Utilizing UAE-made materials, the exhibition offered visitors an understanding of how natural and recycled resources could be thoughtfully repurposed.

Origins Reframed explored the transformation of UAE-based innovative materials derived from raw local resources into functional interior and exterior materials. This installation served as an educational platform, examining the potential of natural and recycled resources in sustainable design. It highlighted local heritage alongside international influences, aligning with the UAE’s focus on sustainability and responsible design practices.

At its core, the installation featured a mural crafted from UAE-made materials, accompanied by an exhibition of Colab’s materials collection, showcasing each material’s origins, process, research, and development. The display included unprocessed materials such as date seeds, palm biomass, dried pods, and construction waste, underscoring the often-overlooked local resources and illustrating their transformation into functional, commercially viable sustainable materials. This layered installation provided insight into the creative use of repurposed resources, aiming to inform and engage visitors on the role of materials in responsible design.

About the designers:

Colab is a purpose-driven material library located in Dubai Design District (D3), showcasing innovative materials from the Middle East and around the world. The open-source platform is accessible to designers, architects, suppliers, and creatives. Focused on fostering connections and sharing knowledge rather than commercial interests, Colab emphasizes the importance of materials in the design industry and takes pride in its UAE heritage.

Sana Maarrawi is an award-winning artist and interior architect based in Dubai. She has participated in numerous art exhibitions locally and internationally, and her work is distinguished by a unique blend of artistic vision and design expertise.