United designs
December is poised to bring a rather hectic close to 2019 as we all anxiously await 2020 and Expo – dubbed as the ‘greatest show of our lifetime’. The six-month-long exhibition will be a showcase for some of the most exciting cutting-edge technologies, innovations and creations from the 100+ plus exhibiting countries.
On the anniversary of the UAE’s first contemporary art centre, Jameel Arts Centre, three young designers from Architecture + Other Things and design team Faisal El-Malak and Alia Bin Omair gleamed with joy as their design was announced as the winning entry of the Sabeel 2020 Design contest. The challenge was to create a new freshwater drinking fountain, over 50 of which will be manufactured and positioned throughout the Expo site, providing water for millions of visitors.
Drawings of the chosen design are still under wraps and will be revealed soon…
Dubai Design Week again put Dubai under the international spotlight, attracting designers and industry personalities from near and far – all keen to be a part of our thriving sector. Their presence also confirms that the international industry is scouting and monitoring the Middle East, and Dubai in particular, for new talent.
Curious to get a first-hand feel of the market, owners of leading international firms were on the floor at Downtown Design – including Jérôme de Lavergnolle from St Louis, Minotti family members Renato and Alessandro, Monica Pedrali and Fabrizio Cameli from Talenti.
As the design season draws to a close, the art galleries are revving up with various exhibitions involving leading artists, validating the importance of the art and creative sectors.
Custot Gallery in Alserkal Avenue recently launched a major exhibition of 28 unique and limited edition tapestries, carpets, and textiles. ‘Tales of Thread’, curated by Laurence Custot, runs until 5 March.
Meanwhile, leading sculptor Dominic Benhura has been in the UAE for a few weeks for the launch of his latest exhibition at Showcase Gallery. One of the leading artists working with stone in his native Zimbabwe, Benhura is a recognised global artist, credited with transforming Shona sculpture into world-class modern art – mainly through his creation of large-scale pieces. He has more than 30 solo exhibitions to his name around the world, and his Dubai show ‘Between me and the Stone’ runs until 18 January.
Leading Spanish architect Ramòn Esteve has been seen in and around the capital, where he has been commissioned to design residences for the new 400-hectare Jubail Island project. Located between Saadiyat and Yas Islands, the development is an initiative of the Jubail Island Investment Company (JIIC) and is expected to be a sanctuary for wellness and nature enthusiasts.
Sustainable practices and new technology have also been very much in the news recently. Dubai Municipality recently revealed the world’s most voluminous 3D-printed building. The 640-square metre, two-storey, 9.5-metre-tall building will be used as their Innovation Centre. It was built using 50% less manpower and 60% less construction waste than conventional methods would have involved.
The RTA and Careem have launched a new bike hire scheme aimed at encouraging people to look at alternative transport modes. Cyclists can now hop on a bike at any of the 350 smart docking stations. Dubbed as the first city-wide cycle pool in the region, the app-operated programme includes some 3500 bikes.
Happy 48th UAE National Day and happy holidays from the id team…
In memoriam
We are also taking a moment to remember the life and work of extraordinary British photographer Terry O’Neill, who passed away recently. The famed photographer, who was loved by movie stars and royalty alike, shot the iconic poolside image of Faye Dunaway the morning after she won an Oscar, which was used on a 2005 cover of identity magazine.
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