Downtown Design which would take place at Dubai Design District (d3) from November 14-17, 2017 is doing something new this season. They are launching The Italian Way Product Design Award, bringing together regional and European cultures renowned for their legendary hospitality and dedication to dining. This award is a new platform for both established and budding product designers in the UAE to showcase their creativity by developing a functional object for the table.

Entrants to the competition were tasked to design an object that would work for the dining requirements of a typical regional home, inspired by Italian traditions of craft and effortless style. The winning designer will work with an Italian manufacturer to produce a prototype for commercial use and future production.

The designs will be judged by a panel of experts including Michael Rice; designer and artist specialising in ceramics and glass, Andrea Sensoli; from Super Future Design searching for innovative design ideas in the modern world, as well as Rue Kothari; fair director for Downtown Design and Giulia Fiumi; marketing manager of Peroni and The Italian Way.

The five shortlisted designs from The Italian Way Product Design Award will be on display inside The Lighthouse pop-up at d3 waterfront  during the Downtown design event and  the winner will be announced at a private event on November 15, 2017.