The first edition of Dubai Design Week saw the launch of Iconic Cities, a new series of annual exhibitions that explore the culture and design scene of the Middle East's urban centres. The series kicked off under the attention-grabbing headline ‘Brilliant Beirut’, an exhibition that proved a big hit with visitors.
The first edition of Dubai Design Week saw the launch of Iconic Cities, a new series of annual exhibitions that explore the culture and design scene of the Middle East's urban centres. The series kicked off under the attention-grabbing headline ‘Brilliant Beirut’, an exhibition that proved a big hit with visitors.
Designed and curated by designer Rana Salam, Brilliant Beirut was organised as a chronological journey beginning in the 1950s (independence) through to the present day and was a showcase of the city’s most prominent design and architecture achievements, illustrating all the important milestones of the city’s design history.
Rana found the response to the exhibition by a diverse group of visitors incredibly heartwarming: “We had professionals debating architecture and design; the Lebanese Diaspora coming to "walk" their young adults through the history of Lebanon; international non-Middle Eastern visitors discussing Lebanon; foreigners saying it encouraged them to visit the country…Most amazing were the streams of school children and university students who came to take advantage of the educational element of the exhibition and I never tired of the curious questions, photographs, smiles, hugs, goosebumps!”
Rana and her team collated some of the visitor comments which capture the many reactions to Iconic City: Brilliant Beirut:
"Great history and factual storytelling"
"It is so nostalgic and so hopeful at the same time. I wish and I am certain we will see the revival of old Beirut, a multifaceted diamond"
"As a Lebanese designer I really thought this exhibition was unique, heartwarming & beautiful - I especially loved the quotes.
"I just wish my parents where in Dubai to see this! My eyes didn't stop watering -this is just brilliant ! Amazing journey it makes you wanna go back regardless"
"Thank you for this nice retrospective that brings back the true story of this beautiful country far from cliche"
'"Loved the exhibition! Would love to see more. Makes me want to plan a visit to Beirut! "
"Beautiful exhibition a way to discover Beirut"
"What an emotion- reminds us of Brilliant Beirut and the few who are and will always be behind the torch of design "
"Absolutely amazing - first time I see Beirut documented in a such vivid way - hope to see the exhibition internationally"
"This collection has to be published as a valuable print on history of design"