Zaha Hadid’s Opus Building in Dubai
In partnership with the Royal Institute of British Architects Gulf Chapter (RIBA Gulf Chapter), Dubai Design District (D3) has announced the city’s first ever festival dedicated to architecture, which invites people to discover local architecture, urbanism, and sustainable development. The first ever edition of the architecture festival is scheduled to run from 11th to 13th November 2020 alongside Dubai Design Week.
Dubai is home to some of the world’s most impressive architecture structures, including the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab and the Opus, the brain child of late Arab female architect, Zaha Hadid.
I began the first of a series of visits and conversations with key members of Dubai's cultural and creative scene to address the challenges brought about by COVID-19, as well as the potential opportunities that can ensure growth and continuity of our sector. pic.twitter.com/mGi2b2CbYm
— Latifa MR Al Maktoum (@LatifaMRM) August 12, 2020
The first edition of the forthcoming festival holds the theme of “Identity, Context and Placemaking In the Gulf” by Juan Roldan, an assistant professor at the College of Architecture, Art & Design, American University of Sharjah. It is set to display revolutionary architectural projects along with panels hosted by local architects and designers.
Andy Shaw, the RIBA Gulf Chapter Chairperson, said in a statement, “The past six months have shown us all how important the cities and buildings we build for ourselves are, and how we must come together and move forward. Architects have the skills to craft beautiful spaces that can be sustainable and innovative as Gulf countries look forward to how the future could be.”
.@d3Dubai launches the inaugural "d3 Architecture Festival" in partnership with the Royal Institute of British Architects Gulf Chapter, establishing the emirate’s first platform to showcase regional architecture, urbanism, and sustainable development.https://t.co/AkJUtV5sgP pic.twitter.com/WRKr3RCwLz
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 8, 2020
The UAE’s recent focus on sustainability and clean living across sectors will take center stage in the festival and in particular, the country’s efforts in fostering a green environment in architecture and engineering.
The city’s lifelong creative hub Dubai Design District enables creatives to come forward and continue to develop their craft. Architecture and interior design studios make up a significant percentage of D3’s community and consists of 385 business partners and around 9,000 employees.
“Dubai has long been known as an architectural playground and the emirate’s limitless ambition has found expression in its ever-evolving skyline. As we carry on the process of rebuilding in the post-COVID-19 world, our relationship with the built and natural world has never been more important." She continued, "While offering a platform for critical reflection on social, cultural and economic issues, the exhibition will also provide opportunities for new talent and bring the design community together to champion Dubai and the UAE as a hub for knowledge, creativity and innovation,” D3's Executive Director Khadija Al Bastaki said.
