Downtown Design 2023 celebrates its 10th edition as the leading design fair in the Middle East and the anchor event for Dubai Design Week, taking place from 8-11 November 2023
Hosting renowned brands and emerging creatives, Downtown Design 2023 is a dynamic environment to foster meaningful connections. Showcasing thought leaders, key change makers, innovative products, and a line-up of creative installations, this global design stage marks Dubai as the design capital of the Middle East.
This year’s thematic experience guides the outdoor elements into the indoors by recognizing the ‘beauty and necessity of our natural surroundings’ in the fair’s public spaces. Emphasizing nature in its core elements: sea, soil, skies, and verdant landscapes, dialogues and activities of this year’s program will revolve around the integral part of natural materials in our lives.
Igniting collaboration and cross-industry networks, Amphora facilitates winning alliances and embraces the power of partnerships. Gracing this year’s numerous lineups, Amphora unveils its design partners through an extraordinary presentation of installations, products, and immersive experiences.
6 Design Installations You Don’t Want to Miss at Downtown Design 2023
Solaire Lounge – Cellar in the Sea, by Veuve Clicquot, design in collaboration with C’est ici Design
This year’s Veuve Clicquot’s lounge at Downtown Design showcases a concept inspired by the sea and a fascinating discovery. The recovery of 47 Veuve Clicquot bottles from a shipwreck dating back to the 19th century in the Baltic Sea, which remained preserved for nearly two centuries due to the sea’s cold and dark depths, sets the foundation for the lounge’s theme.
Designed in collaboration with the Dubai-based C’est ici design, the lounge features strategically placed pockets of bespoke seating areas. High-end furniture blends with custom panels, enhancing the lounge’s vibrancy. The design, a fusion of natural materials and raw textures, is highlighted by Veuve Clicquot’s vibrant hues.
The Forum by Intercon
Designed by Barcelona-based firm Intercon, the collaboration is manifested as a symbol of imagination and creativity. The Cloud is interpreted in design through flowing forms and suspended nebulous elements without restraints. Inviting the exchange of ideas and promoting dialogue, the cloudscape concept of the Forum is a blend of whimsical pieces of furniture. Using soft lines and a palette of whites, greys, and browns, the space exudes a relaxed atmosphere for blue-sky thinking.
‘When Time Stood Still’ by Innofab45
‘The Forbidden Furniture’
Showcasing innovation through 3D printing technology and materials, Innofab45 and Binchy & Binchy have joined forces to push boundaries and redefine possibilities within interior design. Standing at the intersection of design and technology, the exhibited pieces serve as living embodiments of the new zenith of 3D printing methodologies.
‘The Cassina Perspective’ by Cassina
Esosoft Sofa and Coffee Table by Antonio Citterio – Cassina. Photo credit: Valentina Sommariva
Making its debut at Downtown Design 2023, Cassina’s vision is represented by combining the great classics with innovative products to create warm and welcoming atmospheres. Bringing together over twelve decades of design by acclaimed architects and designers, their eclectic collection showcases Vico Magistretti, Le Corbusier, and Mario Bellini, among others.
‘Balneum’ by Kristina Zanic Consultants for Cosentino
Balneum is a contemporary and minimalist reinterpretation of the ancient Mediterranean bathhouse. The immersive installation by the interior design practice Kristina Zanic Consultants for Cosentino takes a deconstructed approach to the form, stripping it to the fundamental components.
BEIT Collective
Photo credit: Tarek Moukkadem
A Lebanese design brand embodying the spirit of artistic expression, cultural heritage, and innovation, BEIT collective is dedicated to promoting and preserving its local craftsmanship and identity. It will debut at Downtown Design and present collections from designers and artists like Adam Nathaniel Furman, Thalis Nicolaou, and Melissa Haddad.
Pumping up for Downtown Design 2023
Dubbed the catalyst for growth in the creative community, Downtown Design is an agent of positive change in design, regionally and internationally. It is a movement that brings collaboration, sparks dialogues, and builds meaningful connections. Downtown Design 2023 is now building to become the decade’s biggest and most exciting iteration.
