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Arab News
2 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi pavilion makes a splash at London Design Biennale
DHAHRAN: 'Good Water,' the Saudi National Pavilion that reimagines our relationship with water, is sure to be popular with visitors at the London Design Biennale, which opens today. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ Examining water systems, accessibility, equity and scarcity, the pavilion was commissioned by the Architecture and Design Commission and supported by the Ministry of Culture. Presented under the leadership of commission CEO Sumayah Al-Solaiman, it marks the fourth time the Kingdom has taken part in the event. A post shared by London Design Biennale (@londondesignbiennale) 'In a Biennale that explores the intersection of inner experiences and external influences, 'Good Water' reflects the spirit of inquiry we hope to share with the world,' said Al-Solaiman. 'With this pavilion, we are proud to support the next generation of Saudi practitioners and provide platforms that amplify their voices on the international stage.' Saudi artists Alaa Tarabzouni, Dur Kattan, Fahad bin Naif and Aziz Jamal worked as co-curators, collaborating across various disciplines. 'In the team, we don't have specific roles,' Jamal told Arab News. 'We all collaborated on everything. So the video, we all shot together — we all wrote together. We all have different backgrounds in the arts sector but we've worked together (in the Saudi art scene) for the past five years and that's actually how we came together; it's more of a democratic process and there's no kind of strict guidelines.' At the heart of the Saudi contribution in London is the sabeel, a traditional water fountain usually placed and funded privately in a shaded outdoor communal space. It is meant for use by anyone in the community, free of charge. The sabeel is an enduring symbol of hospitality and generosity, deeply rooted in the Arabian Peninsula and found in many spots throughout the Middle East. 'Growing up in Dhahran, you would see sabeels everywhere. Our house didn't have one, but there was a mosque in front of our house that had one,' Jamal said. The London installation strips the sabeel of nostalgia and re-centers it as a contemporary, working object. Visitors are invited to fill their cups — literally and figuratively, as they pause to reflect on the often unseen systems, labor and energy that make the flowing 'free' water possible. Stacks of paper cups will be provided, bearing the message 'Good Water: 500 ml = one AI prompt' in vibrant color. There will also be refillable water bottles so spectators can have a 'water-cooler moment' to chat, sip and ponder. The pavilion also features four videos, filmed at an old water factory in Riyadh, showing the painstaking journey of water from droplet to distribution. The screens trace the production process across different sizes of bottles, with each film lasting under 10 minutes. Jamal's relationship with water shifted since he started working on this project. 'I have to say, watching and going to visit the water factory (in Riyadh) and seeing the enormous effort that it takes to fill up one tiny water bottle — you don't take that effort for granted anymore,' he said. 'Before, if there was a little bit of water in my water bottle, I would just leave it, but now it's like, I make it a point to drink (it) all … to finish my water bottle, because it's not just a matter of just getting the water filled up, it's testing it, going through inspection, doing all the mineral checks. It has made me more conscious of every drop.' Jamal's aim is for visitors to the pavilion to quench their thirst with that same realization. 'What I really hope for is for people to interact with the piece,' he said. 'We want that act of generosity to come through and we want people to drink the water.' The eco-conscious will be glad to know the sabeel will dispense locally sourced water — not any transported from Riyadh. It will also be indoors. A printed catalogue written by the curators will also be available, offering further context in the form of essays, research material and images of water infrastructure and sabeels from across the Middle East and North Africa region. Saudi Arabia is one of the most water-scarce countries in the world. Only 2.5 percent of the world's water is freshwater, and even less is accessible for drinking. The Kingdom is the largest producer of desalinated water globally, supplying over 60 percent of its potable water, according to the Saudi Pavilion team's research. 'We thought (the sabeel) was a perfect anecdote to describe the attitude and the general principle behind this concept of water as a human right and not as a luxury,' Jamal said. 'It's free drinking water, but it's from a private source. So we felt it really encompassed this specific phenomenon in Saudi, of paying it forward and offering water to people who don't have access to it.' With 'Good Water,' the Saudi National Pavilion puts this scarcity — and the labor behind everyday hydration — center stage. 'Our research was about water and access to water,' Jamal added. 'When we were first conceptualizing the piece for the London Biennale, we were looking at the infrastructure and water and access and what's the hidden cost of free water in Saudi — and specifically looking at the object(ive) of a sabeel: What does this act of generosity and act of making water into a human right mean, and what is the hidden cost of that?' Though the widespread distribution of plastic bottles has displaced the sabeel to some extent, Jamal emphasized its enduring relevance, especially in a country with scorching summers and large outdoor workforces. 'I think people are on the go, so they need something convenient, but I think water bottles haven't killed off sabeels completely,' he said. 'A lot of the workforce in Saudi, who have more direct contact under the sun and the streets — they still use it all the time. It's not just drinking water — it's cold drinking water, and in Saudi that's very important.' Jamal joked that after nearly a year of working on this project, the team would raise a glass of water in celebration. The pavilion will be open until June 29 at Somerset House.
