Downtown Design, held every November in Dubai as the main event of Dubai Design Week, is not a fair like all the others. It is an appointment for business, attracting sector professionals (the region is strategically important on a commercial level), but also a moment of information aimed at the general public. The programme has a focus on design and brings together big names on the international scene and local creativity, conferences and master classes.
The event brings together the design industry’s key players in Dubai – a region that is attracting affluent groups investing in design and real estate and is experiencing a moment of important growth.
For this year’s edition – the tenth – work is already underway, and the names of some of the participating companies are already known: Cassina, Cosentino, Illulian, Kartell, Lasvit. Baituti Home, a major distributor in the high-end design sector, are joining Downtown Design this year with a large scale showcase featuring B&B Italia, Louis Poulsen, Maxalto and Flos.
The creative scene in the Emirates region will be represented by a selection of names worth watching (like Omar Al Gurg, founder of the brand Modu, and Aljoud Lootah); there will also be interesting international contributions, like the platform Beit Collective, illustrating products designed and/or produced in Lebanon, as well as Edward Linacre (Australia), Akar de Nissim (Singapore), New Terracotta (Portugal).
Downtown Design addresses two worlds, B2B and B2C, combining the needs of both in a spectacular and convivial moment, featuring striking special installations, pop-up concepts and immersive experiences. Last year pop-ups included The Solaire Lounge by Veuve Clicquot and a display from Christie’s auction house.
And there’s more. Direct contact with the public, especially for younger players, becomes an opportunity to develop directly commissioned projects in a spirit of cooperation. A dynamic and stimulating mixture that is hard to find elsewhere. A platform for creativity.
