Downtown Design To Return To Dubai Design District For Its 10th Edition

In the heart of Dubai, a dazzling art installation is set to capture the city’s imagination this November. It’s all part of the much-anticipated return of Downtown Design, now in its 10th edition, and scheduled from November 8 to November 11 in Dubai Design District (d3).

Downtown Design has always been the ultimate platform for innovative design, and this year is no exception. This four-day event will unveil a myriad of breathtaking installations crafted by renowned design studios and imaginative collectives.

One of the showstoppers at this year’s event is the ‘Light Gazing’ exhibit, a remarkable collaboration between Ultra Arte and Light and Lives. What’s more, this dazzling installation isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a testament to sustainability, perfectly aligning with the theme of ‘Future Living Spaces’ at Downtown Design. Afsal Mohamed, the founder of Light and Lives, sums it up best: “We’re ticking so many boxes here — sustainability, architecture, art, technology, nature, it’s everything.”

Anna de Florian, the founder of Ultra Arte, and Afsal Mohamed, joined forces to lead the creative charge behind ‘Light Gazing.’ Their vision was brought to life with the help of a dedicated team of 40 individuals. Anna emphasises the collaborative nature of the project, saying, “Projects like this are always a team effort.”

The foundation of ‘Light Gazing’ lies in sustainable translucent acrylic, sourced all the way from Italy. The material undergoes a meticulous fabrication process, led by 25 skilled craftsmen. This process includes cutting, shaping, welding, and installing lighting fixtures. It’s truly a labor of love, fueled by the passion for design excellence. As Anna explains, “It comes from an internal need to create something beautiful and valuable.”