Zawya
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Inaugural Downtown Design Riyadh is now open
A section dedicated to high-end and limited-edition design features works by names such as Thomas Heatherwick, Draga & Aurel, Sabine Marselis and Naqsh Collective Saudi talent is at the heart of the fair, from the Designed in Saudi to independent exhibitors showcasing their latest collections, and bespoke collaborations with local design studios Programme highlights include an immersive public intervention hand-made from rammed earth, an insightful talks programme and engaging pop-up concepts, including a glow-in the dark culinary experience by Bompas & Parr Saudi Arabia, Riyadh: Downtown Design Riyadh has opened its doors, marking the Kingdom's first fair dedicated to contemporary, high-quality design. Set in the heart of JAX District, Riyadh's cultural quarter from 20-23 May, the fair is held in partnership with the Architecture and Design Commission of Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Culture. Committed to showcasing contemporary and high-quality design, the programme spans global brands, emerging talent from the region, and a programme activations and experiences staged throughout the district's indoor and outdoor spaces. Dr. Sumayah Al-Solaiman, CEO of the Architecture and Design Commission, said, 'Downtown Design Riyadh represents an important step in our efforts to build a design culture that stems from Saudi identity and engages openly with the world. Through its diverse programs, the exhibition focuses on this vision, bringing together the works of Saudi designers, both emerging and established, alongside prestigious international names, within a framework that supports creative production and stimulates knowledge exchange. Our strategic sponsorship of the exhibition embodies our support for the sector and our goal of attracting the most prominent international exhibitions and events specialised in architecture and design, strengthening our current position and future ambitions, at a time when design is becoming a pivotal element in the Kingdom's cultural and economic landscapes. Exhibitor Highlights Cosentino is presenting the Moon Vignettes installation by Kuwait-based Babnimnim Design Studio, Lasvit is featuring Splash, a glass lighting installation designed by Martin Gallo and Natuzzi Italia is debuting the Amama project in the region, a new double-sided modular sofa created in collaboration with Andrea Steidl. Maison Louis Drucker has launched a collaboration with digital fabrication platform TRAME and design studio Aranda\Lasch, merging algorithmic design with time-honoured craftsmanship. Jotun is staging an experiential colour exhibition with a local designer, while Klekktik and Assembly has joined forces in a curated display that merges modern design with iconic vintage collectibles. Making its debut at the fair, Grey Garden Plant Studio is presenting a collection of raw, handmade planters and vases. Jaipur Rugs is showcasing collections from Tatiana De Nicolay's Jardins Du Monde among others. Saint Louis is presenting Torsade, a collection created in collaboration with Italian artist Stefania Di Petrillo, while Iwan Maktabi is introducing its collaborations with Blu Architects, David / Nicolas and Roula Salamoun. Scarlet Splendour is debuting in the region with a bold presentation including pure brass pieces by Richard Hutten, and Serafini will showcase the best of Italian craftsmanship through exclusive furniture and functional design. In a multi-brand showcase, Huda Lighting is presenting leading architectural and decorative lighting brands, including Brokis, Italamp, Panzeri and Bomma while The Bowery Company is exhibiting modern Scandinavian brands Audo Copenhagen, GUBI and &Tradition. Mette Degn-Christensen, Director of Downtown Design, commented, 'This inaugural edition of our Riyadh fair brings together what Downtown Design does best - presenting a thoughtful mix of global brands, emerging talent and limited-edition design. We are proud to provide a platform for quality design in a local context. From installations and collaborations, to the wider programme of activities and pop-up concepts, Saudi creatives and the local burgeoning market are an essential part of the programme, helping to forge an experience that feels both rooted and forward-looking.' Exhibiting Saudi-based designers include Hobal, Lucas Barcelo, and the interior design studio co-founded by Saudi designer Noura Suleiman. Their work spans