Building a creative ecosystem – Design Middle East
Khadija Al Bastaki, Executive Director of Dubai Design District (d3), discusses her values and mission, how d3 supported the community during the pandemic, exciting initiatives, and lessons learned along the road
What is your vision of d3 in five years’ time?
At d3, our main objective is to seek out new ways to enable our creative community. We aim to provide an ecosystem that allows creatives to experiment, flourish and inspire and come together and rethink the regular. Within the next five years, we look to optimize our support for the creative scene even more by offering a platform to an increasingly diverse range of businesses and brands. This will include even more emerging local and regional homegrown talent and entrepreneurs to global names across our four segments of fashion, design, architecture and retail. We will look to building more exciting partnerships too on the local, regional and international level as collaboration is key to all that we do. And by following this vision we aim to support even further the vision of the Dubai and UAE leadership to grow the contribution that the creative sector makes to the economy and to transform the emirate into a global hub for the creative industries. The Dubai leadership announced plans this spring to transform the creative sectors and generate thousands of new jobs. The creative economy is seen as an engine of growth and their aim is to almost double the number of companies in the city’s creative sector to 15,000 by 2025 – and we aim to play an instrumental role in this at d3.
How have you integrated your values and mission into d3’s structure?
To me, collaboration and sustainability are vital values. As such, we have woven them into the fabric of our DNA here at d3. We are an extremely friendly and welcoming society always looking to form new partnerships and welcome talents from all corners of the world. Sustainability has become increasingly important in our world today and we at d3 have strived to demonstrate and advance human-centric approaches to design in efforts to make our lives more sustainable and increase efficiency and well-being.
Since taking on this role, my mission for d3 has been focused heavily on solidifying the community of creatives and supporting home-grown brands. As a regional hub for art and creativity, we actively seek opportunities to come together and promote local talent, celebrate achievements, and navigate the region’s next chapter of growth and innovation by rethinking art, architecture, fashion and design.
How has COVID-19 affected the industry, and how has d3 aided the community during difficult times?
Over the course of the pandemic to date, we have explored all sorts of ways in which to support the industry. And looking back, the last 18 months has seen our community show incredible resilience and collaboration. We took several measures early on to help our business partners to minimise uncertainty, ensure business continuity and maintain financial resilience. We are also very proud of the #AThread4Cause campaign which was launched in the first months of the pandemic, where we partnered with the Arab Fashion Council to call the UAE-based fashion designers to use their craftsmanship and haute couture flair to make surgical attire for the UAE’s healthcare industry. In the end, we at d3 became a central logistics hub for the campaign which saw seven business partners representing more than 50 tailors and pattern makers making the PPE. As the pulse of the region’s design and creative scene, we have absorbed many learnings from the pandemic, and we are even more determined to continue rethinking the regular by embracing the inevitability of change and becoming active architects of the future creative landscape.
What qualities do you possess that you think have contributed most to your success?
I believe my curiosity is a key factor in my accomplishments and the success of d3. We are inspired by anything that triggers passion and curiosity. That’s something we pride ourselves on here at d3. Our commitment to “Rethink the Regular” requires us to continually be curious and question ourselves, our ways of doing things, and what impact we hope to have on our community. Our innate desire to collaborate is also a key to our growing success. We are actively working towards a collective platform where we build each other up by combining our extraordinary talents, challenging each other to innovate and share a ride to the frontline of the global design landscape.
How do you manage and motivate your team?
We at d3 are extremely motivated by the fact that we can contribute to such as exciting and multifaceted field holding immense cultural, social and economic value. Design matters more than ever before in a world that is changing so quickly and so profoundly. Despite the unprecedented times, the appetite for design and innovation is not changing, but simply migrating into other spheres, especially digital. Nevertheless, the design holds the key to innovation because it humanises technology and transforms the creative industries. Knowing this we strive to continually invest in emerging talent and provide them with a launching platform.
What do you find most difficult, and how do you strive to solve it?
Our community is home to a breadth of businesses in different stages of growth, and there’s no one size fits all solution in terms of the support they need. I find it to be an exciting challenge to explore how we can give them the right level of support and consultancy to reach new heights. The success of our students and start-ups is especially important to us, and we invest a lot of resources in enabling them. This requires that we constantly evaluate and enhance the scope of opportunities and assistance available, and devise innovative ways to provide them with a visible platform for future investment, partnerships and prospects.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career to date? Ensuring business continuity during the COVID-19 pandemic was an accelerated learning experience for all of us. We have always commended ourselves on our agility as a community, and the pandemic challenged how we responded to cascading regulations and strategies. I’m proud that we were able to rapidly deliver adaptive solutions and infrastructure so our business partners could continue creating, collaborating and innovating. It was a test that ultimately proved our resilience and unity as both a business district and creative hub.
What are the key projects you’re working on? Is there an important initiative or promotional activity you’re currently working on that you’d want to share?
We have just wrapped up the 7th edition of Dubai Design Week. The event was a huge success showcasing our creative community’s inspiring talents through forward-thinking panel discussions, workshops and insightful exhibitions. This year’s edition presented the most extensive programme to date with more than 250 events – and it was fantastic to see so many people back in person too. The community was delighted to be back together. We also presented 2040: d3 Architecture Exhibition, alongside Dubai Design Week. With a theme of ‘2040’ the innovative multimedia experience took visitors on a journey to envision how Dubai could look in 20 years, aligned with the urban transformations outlined by the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. It was our second architecture exhibition at d3. And we’ve actually now extended it until December 31 given the interest in it. Prior to Dubai Design Week, we also welcomed the world to d3 for Arab Fashion Week-Women’s Spring Summer 2022, following our partnership with the Arab Fashion Council this summer. And we now look forward to having the men’s edition of Arab Fashion Week in January. With a variety of other upcoming events, there is much to look forward to and we’re very excited for a very busy program over the coming months. As we prepare for another exciting period, we’re always working to source new talents and form new partnerships to join the fold of the d3 community – this is always a key priority for
What were the key successes of this year’s Design Week – how do you plan to build on it going forward?
