Dubai as an established city of architectural wonders struck again holding a fascinating Architecture Exhibition at Dubai Design District (d3).


During 8-13, November regional and world-renowned architecture studios and visionary architects presented large-scale, immersive installations showcasing ideas on design for a sustainable future.

The innovative exhibits included striking structures and pavilions made of sustainable materials such as date waste, discarded shellfish, old fishing nets, and demolished materials that have been upcycled or repurposed.


The work of leading architects was showcased, including:

 · Dewan Metaverse Dome by Dewan Architects (UAE)


The dome of this installation mimics the forum space of the Babel 4.0 Metaverse being developed by Dewan Architects and Engineers’ Metaverse Architecture department and which will function as a DAO of invited members who come together to explore ideas and share design information. 


· The Musical Ring by Sharabassy Built Environment Studio (UAE)


This installation combines light displays and music to create aesthetic and audible entertainment and is an attractive meeting point. The ring reflects and refracts light to create lighting effects that are regularly synchronized with music so people can gather to enjoy the music at different times.

 · From the Dunes & Trees by ARDH Collective (UAE)

This installation was built using the Collective’s revolutionary natural and waste resources from the dunes and trees of the UAE – the desert sand-based concrete, date-seed-based solid surface material, and the region’s first plant-based vegan leather. The form of the installation is also inspired by the circular life cycle of the material solutions. ARDH Collective designed the space to celebrate the Emirates’ remarkable history in building techniques and its deeply rooted culture in the deserts and agricultural landscapes.

 · Once Upon a Forest by OBMI (USA)

As seasoned masters of vernacular architecture, OBMI has deep expertise in designing the globe’s most storied destinations and creating spaces that transform those who inhabit them. Always seeking to celebrate nature as a place of refuge and inspiration, OBMI’s approach plans for the best long-term outcomes — for the land, the water, and the people. 


With Once Upon a Forest OBMI brings the UAE’s natural world of mangroves to the urban landscape, awakening new possibilities for exploring indigenous forest ecosystems.

 · KIN by studio Fadaa Space (Jordan)


Based on the idea that it is time to rethink our relationship with nature and to end its exploitation and live symbiotically, KIN’s bricks are created using discarded shellfish from restaurants, along with natural, low-carbon lime. 

The installation also hosts native plants and species and this facilitates their interaction with humans, bringing into question our relationship with nature.

 · How much does your debris weigh? by Quartz (Saudi Arabia)

Derived from the idea of an ‘inverted wave’ of waste that creates an enclosure for an experiential space, this design represents our future if we continue our current waste practices. 


It is an example of how waste will overpower human life, which invites us to walk under it and rethink and redesign our surroundings.


· Al Gargoor by architect Sara Alrayyes (Bahrain)


Al Gargoor is a public space made up of a variety of furnishings made from gargoor (a formerly used fishing net), either in its native shape or with minimal alterations. 

The idea of the Al Gargoor Project is to develop a useful yet creative space through the upcycling of old fishing nets. This installation aims to educate the next generation about the importance of the fishing culture while preserving Bahrain and the surrounding Gulf countries’ unique identities. The project also incorporates traditional palm tree weaving (Sa’af) and Naseej textiles, produced and crafted by local Bahrainis.

 · A Palm Renaissance by Shema John, Tash Architects (India)


The UAE’s 40 million date palms alone generate approximately 500,000 tonnes of palm waste annually. Date palm waste can be transformed into contemporary screens, which make efficient, natural sunshades. Creating date palm shelters sustainably disposes of palm waste (relieving the agricultural sector of this challenging process) whilst reducing carbon footprints through their natural cooling ability. 


Palm Renaissance proposes a sustainability-focused solution that is mutually beneficial for the economy and the environment.

Source: https://www.mediaoffice.ae