In light of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, one has come to accept that events, exhibitions and showcases have had to adapt. Few however, have managed to integrate this ‘new normal’ with the finesse that Downtown Design has. Their pioneering hybrid programme for 2020 is set to feature a conceptual exhibition, a digital fair, an online talks programme, as well as tailor made onsite brand experiences.
Adhering to physical distancing measures, the event will take place at the Design Quarter in Dubai Design District (d3) across the entire duration of Dubai Design Week (9-14 November 2020).
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The four key verticals (alluded to above and detailed below) have been meticulously curated to ensure that the Architecture and Interior Design community, and brands, continue to gain inspiration and insight, network and navigate the new design landscape, even amid the unprecedented times we find ourselves in, through an amalgamation of physical as well as digital platforms.
AN EXHIBITION OF MIDDLE EAST DESIGN TALENT
At the heart of this year’s activities is ‘The Shape of Things to Come’, which invites the region’s architects and interior designers to imagine how we will work, live and play in a post-pandemic world. From an open call, selected concepts will be presented as a multi-media exhibition aimed at spotlighting progressive design thinking from the Middle East.
THE DIGITAL FAIR
Continuing to support the objectives of brands and buyers in these challenging times, Downtown Design will present a digital showcase allowing design professionals and enthusiast to discover the latest collections and trends. Underpinned by an amplified digital strategy, the online event will offer participating brands and designers a range of benefits to help them raise their profile in the Middle East and beyond.
VIRTUAL TALKS PROGRAMME
Over the years, Downtown Design’s eagerly anticipated programme of talks and workshops, The Forum, has brought leading names in design to the Middle East. As technology intermediates the design industry, this year’s talks will be presented digitally and feature regional and international experts spotlighting the new value system that has evolved as positive response to the crisis. Explore the full programme and speakers here.
ONSITE AT DUBAI DESIGN DISTRICT(d3)
As part of this year’s agile format, Downtown Design will also curate opportunities for international design talent to connect with the Middle East audience on the ground. Presented within the d3 Quarter and in collaboration with Dubai Design Week, Downtown Design will showcase two country-specific presentations – from Portugal and the UK, who will showcase the flair and refinement of their native design scene via conceptual, multi-brand presentations.
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Image caption, harmoniously combine two usually distinct indulgences
The link between the two main areas, the one closest to the entryway with the bar counter and lounge and the one at the rear reserved for aesthetic treatments, is a decorative feature with a great scenic impact: a series of deep blue glass portals guides the gaze towards the beauty area, giving the space perspective depth and a theatrical feel. This liminal space also houses the boutique and the facial bar, functions that will cater for a passing public and have faster times than the more complex treatments, as well as delineating the perimeter of the two lounges. “The management of flows and technical spaces,” the architects tell us, “was especially complex. The brief for both Ballard & Fant’s identities were quite specific and binding, so the phases of the choice of space and the layouts of the areas were the most challenging points in the whole project.” cts tell us, “was especially complex. The brief for both Ballard & Fant’s identities were quite specific and binding, so the phases of the choice of space and the layouts of the areas were the most challenging points in the whole project.”The link between the two main areas, the one closest to the entryway with the bar counter and lounge and the one at the rear reserved for aesthetic treatments, is a decorative feature with a great scenic impact: a series of deep blue glass portals guides the gaze towards the beauty area, giving the space perspective depth and a theatrical feel. This liminal space also houses the boutique and the facial bar, functions that will cater for a passing public and have faster times than the more complex treatments, as well as delineating the perimeter of the two lounges. “The management of flows and technical spaces,” the architects tell us, “was especially complex. The brief for both Ballard & Fant’s identities were quite specific and binding, so the phases of the choice of space and the layouts of the areas were the most challenging points in the whole project.” cts tell us, “was especially complex. The brief for both Ballard & Fant’s identities were quite specific and binding, so the phases of the choice of space and the layouts of the areas were the most challenging points in the whole project.”
The link between the two main areas, the one closest to the entryway with the bar counter and lounge and the one at the rear reserved for aesthetic treatments, is a decorative feature with a great scenic impact: a series of deep blue glass portals guides the gaze towards the beauty area, giving the space perspective depth and a theatrical feel. This liminal space also houses the boutique and the facial bar, functions that will cater for a passing public and have faster times than the more complex treatments, as well as delineating the perimeter of the two lounges. “The management of flows and technical spaces,” the architects tell us, “was especially complex. The brief for both Ballard & Fant’s identities were quite specific and binding, so the phases of the choice of space and the layouts of the areas were the most challenging points in the whole project.” cts tell us, “was especially complex. The brief for both Ballard & Fant’s identities were quite specific and binding, so the phases of the choice of space and the layouts of the areas were the most challenging points in the whole project.”
Image caption, harmoniously combine two usually distinct indulgences
The choice of materials and finishes was in keeping with this chromatic landscape. “Through the moodboard we visualized the allure of the space,” explains Pennesi. “An interplay of alternations between more or less tactile surface textures, contrasting colors and opaque and translucent finishes that create intriguing peep-through effects.”
This led to the choice of stoneware tiles by Ceramica Sant’Agostino, which deck the floors and bar counter with their dense and uniform speckled pattern and bind together the different areas into which the space is divided, wth laminates from Arpa Industriale and Kaindl, used respectively for the support surfaces and the structures of the bespoke furnishings.
“We chose these materials for both aesthetic and functional reasons. Aesthetic because this type of semi-finished product has color ranges that enabled us to make choices consistent with the palette we created; and practical because they are wearproof materials and ensure easy sanitization. In particular, Fenix, a special laminate we used to coat the counter top, with a surface that has a non-porous outer layer, makes the material easy to clean and suitable for contact with food as well as fingerprint-proof and pleasant to the touch.”
Even the lighting was curated in detail, helping create a pleasant and richly detailed environment. Bellhop cordless table lamps designed by Barber & Osgerby for Flos, illuminate the tables with their discreet light. Suspended above the bar counter is a spectacular suspension composition created with a series of “leaves” in Diphy polycarbonate. Designed by Mirco Crosatto for Stilnovo, it was inspired by a fascinating Japanese plant, whose flowers turn as transparent as crystal in contact with water.
