Preview of Downtown Design 2019
Whether you are a professional or a lover of style, make your way to this dynamic showcase
The diversity and sophistication of the global contemporary design scene comes to life at Downtown Design 2019. Taking place at the Dubai Design District (d3) Waterfront from November 12 to 15, the Middle East’s celebration of original and highquality design will offer visitors a fresh and engaging experience.
From international studios that have never exhibited in the region and coveted brands that return with their latest collections, to a stellar line-up of global industry thought-leaders at The Forum and large-scale experiential projects specially commissioned for the fair, Downtown Design responds to the evolving needs of an ambitious design industry and the growing appreciation for contemporary design in the region.
DESIGN DISCOVERY
Presenting for the first time at the fair, Pedrali seeks to disrupt the regional furniture market with their expressive colourways and elegant forms. Offering a new perspective on furniture for the home and office, and collaborating with designers such as Marc Sadler, Patrick Nouget and Luca Casina among others, their pieces lend a playful character to any contemporary design project.
Under the creative direction of Rodolfo Dordoni, Italian furniture brand Minotti has adopted a distinctly modern identity. For their presentation at Downtown Design, the brand will present their new collections designed by French designer Christophe Delcourt and the founders of Copenhagen-based studio GamFratesi Design, Stine Gam and Enrico Fratesi.
For American designer A Jacob Marks, aesthetic austerity and craft go hand in hand. His studio, Skram, has earned international recognition for their marriage of timelessness, with an uncompromising technical mastery and the use of natural materials like wood, leather, stone and metal. They will present a selection of furniture and accessories with an industrial edge, exemplifying the American studio’s DNA to the regional audience.
Brooklyn-based sculptor and designer Fernando Mastrangelo’s work is deeply rooted in his mission to focus on the circular design economy. At Downtown Design, he will unveil a limited-edition collection of mirrors inspired by Dubai’s topography.
Minacciolo, who have perfected the art and science of kitchen design will present their ‘cooking machine’ concept that marries an industrial edge with refined nature materials. THG Paris will present their latest collection, Nihal.
Designed by French architect-designer Xavier Cartron, who is known for his distinguished palaces including Abu Dhabi’s Presidential Palace, the range features an exquisite star pattern in vibrant jewel tones. Also from France, Vicalvi will present their latest collection of tapware authored by Zaha Hadid Design.
Houtlander, the South African studio known for its minimalist furniture made without nails or screws, will make its regional debut at Downtown Design with their award-winning Preservation Bench. The brand will be joined by three other South African studios – Indigenus,
Ashanti Design and Villa Africa – together demonstrating the diverse perspectives informing South African contemporary design.
In honour of the UAE’s Year of Tolerance, bespoke rug studio Hands will unveil a piece inspired by children’s artworks. The proceeds will benefit Senses, a charity of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of
the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
SPOTLIGHT ON THE REGION
Offering the regional design scene a platform for visibility and engagement, Downtown Editions, the fair’s section dedicated to limited-edition and bespoke design will present new regional initiatives, young designers and up-andcoming brands that are interpreting the Middle East’s heritage and culture through contemporary design.
Sharjah-based multidisciplinary designer Jawaher Al Khayyal’s debut collection will offer a new interpretation of the Emirati craft of palm frond weaving. Inspired by the traditional dowry chest ‘mandoos’ and featuring manipulation in leather and metal, celebrated Emirati designer Al Joud Lootah will present her numbered collection of handmade boxes.
She will be joined by Roudha Al Shamsi, 1971 Design Space, Jeel and Irthi, who will present their latest work, whilst Taskheel will unveil the outcome of their
2019 Tanween Design Programme featuring designers Abdulla Al Mulla, Lana Al Samman and Yara Habib.
Artist and designer Cecilia Setterdahl is known for transforming her canvasses into masterfully composed rugs; she will debut her latest collection of handmade carpets that balance form with colour and a contemporary view. Omar and Wajih Nakkash’s work is expressed through noble materials and forms that echo Levantine iconography. For this year’s presentation, the father and son duo will debut a collection of decorative objects and accessories.
Founder of the award-winning architectural studio, Binchy & Binchy, Jennie will present a collection of plinths — The Ten — featuring collaborations with manufacturers such as Kvadrat Maharam and Ranieri Lava Stone, and exploring her passion for innovation with materiality and patterns. She will be joined by another regional studio, Interspace, who, with their new Eden Collection, will demonstrate their ability to craft bespoke furniture of the highest-quality for the region’s design industry.
Alongside the best in regional design, Downtown Editions will showcase collectible design from international studios including Arijan (South Korea), Tasca4D (Japan) and Curoq Collective who will soon launch their Middle East studio in Dubai.
A DYNAMIC EXPERIENCE FOR ALL
With large-scale installations, experiential presentations and pop-up projects commissioned especially for the fair, Downtown Design 2019 will offer visitors an immersive design experience and made-forInstagram moments.
Known for their evocative presentations that bring artisanal making and innovation together with the human experience, Preciosa will present their joyous Carousel of Light for the first time in the Middle East. A canopy of over 8,000 glowing orbs will ebb and flow with light as it traces human interaction and movement on the rotating platform beneath it.
Keeping the fair experience fresh for the visitors, for the 2019 showcase, Downtown Design has engaged three award-winning design teams to help remaster the fair’s key areas. Wilson Associates will create a dramatic yet cosy bar, whilst Swiss Bureau’s concept for the forum space touches on aspects of community and collaboration in the design industry. Under XBD Collective’s creative direction, the fair café is reimagined as an urban oasis.
TAKE HOME A PIECE OF DOWNTOWN DESIGN
This year, visitors will have a chance to take home design pieces with a series of onsite activations.
Singapore-based bespoke fragrance atelier, Oo La Lab are one of the leading scent mixologists in the world. At their booth in Downtown Design, they will host workshops for visitors to create their own fragrance.
USM with One52 will host their famous USM Configurator Competition at their booth where design professionals can use their software to create their own USM unit and stand the chance to win a USM piece.
Samovar Carpets has created an upside-down room at Downtown Design. The perfect photoop, the all-white room holds the key to winning their one-of-a-kind masterpieces. Visitors just need to take a fun picture in their booth and follow their instructions to stand a chance.