architecture, product and object design, with contemporary interpretations of cultural heritage. Alongside the Designed in Saudi initiative, which will highlight the development of the Kingdom's industrial sector and key initiatives, Saudi Arabia is hosting leading talent from the global and regional design communities at the Downtown Design Riyadh fair. In a dedicated section of the fair, collectible works and ultra-high-end design will be presented by international galleries, independent studios and manufacturers. Gallery COLLECTIONAL is showcasing limited-edition pieces by internationally recognised designers, including Christophe Delcourt, Apparatus Studio, Draga & Aurel, as well as names such as Laurids Gallée, Mario Tsai, Sabine Marcelis, Steven John Clark and Refractory. Venini's presentation includes glassworks made in collaboration with renowned names such as Michele De Lucchi and Peter Marino. Visionnaire highlights collections by designers including Alessandro La Spada and Marc Ange. Helen Chislett Gallery brings a breadth of leading design names from the UK, including works by Thomas Heatherwick, as well as pieces by Roome London, Tom Faulkner, Object Studio, and Atelier 001, while Italian textile studio Dinodo's limited-edition rugs and tapestries are making their regional debut, highlighting collaborations with renowned artists. Jordanian design duo Naqsh Collective blends contemporary aesthetics with traditional Arab craftsmanship, showcasing works that reflect cultural memory through modern form. Programme Highlights BMW Saudi Arabia will unveil a compelling spatial experience at the first-ever Downtown Design Riyadh. The BMW Lounge, a creative hospitality concept conceived by Saudi designer Amani Al-Ibrahim, Partner and Executive Director at Kristina Zanic Consultants, articulates BMW's progressive design language and ongoing dialogue with the world of design, architecture, and innovation. London-based Bompas & Parr, the creative duo known for crafting wild, immersive food experiences that blend art, science, and gastronomy, has collaborated with The Lighthouse to bring a multi-sensory experience to the fair. Delighting visitors with an offering of glow-in-the-dark sweet treats and conceptual mocktails, the pop-up concept, conceived by local design firm Laeta Interior, is influenced by the disciplined dreamers of Bauhaus. The programme also features a pop-up by Saudi specialty coffee brands Origin Roasters and Marble x Easy Bakery. Multidisciplinary studio Karim+Elias, led by Karim Tamerji and Elias Hage, is presenting Strata, a modular outdoor installation constructed from Saudi sand using the traditional rammed earth technique. Positioned in the main outdoor squares of JAX District, Strata blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, offering visitors an immersive experience that connects Riyadh's past and present. The installation highlights Karim+Elias' commitment to material-driven artistry and site-responsive design. Furthermore, the fair will spotlight architectural installations and interactive works previously commissioned by local cultural institutions, emphasising the evolving creative scene of the Kingdom. Providing an immersive, yet educational moment for visitors of all backgrounds, the Architecture and Design Commission is presenting an exhibit shedding light on its diverse initatives alongside a collaborative installation titled Narrating Woven by Ruba Al Khaldi & Lujain Rafea, while Ithra is presenting Open Segments by SYN Architects, the Iwan Pavilion, and Adeem. The fair's thought-leadership platform The Forum brings together leading voices from across the design world to explore the ideas shaping the region's creative future. Designed as a platform for dialogue and discovery, a daily programme of panel talks, will explore how collectible design is emerging as a new cultural and economic force in the Middle East, the role of graphic design in preserving and reimagining regional heritage, and what it takes to deliver design excellence at scale across Saudi Arabia's fast-developing landscape, among others. Bringing together architects, designers, and cultural thinkers from across the Kingdom and beyond, The Forum offers a timely space for insight and exchange. The fair also features a selection of hands-on workshops by Ithra, including stool-making through folding techniques, an introduction to silk screening, and a sustainability-focused session exploring edible packaging as a creative response to global waste.
