amman, Jordan, and Spain and Netherlands-based designer Lucas Muñoz, whose practice explores redefinitions of the functionality and materiality of use-objects, spaces and engineering.
Architect Mona El Mousfy, former full-time faculty at the College of Architecture, Art and Design, American University of Sharjah and founder of the UAE research-based architecture studio SpaceContinuum, also joins the jury, known for her work as the Advisor for the Sharjah Architecture Triennial.
The jury will shortlist 10 design concepts by 15 July before choosing a winner. The shortlisted candidates must ensure that their concept is suitable for the outdoors, is easily maintained and provides a durable and lasting aesthetic. Designers are also encouraged to demonstrate a strong relationship with the theme as well as partially or entirely be able to produce their concept in the UAE.
The deadline for Abwab submissions is Friday 25 June, 2021. For more information on the open call, click here.