Three outstanding installations and a selection of pop-ups, exhibitions, panel discussions and demonstrations transform d3 into an interactive platform for design.
Three outstanding installations and a selection of pop-ups, exhibitions, panel discussions and demonstrations transform d3 into an interactive platform for design.
Three outstanding interactive installations
Swarovski expresses its growing support for art and design innovation in the UAE with hexalite, a kaleidoscopic installation by Dubai-based conceptual artist Zeinab Al Hashemi who combines the sacred geometrical motif of the hexagon with Swarovski’s refractive crystal prisms. Visitors are encouraged to interact with their multifaceted reflections, exploring the connection with each other and the world around them. In addition to Al Hashemi’s installation, Swarovski will be showcasing its inaugural collection for Atelier Swarovski Home at Downtown Design with nine designers including Zaha Hadid, Fredrikson Stallard, Tord Boontje and Aldo Bakker.
Dutch Creative Industry has enlisted a trio of Dutch designers to present an interactive installation entitled #EMO_DCI in a custom-made pavilion at d3 which explores how the senses of sound, scent and imagery inform our experience of space. The three-part exhibition will trigger different emotions and reactions for every visitor.
Commissioned by local artist Latifa Saeed and architect Talin Hazbar re-interpret traditional Emirati ‘Majlis’, seating areas where family members and neighbours gather to socialise, with Left Impression, a series of terracotta seating with distorted designs that challenge factory workers using a wheel-throwing process.
International exhibitions, pop-ups and panel discussions
The Institut Francais champions design classics from the likes of Philippe Starck, Jean Prouvé, Pierre Paulin and the Bouroullec brothers with its exhibition 20 Icons of French Design, whilst IKEA celebrates 25 years in the UAE with an exhibition and seminar entitled Life at Home in the UAEwhich explores technology, trends in home furnishing, and stories from customers and co-workers in the Middle East. Athath expands on Scandinavian design with a pop-up by Danish homeware brand HAY and 40-year-old bookstore, Dar Al Hikma (“House of Wisdom”) sets up a special design books and magazines pop up.
The Laboratory of Literary Architecture (LABLITARCH) stages its first cross-disciplinary workshop in Dubai; adapted specifically for writing, literature, and architecture students, the five-day workshop explores how pure, spatial, wordless thought is an essential aspect of both literary and architectural structures. Keeping on the theme of architecture, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) hosts a talk, Ideas for the Open City: An exploration of connectivity within a city, in which a panel discusses Dubai’s ambition to be one of world’s most disabled-friendly cities by 2020.
d3 champions local and regional design
High-end jewelery boutique Gafla explores the history of the pearl in the Middle East with its Bahar Gaflacollection, and emerging local designers present limited edition pieces for sale atthe Tanween design programme at Tashkeel in d3.
Budding young draughtsmen of all abilities can join Shangoo Manupriam’s elite group of Urban Sketchers to draw d3’s urban spaces, and visitors interested in regional craft should swing by Saray Design for a live demonstration by a master inlay artisan from Agra, home of the Taj Mahal.
Families should head for d3 over the weekend for a range of activities including a series of doll-making workshops by Dubai-based textile artist Vinny introducing families to the magical world of doll making; and, community-led food and craft initiative Ripe Market, a two-day pop-up market selling work by local makers, artists and designers alongside produce from the region’s independent food businesses, live acoustic performances and children’s workshop. (More information to be announced shortly.)