Trade Arabia
20-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Downtown Design expo kicks off in Riyadh
Downtown Design Riyadh opened its doors today (May 20), marking the kingdom's first fair dedicated to contemporary, high-quality design. Set in the heart of JAX District, Riyadh's cultural quarter until May 23, the fair is held in partnership with the Architecture and Design Commission of Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Culture. Committed to showcasing contemporary and quality design, the programme spans global brands, emerging talent from the region, and a programme activations and experiences staged throughout the district's indoor and outdoor spaces. Dr Sumayah Al Solaiman, the CEO of the Architecture and Design Commission, said: "Downtown Design Riyadh represents an important step in our efforts to build a design culture that stems from Saudi identity and engages openly with the world." "Through its diverse programmes, the exhibition focuses on this vision, bringing together the works of Saudi designers, both emerging and established, alongside prestigious international names, within a framework that supports creative production and stimulates knowledge exchange," stated Al Solaiman. "Our strategic sponsorship of the exhibition embodies our support for the sector and our goal of attracting the most prominent international exhibitions and events specialised in architecture and design, strengthening our current position and future ambitions, at a time when design is becoming a pivotal element in the Kingdom's cultural and economic landscapes," he added. At the event, Cosentino is presenting the Moon Vignettes installation by Kuwait-based Babnimnim Design Studio, Lasvit is featuring Splash, a glass lighting installation designed by Martin Gallo and Natuzzi Italia is debuting the Amama project in the region, a new double-sided modular sofa created in collaboration with Andrea Steidl. Maison Louis Drucker has launched a collaboration with digital fabrication platform TRAME and design studio ArandaLasch, merging algorithmic design with time-honoured craftsmanship. Jotun is staging an experiential colour exhibition with a local designer, while Klekktik and Assembly has joined forces in a curated display that merges modern design with iconic vintage collectibles. Making its debut at the fair, Grey Garden Plant Studio is presenting a collection of raw, handmade planters and vases. Jaipur Rugs is showcasing collections from Tatiana De Nicolay's Jardins Du Monde among others. Saint Louis is presenting Torsade, a collection created in collaboration with Italian artist Stefania Di Petrillo, while Iwan Maktabi is introducing its collaborations with Blu Architects, David / Nicolas and Roula Salamoun. Scarlet Splendour is debuting in the region with a bold presentation including pure brass pieces by Richard Hutten, and Serafini will showcase the best of Italian craftsmanship through exclusive furniture and functional design. In a multi-brand showcase, Huda Lighting is presenting leading architectural and decorative lighting brands, including Brokis, Italamp, Panzeri and Bomma while The Bowery Company is exhibiting modern Scandinavian brands Audo Copenhagen, GUBI and &Tradition. Mette Degn-Christensen, Director of Downtown Design, said: "This inaugural edition of our Riyadh fair brings together what Downtown Design does best - presenting a thoughtful mix of global brands, emerging talent and limited-edition design." "We are proud to provide a platform for quality design in a local context. From installations and collaborations, to the wider programme of activities and pop-up concepts, Saudi creatives and the local burgeoning market are an essential part of the programme, helping to forge an experience that feels both rooted and forward-looking," he added. Exhibiting Saudi-based designers include Hobal, Lucas Barcelo, and the interior design studio co-founded by Saudi designer Noura Suleiman. Their work spans architecture, product and object design, with contemporary interpretations of cultural heritage. Alongside the Designed in Saudi initiative, which will highlight the development