Dubai Design District has announced the launch of the UAE’s first ever architecture festival.
Taking place from 11th to 13th November during Dubai Design Week, the festival will showcase local and international architectural talent from the world of architecture.
Created in partnership with the Royal Institute of British Architects Gulf Chapter (RIBA Gulf Chapter) the project is the Emirate’s first platform showcasing regional architecture, urbanism and sustainable development. Showcasing regional architectural projects, the event will host a series of talks to steer the Middle East towards a more sustainable future, and invite designers, architects and the general public to participate.
Speaking about the new festival, Khadija Al Bastaki, Executive Director of d3, said: “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.
In line with this priority, and recognising that d3 has become a hub for the Middle East’s architecture community, we’re delighted to announce the launch of the d3 Architecture Festival 2020 in partnership with RIBA Gulf Chapter. While offering a platform for critical reflection on social, cultural and economic issues, it 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.”
RIBA Gulf Chapter Chair and Managing Partner of AMA, Andy Shaw, added: “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. The RIBA Gulf Chapter’s goals are well aligned with d3 and make for a great partnership for this new festival.
The exhibition will feature models, drawings and projects from the most exciting architects working in the Gulf, such as Binchy and Binchy and ANARCHITECT who are founded by RIBA members. This event is a celebration of what has been achieved by architects in the region and, more importantly, what is to come from the emerging generation of local companies and graduating students.”
As a home to over 50 leading local and international architecture practices such as Foster + Partners, Zaha Hadid Architects, and Benoy, d3’s business partners have designed some of the UAE’s most impressive projects to date, such as The Opus, Zayed National Museum and the falcon-shaped UAE National Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, envisioned by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.
In line with the wider objectives of the UAE Vision 2021, the country hopes to become a global leader in the fields of innovation and technology. In ensuring sustainable development, the UAE’s reputation for excellence in architecture and engineering has continued to contribute to green and clean infrastructure, skyscrapers and heritage projects that strike the perfect balance between contextual relevance, cultural significance and social importance.
At d3, the heart of creativity in the Middle East, architecture and interior design studios make up a significant component of the community’s 385 business partners and 9,000 people.
The Architecture Festival 2020 will run from November 11 to 13.
