Dubai Design District (d3) has announced the launch of the inaugural d3 Architecture Festival which is in partnership with the Royal Institute of British Architects Gulf Chapter (RIBA Gulf Chapter). This is the emirate’s first platform to showcase regional architecture, urbanism and sustainable development.
The d3 Architecture Festival is scheduled to run from 11 to 13 November 2020 on the sidelines of Dubai Design Week, and held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.
Showcasing landmark regional architectural projects, the event will host a series of talks to steer the Middle East towards a more sustainable future. The emirate’s first architecture festival will kick off with an opening reception at Building 6, d3, on 11 November.
Khadija Al Bastaki, Executive Director of d3, said about the new festival, “Dubai has long been known as an architectural playground and the emirate’s limitless ambition has found expression in its ever-evolving skyline. As we carry on the process of rebuilding in the post-COVID-19 world, our relationship with the built and natural world has never been more important."
Andy Shaw, RIBA Gulf Chapter Chair and Managing Partner of AMA said, “The past six months have shown us all how important the cities and buildings we build for ourselves are, and how we must come together and move forward. Architects have the skills to craft beautiful spaces that can be sustainable and innovative as Gulf countries look forward to how the future could be. The RIBA Gulf Chapter’s goals are well aligned with d3 and make for a great partnership for this new festival."
Shaw added, “The exhibition will feature models, drawings and projects from the most exciting architects working in the Gulf, such as Binchy and Binchy and ANARCHITECT who are founded by RIBA members. This event is a celebration of what has been achieved by architects in the region and, more importantly, what is to come from the emerging generation of local companies and graduating students.”
As a home to over 50 leading local and international architecture practices such as Foster + Partners, Zaha Hadid Architects, and Benoy, d3’s business partners have designed some of the UAE’s most impressive projects to date, such as The Opus, Zayed National Museum and the falcon-shaped UAE National Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, envisioned by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. Alongside awe-inspiring, large-scale projects, d3’s architectural business partners have delivered acclaimed boutique developments such as KOA Canvas by T.Zed Architects.
d3, the heart of creativity in the Middle East, architecture and interior design studios make up a significant component of the community’s 385 business partners and 9,000 people.