In light of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Downtown Design’s new format for 2020, will bring the industry together across digital and physical platforms, allowing both the A&ID community and brands to gain inspiration and insight, network and navigate the new design landscape.
Featuring a conceptual exhibition, a digital fair, an online talks programme and tailor-made physical brand experiences, the hybrid format will be presented within the d3 Design Quarter at Dubai Design District (d3) for the full duration of Dubai Design Week, 9-14 November.
A platform for regional architecture, urbanism and sustainable development, the d3 Architecture Festival in partnership with RIBA Gulf Chapter will stage its inaugural showcase this year. Also, collaborating with Emirati designers, AHEC will develop a series of outdoor seating for use in public spaces in the UAE, titled ‘Please Sit Here’, that addresses the need to offer solutions for behavioural change brought about by the pandemic. Supported by A.R.M. Holding, the Urban Commissions programme calls upon the creative community to propose an innovative solution to design and conceptualise a multifunctional boutique for an outdoor retail experience. Drawing from the Global Grad Show programme that in 2020, will be produced in a digital format, the inaugural MENA Grad Show will exhibit university student projects from the Middle East and North Africa.