Curated with Juan Roldan, Assistant Professor in the College of Architecture, Art & Design at the American University of Sharjah under the theme ‘Identity, Context and Placemaking in the Gulf’, the d3 Architecture Festival 2020 in partnership with RIBA Gulf Chapter celebrated the achievements of architecture companies in d3, Dubai and the wider GCC region.

Showcasing landmark regional architectural projects, the event hosted a series of talks to steer the Middle East towards a more sustainable future, and invited designers, architects and the general public to participate in daily charrettes. The emirate’s first architecture festival kicked off with an opening reception at Building 6, d3, on 11 November.

The exhibition featured models, drawings and projects from the most exciting architects working in the Gulf. This was a celebration of what has been achieved by architects in the region and, more importantly, what is to come from the emerging generation of local companies and graduating students.

As a home to over 50 leading local and international architecture practices including d3-based RIBA Chartered Practices, d3’s business partners have designed some of the UAE’s most impressive projects to date. Alongside awe-inspiring, large-scale projects, d3’s architectural business partners have delivered acclaimed boutique developments.

At d3, the heart of creativity in the Middle East, architecture and interior design studios make up a significant component of the community’s 385 business partners and 9,000 people.

About Dubai Design District

Dubai Design District (d3), part of TECOM Group, is a business community dedicated to the art and design industries. In line with Dubai’s position as the leading business hub in the region and beyond, d3 serves as a vibrant innovation hub that enables international brands and a growing number of local designers, creative professionals and artists to unite, create and inspire. Strategically located in the heart of Dubai, d3 is a short drive from top leisure and business destinations.

About RIBA Gulf Chapter

The RIBA Gulf Chapter supports members across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states including the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Sultanate of Oman. The Chapter has been created to promote design excellence in the delivery of architecture in the Gulf. It is actively engaged with a very significant and diverse number of RIBA and non-RIBA practitioners, to recognise and celebrate the diversity and local culture of members and co-professionals working in the Gulf.