Close to 600 terracotta ‘hives’ will transform Dubai’s THE BEACH by Meraas, opposite JBR, during Dubai Design Week – 1 of 13 installations spread across the city.
Close to 600 terracotta ‘hives’ will transform Dubai’s THE BEACH by Meraas, opposite JBR, during Dubai Design Week – 1 of 13 installations spread across the city.
Designed by UAE-based designers, Latifa Saeed and Talin Hazbar, both graduates of the Tashkeel Design Programme, the large-scale ‘Earth Hives’ installations is a contemporary celebration of traditional craft.
Latifa Saeed is an Emirati artist and designer who works in a variety of media in the fields of fine art, graphic design, advertising, branding and product design. Talin Hazbar was born in Syria in 1988 and was raised in the UAE. A professional architect by background, her work is driven by a passion for architecture, design and material. Here, Latifa and Talin discuss their inspirations behind ‘Earth Hives’.
What is Earth Hives?
During Dubai Design Week, we are presenting a site-specific public installation with a lighting system embedded within 575 terracotta spheres. The spheres represent a section of a traditional clay pot expressing a peek in its curvature and geometry. By bridging creative disciplines, we attempt to juxtapose a primitive, delicate and fragile breed of spherical units within Dubai’s urban landscape.
From where did you draw your inspiration?
Our inspiration began with the process of exploring terracotta pot making in the region, with a mission of using a traditional craft in our design. At the terracotta wheel-throwing workshop, we came across mesmerising rays of light cast upon several surfaces.
As sun rays intercepted tiny holes in the ceiling, they emitted light over the natural grain of the terracotta pots, a cast of light continuously transforms giving us a new notion of the rotating unit.
We found ourselves, chasing light, taken in by this unintentional and unnoticed organic cast over the different textures in the factory.
What can visitors to JBR expect to see?
Earth Hives, multiplying, and spread out over the surface area of land and water. Visitors can expect to explore a pure a craft and discover honesty of material and an interactive installation.
What does it feel like to be a part of Dubai Design Week?
Dubai has positioned itself as the region's capital of design and Dubai Design Week is being activated on a citywide scale for the first time ever.
We are delighted that our work as local designers is open to the public and accessible to all people. We are excited to have the opportunity to showcase our Installation in one of the most attractive areas in Dubai; THE BEACH by Meraas.
We feel that Dubai Design Week is a platform for us to connect to the world. Creating a cultural legacy, in preserving culture and heritage, while passing along Dubai's character and traditions to visitors of the city and future generations.