M7, Qatar’s hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in fashion, design, and technology, has launched the fourth edition of its Zwara programme with a focus on furniture design. The programme will culminate in an exhibition at M7 in September 2024 where selected designers will present their finished objects. Zwara, developed by M7, aims to ignite creativity and collaboration within Qatar’s creative landscape, emphasizing storytelling and experimentation in design. Participating designers have the opportunity to explore exhibitions, archives, and collections before responding to a design brief, receiving tailored support, mentorship, and development opportunities from M7.
The current edition of Zwara is inspired by the “Masterpieces of Furniture Design” exhibition showcased at M7 in partnership with Qatar Museums and the Vitra Design Museum in Germany. This exhibition delves into over 200 years of design history through 52 iconic modern furniture pieces. Designers like Alvar Aalto, Le Corbusier, and Charles and Ray Eames have contributed original works to the exhibition. Using this display as a catalyst, the Zwara programme investigates how iconic modern furniture shapes the future of contemporary design. Maha Ghanim Al Sulaiti, Director of M7, emphasizes the importance of international exhibitions as sources of inspiration for aspiring designers in Qatar, highlighting the collaboration with the Vitra Design Museum as a means to pass on knowledge to the next generation of designers.
Designers from various fields, including product design, architecture, furniture design, and interior design, were invited to participate in the Zwara programme through an open call. Applicants were required to submit a design proposal focused on re-imagining a single piece of furniture from the “Masterpieces of Furniture” exhibition to align with contemporary contexts. A judging panel reviewed the applications and selected four participants for the programme: Galiyah Al Mohannadi, Hammam Al Abdulla, Abdul Basit, and Stephen Amoyo. M7 partnered with the Education Department of the Vitra Design Museum to provide customized mentorship and support throughout the programme, guiding participants in developing their design ideas and facilitating a week-long design incubation experience.
The collaboration between M7 and the Vitra Design Museum underscores their commitment to nurturing the talents of emerging designers in Qatar. By providing access to international exhibitions and cultural partners, M7 aims to inspire and educate aspiring designers while preserving design legacies for future generations. The Zwara programme serves as a platform for designers to engage with iconic modern furniture pieces and explore how these influences can shape their own contemporary design practices. Through mentorship, support, and tailored opportunities, participants are encouraged to push boundaries, experiment with new ideas, and create innovative furniture designs that reflect their unique perspectives.
The Zwara programme at M7 offers a holistic approach to fostering creativity and collaboration within Qatar’s design community. By inviting designers from diverse backgrounds to engage with iconic furniture pieces and reimagine them for contemporary contexts, the programme encourages participants to think outside the box and push the boundaries of design innovation. Through mentorship and support from M7 and the Vitra Design Museum, designers are provided with the guidance and resources needed to develop their ideas and bring their vision to life. As the fourth edition of Zwara unfolds with a focus on furniture design, the exhibition at M7 in September 2024 promises to showcase the talent and creativity of the selected designers, highlighting the merging of tradition and innovation in Qatar’s design landscape.