of the Kingdom's industrial sector and key initiatives, Saudi Arabia is hosting leading talent from the global and regional design communities at the Downtown Design Riyadh fair. In a dedicated section of the fair, collectible works and ultra-high-end design will be presented by international galleries, independent studios and manufacturers. Gallery Collectional is showcasing limited-edition pieces by internationally recognised designers, including Christophe Delcourt, Apparatus Studio, Draga & Aurel, as well as names such as Laurids Gallée, Mario Tsai, Sabine Marcelis, Steven John Clark and Refractory. Venini's presentation includes glassworks made in collaboration with renowned names such as Michele De Lucchi and Peter Marino. Visionnaire highlights collections by designers including Alessandro La Spada and Marc Ange. Helen Chislett Gallery brings a breadth of leading design names from the UK, including works by Thomas Heatherwick, as well as pieces by Roome London, Tom Faulkner, Object Studio, and Atelier 001, while Italian textile studio Dinodo's limited-edition rugs and tapestries are making their regional debut, highlighting collaborations with renowned artists. Jordanian design duo Naqsh Collective blends contemporary aesthetics with traditional Arab craftsmanship, showcasing works that reflect cultural memory through modern form. Programme highlights During the event, BMW Saudi Arabia will unveil a compelling spatial experience at the first-ever Downtown Design Riyadh. The BMW Lounge, a creative hospitality concept conceived by Saudi designer Amani Al-Ibrahim, Partner and Executive Director at Kristina Zanic Consultants, articulates BMW's progressive design language and ongoing dialogue with the world of design, architecture, and innovation. London-based Bompas & Parr, the creative duo known for crafting wild, immersive food experiences that blend art, science, and gastronomy, has collaborated with The Lighthouse to bring a multi-sensory experience to the fair. Delighting visitors with an offering of glow-in-the-dark sweet treats and conceptual mocktails, the pop-up concept, conceived by local design firm Laeta Interior, is influenced by the disciplined dreamers of Bauhaus. The programme also features a pop-up by Saudi specialty coffee brands Origin Roasters and Marble x Easy Bakery. Multidisciplinary studio Karim+Elias, led by Karim Tamerji and Elias Hage, is presenting Strata, a modular outdoor installation constructed from Saudi sand using the traditional rammed earth technique. Positioned in the main outdoor squares of JAX District, Strata blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, offering visitors an immersive experience that connects Riyadh's past and present, said the organisers. The installation highlights Karim+Elias' commitment to material-driven artistry and site-responsive design. Furthermore, the fair will spotlight architectural installations and interactive works previously commissioned by local cultural institutions, emphasising the evolving creative scene of the Kingdom. Providing an immersive, yet educational moment for visitors of all backgrounds, the Architecture and Design Commission is presenting an exhibit shedding light on its diverse initatives alongside a collaborative installation titled Narrating Woven by Ruba Al Khaldi & Lujain Rafea, while Ithra is presenting Open Segments by SYN Architects, the Iwan Pavilion, and Adeem. The fair's thought-leadership platform The Forum brings together leading voices from across the design world to explore the ideas shaping the region's creative future. Designed as a platform for dialogue and discovery, a daily programme of panel talks, will explore how collectible design is emerging as a new cultural and economic force in the Middle East, the role of graphic design in preserving and reimagining regional heritage, and what it takes to deliver design excellence at scale across Saudi Arabia's fast-developing landscape, among others. Bringing together architects, designers, and cultural thinkers from across the Kingdom and beyond, The Forum offers a timely space for insight and exchange, stated the organisers.
