Design Days Dubai 2015
Aljoud Lootah, he Oru Collection, Teak wood, Felt, Reflective Copper, 2015
The fourth edition of Design Days Dubai is on from 16th-19th March at The Venue - Downtown Dubai, Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard (formerly known as Emaar Boulevard, next to Burj Khalifa).
This year's edition features an increased number of designers from the Middle East, especially from the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, there's a packed schedule of talks, workshops, tours and film screenings.
I am looking forward to seeing the following and hoping to stumble upon new discoveries.
1971 is a multi-functional design space dedicated to exhibition, display and discussion on all forms of contemporary design ranging from graphics, furniture and interiors to interactive design and new design technologies. Through a mixture of curated exhibitions and public programmes, 1971 aims to become a regional and international design hub working closely with local designers, architects, schools and universities.
Aljoud Lootah, Oru Lamp
In “The Oru Series,” a collection of geometric furniture and decorative objects, pieces take inspiration from origami forms. The name “Oru” originates from the Japanese words “to fold”, and the idea behind the designs is to show that folding a flat, two-dimensional sheet can create aesthetically appealing functional three-dimensional forms. The multi-faceted products with their complex folds coupled with sophisticated simplicity, are a modern interpretation of an ancient form of art.
Consisting of 28 pendant lamps suspended in space, the installation creates a recognisable cloud-like form despite its seemingly random formation. Like a cloud the volume changes from vantage point to vantage point.
The view from under reveals moving images of various skies—from the serene to the sublime—that project onto the inner surface of each bulb. Powered by a network of custom built micro-projectors embedded within each lamp fixture, the lights orchestrate into a meteorologic spectacle.
With storms forming and dissipating on the clock, one can take solace in the saying, “if you don’t like the weather….just wait a few minutes.”
The Starbrick is a lighting module designed by Olafur Eliasson in collaboration with Zumtobel. The versatile module can be used in a number of ways: as a pendant, floor or table luminaire. Modules can be linked up to build free-standing or suspended sculptures, ceilings or walls. Modern LED technology provides for versatile lighting options.
aher Oliver Samman, Swing, Luxury Leather Hammock For Indooroutdoor Use, Camel And Cow Leather From The UAE, 2 X 1 M , 2014
Here's a short clip featuring highlights from Design Days Dubai 2014 and you can read my review here.