Now in its second year, the AlUla Design Award recognises outstanding design inspired by heritage, landscapes and artistic heritage of AlUla. Thanks to an open-call this year, the Award received an overwhelming response from established and emerging designers, who showcased their talent by conceptualizing and developing exceptional design retail items across six categories inspired by the area’s cultural heritage of AlUla.
After a rigorous selection process, 10 finalists were chosen by a jury comprising recognized leaders from the design sector, to exhibit at Paris Design Week. Until 16th September, prototypes of all 10 finalists will be on show in Paris, in an exhibition conceived by Hervé Sauvage. Through the lens of these carefully curated prototypes, we embark on a journey of discovery, delving into the profound dialogue between human creation and the natural world. As you explore the exhibition, you will encounter a rich tapestry of designs that mirror the intricate textures, colours, and patterns found in AlUla’s natural surroundings.
The five winners are: Tawa by Shaddah Studio (Saudi, based in Saudi Arabia); Naba Tea Tiffin by Ikkis, Gunjan Gupta (Indian, based in India); AlUla Terrains: Dates Serving Set by Teeb (Lebanese and Saudi, based in Saudi Arabia; Incense Heritage Collection by Sarra Hafaiedh (Tunisian, based in Tunisia); and Oil Lantern by Imane Mellah (French, based in Paris).
Tawa by Shaddah Studio
Drawing inspiration from the captivating AlUla landmarks, where horizons meet stars and skies, the Tawa reflecting chair is designed by Shaddah Studio, a multidisciplinary firm founded in 2015 by Watfa Hamidaddin and Deem Alhagbani.
AlUla Terrains: Dates Serving Set by Teeb
Designed by Saudi-born, multidisciplinary design and production company Teeb, the Dates Serving Set is a stackable volcano-shaped set for serving dates, preserving Saudi hospitality traditions. It is Ispired by Harrat Khaybar’s fertile soil and renowned palm tree fields.
Naba Tea Tiffin by Gunjan Gupta
A captivating collection of four objects [RMH1] with pure copper lids coated in terracotta powder, paying homage to the ancient city of Hegra. Naba Tea Tiffin has been conceived by Gunjan Gupta, India’s leading product designer.
Oil Lantern by Imane Mellah
Designed by Imane Mellah, a French Moroccan architect and designer in Paris, the oil lantern was designed in response to the original byzantine oil lamp found in Hegra. The shape of the object was kept and upgraded for contemporary use.
Heritage Incense Collection by Sarra Hafaiedh
Blending modern production techniques with ancient handwork, using dark wood grains to pay homage to past generations, this incense holders emanate a tranquil aura. It is designed by Sarra Hafaiedh, a Tunisian interior designer and the founder of the design brand Maya Luxury.
“The winners of the AlUla Design Award have brilliantly interpreted the landscape and heritage of AlUla through their designs”, Nora Aldabal, Executive Director of Arts and Creative Industries Royal Commission for AlUla said. “We are excited that the Award sits alongside several AlUla design initiatives including the trailblazing Madrasat Addeera Editions, also exhibiting in Paris; the first Design Residency which begins in October in AlUla; and the Design Space AlUla which opens in early 2024. These initiatives exemplify AlUla’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of design in dynamic and innovative ways whilst fostering creativity and cross-cultural connections. We look forward to nurturing these ambitious initiatives which are making AlUla a design hub in the region, engaging local and international design communities alike.”
The AlUla Design Award aims to support the winners by commissioning some of the designs, providing assistance throughout the production process, and facilitating their promotion within AlUla and its influential network of regional and international activities. The exhibition in Paris, conceived by acclaimed designer Hervé Sauvage, features prototypes of all 10 finalists, at 21, Rue De Turenne, 75 004 Paris until 16 September 2023, 10am – 7pm.
The AlUla Design Award forms part of a development of ambitious design initiatives in AlUla including the groundbreaking Madrasat Addeera Editions exhibited during Paris Design Week and the announcement of the upcoming inaugural Design Residency and opening of Design Space AlUla.