Arab News
16-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Downtown Design makes its debut in Saudi Arabia
DHAHRAN: Downtown Design, a contemporary design fair that has run in the UAE for the last decade, will debut in Saudi Arabia from May 20 to 23 at JAX District, marking the Kingdom's first official event dedicated to original, high-quality design. 'Downtown Design Riyadh, with its thoughtfully curated program and blend of local and global expertise, reflects our vision to build a dynamic design community that embodies the Kingdom's rich and diverse cultural identity,' Sumayah Al-Solaiman, CEO of the Architecture and Design Commission, wrote in a statement. The multi-day activation will be held in partnership with the Architecture and Design Commission under the Ministry of Culture. (Supplied) Mette Degn-Christensen, director of Downtown Design, expressed her enthusiasm for the inaugural edition in the capital. 'I think you're going to experience something that's been really thoughtfully selected for this fair, with the unique setting of the location,' she told Arab News. 'I'm very excited about the venue. It's very historic, and it's just a great way to kind of juxtapose the more modern and the historic, at the same time. If you think about it, nowhere in the world has an event of our nature in that kind of venue. 'I'm really kind of overwhelmed with how amazing it is to get to do a design fair literally on the terraces of the UNESCO heritage site (in Diriyah),' she added. 'I think that's really special.' Degn-Christensen, a Danish design leader with more than 15 years of international experience, has directed Downtown Design in Dubai since 2021. She has helped expand the fair's global reach and champion regional talent. She now brings that expertise to Saudi Arabia. (Supplied) 'What excites me personally the most — and I think the team also — is this really genuine, encouraging energy in Riyadh,' she said. 'I didn't expect this welcome — it's not easy to start a fair in a new country or a new market.' For Degn-Christensen, one of the fair's main goals is to 'encourage you to maybe consider design more in your life and your work. And those are the things that we have been doing over the years. So I think (this is) almost, maybe, a fast-track version of that.' And she believes the timing of the fair aligns with a growing appreciation among general society for thoughtful design. 'I think it's the right time. There's a shift in perspective of quality and of investing value into purchasing quality, sustainable long-lasting design,' she said. '(That's true), I think, globally, but certainly in this region. I'm very excited about that kind of moment. (Supplied) 'I think that it's a good time for our fair also in terms of that there are fashion and luxury and art initiatives in the Kingdom, but when it comes to design and high quality, premium quality design, there isn't really such an outlet yet,' she continued. Downtown Design Riyadh will bring together a global roster of established brands, emerging designers and regional studios. Exhibitors include lighting innovators Tom Dixon, Brokis and Articolo, presented by Huda Lighting; Scandinavian furniture houses Audo Copenhagen, GUBI, and &Tradition, brought by The Bowery Company; and the regional debut of Scarlet Splendour, featuring bold brass pieces by designer Richard Hutten. Kuwait-based Babnimnim Studio will present an architectural installation for Cosentino, exploring heritage and innovation, while Jotun Paints will stage a color-focused experience in collaboration with Saudi creatives. French heritage brand Maison Louis Drucker will debut a digital collaboration with TRAME and Aranda\Lasch, 'merging algorithmic design with traditional handcraft.' A dedicated section of the fair will spotlight limited-edition and collectible works. Gallery COLLECTIONAL will showcase handcrafted furniture by Christophe Delcourt, sculptural lighting by Apparatus Studio, and vintage-inspired designs by Draga & Aurel. Venini's artisanal glass, produced with Michele De Lucchi and Peter Marino, will be shown alongside luxury highlights from Visionnaire and Serafini. In addition to the exhibits, Downtown Design Riyadh will also populate JAX District with pop-ups, creative interventions and a dynamic talks program. 'Strata,' a modular outdoor installation by multidisciplinary studio Karim+Elias, made from locally-sourced sand and constructed using rammed-earth techniques, will merge traditional materials with contemporary design. The talks series will bring together architects, developers, collectors and creatives to discuss 'themes shaping design in the region and beyond.' Downtown Design Riyadh reflects the Kingdom's growing investment in culture and creativity under Vision 2030. The fair is set to become an annual platform supporting the Kingdom's active interior-design market and connecting Saudi talent with global networks. 'It's been a few years that we've been looking to start an initiative in Saudi and then we wanted to make sure that we did it at the right time, but also that we did it in the right way,' Degn-Christensen said. 'There's some overlap in the Dubai (team) and then there are some just from Riyadh — and it's the same for suppliers and contractors. It's certainly not a copy of what we're doing in Dubai.'
