‘Of Palm’, conceived by Emirati architect Abdalla Almulla and commissioned as part of Abwab during the last edition of Dubai Design Week, is one of the recipients of the 2024 Monocle Design Awards.
The Monocle Design Awards celebrate the year’s most inspiring and ingenious products, models and structures – and the people who conceive them – as they set the standard in both form and function across private and public spaces.
Having spent the majority of his years in the UAE, where the vast desert landscape is home to a myriad of plant and animal species, Almulla drew deep inspiration from the indigenous Palm tree for the Abwab pavilion in 2023. His architectural concept was rooted in the idea of scarcity, prompting him to explore the creative potential of harnessing an existing natural resource for purposes beyond its original intent.
Abdalla's vision for the pavilion was to exemplify how the palm tree, abundantly found in the local environment, can serve multifaceted needs of the community. Beyond its aesthetic and ecological significance, he aimed to showcase how this remarkable tree can provide sustenance, offer shelter, yield various products, and even serve as a source of fuel.
The entire pavilion, from its structural components to its interior design and the showcased products, were meticulously crafted from the versatile palm tree. This holistic approach not only emphasized the tree's inherent value but also served as a powerful statement of sustainable design and resourcefulness. Abdalla's project encapsulated the essence of harmonizing natural elements with innovative architectural concepts, fostering a deeper connection between the environment and human ingenuity.
Dubai Design Week is held in a strategic partnership with Dubai Design District (d3), a member of TECOM Group PJSC and supported by Dubai Culture & Arts Authority.