Designer and architect Ahmad Alkattan created these structures, called "Designest," to provide shade and shelter for humans and pigeons alike. They were among more than 30 designs for installations submitted to Dubai Design Week that have been built in the city's Design District.
Dubai Design Week
Chosen for the headline feature at Dubai Design Week, this installation by Abdalla Almulla is made entirely from palm trees.
Dubai Design Week
Designed by Bahraini architect Sara Al Rayyes, this installation seeks to preserve Bahrain's pearling heritage by harnessing "the overlooked treasure of mother-of-pearl oysters, a typically discarded material in the pearling industry."
Dubai Design Week
Named "Shaking Sanctuary: Urban Shade," this installation features flexible rods that move in response to visitors' movements. Created by nngg Studio, the canopies are inspired by the native fauna found in the United Arab Emirates.
Dubai Design Week
The design for "Arabi-an Tea House" was first unveiled at the 2023 Venice Architecture Biennale by Mitsubishi Jisho Design. Constructed from local food waste, including tea dregs and grapes, this structure will house a tea master during Dubai Design Week to conduct tea ceremonies.
Dubai Design Week
This light installation named "The Future Will Be Sown" is made from dried loofah, an agricultural by-product. Designed by India-based Made In Earth, the installation seeks to emphasize the need for a future of "regenerative growth, and climate positive action."
Dubai Design Week
Made entirely from paper and cardboard pulp from delivery boxes and paper bags, "Pulp Fractions" was created by Dubai-based architecture and interior design firm TEE VEE EFF.
Dubai Design Week
Named "Naseej" ("to weave" in Arabic), this wooden structure by Emirati architect AlZaina Lootah and Indian architect Sahil Rattha Singh was designed for inner reflection and contemplation.
Dubai Design Week
Moey Studio designed these "Circles of Trust," which give discarded tires a new life.