Downtown Design, Dubai’s leading design fair, is set to host its 10th edition from November 8-11 at Dubai Design District.
In an exclusive interview with Arabian Business Mette Degn-Christensen, Director of Downtown Design says that although she is reluctant to talk about trends in a broad aspect she believes that in the design industry, “sustainability and longevity are becoming the new luxury,” reflecting a shift in design priorities.
Dubai, as a global hub for creativity, is embracing these principles. Degn-Christensen highlighted, “Dubai, and the UAE, is a geographical binding point,” emphasising the need for responsible, circular processes in design, including the use of durable and sustainable materials.
This year’s theme has a strong focus on “bringing outdoors inside” she explained that there is an, “importance of nature in our living spaces and a human aspect in design displayed throughout the fair.”
When asked why Dubai, she answered, “My immediate thought to this question is always, why not Dubai – of course Dubai! Dubai, and the UAE, is a geographical binding point, and while we are an international fair, we are very much a fair for the Middle East, with Dubai as the main hub for creativity in the region.”
Alongside the city’s range of benefits with its fast pace being one of many, comes its share of challenges which Degn-Christensen says needs to be taken into account at the planning stages. For large-scale projects “this can take years, therefore re-planning and future proof considerations are a challenge.”
In line with UAE’s sustainability efforts with COP28 around the corner, Downtown Design and Dubai Design Week have implemented numerous sustainability initiatives such as eliminating single-use materials, reusing existing infrastructure, recycling and solar power.
Degn-Christensen revealed that Dubai Design Week “will feature large-scale outdoor installations that draw on new forms to foster sustainable practices. Among the key elements, visitors can explore immersive public interventions made from materials such as loofah, repurposed palms, paper pulp and cement alternatives.”
Cultural Diversity at Downtown Design
Being hosted in a global destination like Dubai means that Downtown Design must take cultural diversity as one of its factors of consideration. When asked how the event implements this, she said, “Diversity is at the forefront of what we do, as it is for Dubai and the UAE as a creative hub for the wider region. We have over 300 participants from more than 40 countries at the fair this year, and multiple showcases focus on exactly that, the fusion between tradition and innovation, and designer and creativity across borders.”
Downtown Design is held under the patronage of Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This year all visitors will be asked to pay an entrance fee of AED25 at the door which will be donated to the Emirates Red Crescent. Additionally, Art Dubai will match the value of the donated funds.
“I’m personally very excited to see the array of some of the most sought-after brands worldwide come together for the 10th edition of Downtown Design this year, alongside such a diverse line-up of independent designers and studios from around the world, with a spotlight on regional talent, showcasing small-scale, limited-edition productions for visitors to discover,” Degn-Christensen concluded.
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