Design Doha recently held a special closing event in partnership with DesignWanted magazine to mark the end of Arab Design Now, a biennial exhibition in Doha, Qatar. The event featured a panel talk on the interconnection between materials and culture in design, moderated by DesignWanted CEO Patrick Abbattista. The discussion focused on how materials shape architecture and product design, and how they impact society. The panel included Ali Karimi of Civil Architecture and Turki Gazzaz and Abdulrahman Gazzaz of Brick Lab, a Saudi-based design studio.
After the panel talk, attendees were treated to a curated tour of Arab Design Now, highlighting the materials used in various objects in the exhibition. The event concluded with a networking session at Profiles Café, where guests enjoyed refreshments provided by Design Doha. Deputy Director Fahad Al Obaidly expressed gratitude for the contributions to the exhibition, celebrating the talent and innovation showcased. He also thanked DesignWanted for their support and for helping facilitate a successful event that sparked conversations about design in the region.
Design Doha, under the leadership of Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, was launched by Qatar Museums in February 2024. The exhibition aimed to showcase the creativity and talent of designers in the region, bringing together a diverse range of works that highlight the intersection of materials, culture, and design. The closing event served as a platform to celebrate the accomplishments of the exhibition and the impact it had on the design community.
The panel discussion on Materials’ Legacy: Products, Spaces, and Culture shed light on the importance of materials in shaping design and cultural expression. Speakers shared insights on how materials influence our forms of expression and affect our surroundings. The exploration of materials in the MENA region provided a unique perspective on design practices and the significance of using locally sourced materials in creating contemporary designs. The panel talk aimed to spark conversations and inspire further innovations in the design industry.
The curated tour of Arab Design Now allowed attendees to engage with the exhibition on a deeper level, understanding the thought process and materials behind each showcased object. By highlighting the materials used, visitors gained a better appreciation for the creativity and craftsmanship involved in each piece. The networking event that followed provided an opportunity for designers, industry professionals, and design enthusiasts to connect and discuss the impact of the exhibition on the local and global design scene.
In conclusion, the closing event of Arab Design Now at Design Doha was a testament to the talent, creativity, and innovation present in the region. Through engaging panel discussions, curated tours, and networking opportunities, the event brought together the design community to celebrate the achievements of the exhibition. Design Doha and DesignWanted’s partnership demonstrated a commitment to promoting design and fostering a collaborative platform for designers to showcase their work and contribute to the ongoing conversation about design in the region.