This past Dubai Design Week boasted the biggest programme in its seven-year history. It was amazing to offer the most extensive program to date and this really highlights the growing interest and appetite for design in Dubai and the region. The diversity of creativity was inspiring. We are so proud of our strategic partnership with Dubai Design Week and to see how the event has grown and evolved since we helped launch it in 2015. We showcased 130+ international and regional exhibitions and brands from over 20 countries. The event welcomed thousands of guests to the 50+ talks featuring regional and international industry leaders, shedding light on the latest innovations and trends in the global design scene. It is always one of the most exciting moments of the year for us at d3 – and it is so important to bring the design community together in this way, to exchange ideas, collaborate, learn from each other and inspire. Plans of megacities are being set today and construction is underway as we look to a growing population, which is set to reach 9.7 billion people by 2050. Establishing dialogue on the future of sustainable cities has never been so important, which is why we were excited to organise the second edition of d3’s annual architecture exhibition, following the successful inaugural event last year us.
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Pantheon is in talks to develop a 3D building in the UAE
There is a growing demand for building 3D housing units across the globe, encouraged by the benefits afforded by the technology.
Last year, the global 3D printing in construction market was valued at $7 billion, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 91.5 per cent through to 2028, according to latest research.
The growing adoption of 3D technology in designing and building a wide range of construction projects is attributed mainly to the accuracy and quality it delivers, along with the cost efficiencies it provides. In addition, 3D printing could help contribute to solving housing shortages, provide relief to those affected by calamities and disasters and even address the construction labour deficiency in some developing countries.
Kalpesh Kinariwala, chairman of Pantheon Development believes the UAE, Dubai in particular, is well-positioned to be a leader in the global construction market using 3D technology. “The emirate has actively promoted 3D printing in construction, with a target seeking to have 25 per cent of its buildings be constructed using the technology by 2030, as part of its aspirations to be a regional and international hub for 3D printing technology,” he said.
He added: “We are in talks with three companies from the US and Europe to get their proposals for a G+10 story building. We have to make sure that the project is scalable, as without that factor, building a one stand-alone building will make it costly and commercially unviable.”
With recent legislation in place, such as requiring those who intend to engage in 3D printing to first register with the municipality, Dubai aims to improve efficiencies in construction projects, increase the competitiveness of the local industry, reduce waste, and attract leading companies in the sector to the emirate as part of a larger plan to spur economic growth and promote the adoption of advanced technologies.
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King Salman Energy Park receives the U.S. Green Building Council 2021 Leadership Award
King Salman Energy Park (SPARK), received the 2021 U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership Award for the Middle East in recognition of SPARK’s exemplary leadership and contribution towards creating sustainable, healthier, equitable and resilient buildings, cities, and communities. Serving as a gateway upon which the world’s energy sector can build an integrated future, SPARK has adopted advanced construction solutions that are environmentally friendly and maximize long-term efficiency.
President and CEO Saif Al Qahtani commented: “At SPARK, we are committed to ensuring sustainable solutions are continuously implemented as we grow to become the leading energy-centric ecosystem in the world. We have achieved many firsts in our initial stages of development and will continue to adopt and support innovative initiatives that help improve the quality of life for our people, while also strengthening our business and the Kingdom’s economy. We are very proud of our team and the work they have done to guarantee SPARK provides long-term value and supports national and regional programs aimed at building a more sustainable future.”
In the Kingdom and in the region, SPARK is the first entity to pioneer the use of multiple cutting-edge technologies, ensuring that sustainability remains at the heart of the development. Recognised as the first industrial city in the world to obtain Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification, SPARK continually demonstrates its commitment to environmentally responsible building and construction practices. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council and recognized as the most highly-regarded green building rating system, LEED provides a framework for construction and building solutions that aim to reduce environmental impact, limit resource use, reduce carbon emissions and address climate change.
“It is truly inspiring to recognize our leaders that have continued their commitment to green building and sustainable communities while adapting to the changing environments around us,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, President and CEO, USGBC. “The 2021 USGBC Leadership Award awardees have improved our world through the power of green building, and it is their contributions and work that have helped our communities stay safe and healthy.”
The 2021 USGBC Leadership Award recipients represent some of the best of USGBC’s 10,000 member organizations, a network of committed professionals with more than 106,000 LEED commercial projects in more than 180 countries and territories around the world. In addition to the USGBC 2021 Leadership Award, SPARK was also awarded four ISO certificates by world testing, inspection and certification leader Bureau Veritas for integrated management systems certification programs and asset management systems that lower costs, maximize return on investment and optimize growth throughout asset life cycles.
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Danube Building Materials prepares for upcoming boom ahead of Expo 2020
As a step to cement its pioneering position in the sector, Danube Building Materials participated at recently concluded Index event. Danube’s participation also aimed to send a strong message to the international community that Building Materials and Construction Sector of the UAE is advantageously well-poised and strategically positioned to take on the challenges and opportunities as the world recovers from months of disruption to the global economy caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
During this year’s edition of Index, Danube Building Materials showcased six new product lines, in line with the latest international trends, in addition to excellent surface design products for the interiors from the world’s best manufacturers.
Highlighting the best international products, Danube introduced Dupont Corian Solid surface, the pioneer in tabletops; as well as MR Walls, excellently designed walls with the brilliant touches of Designer Mario Romano and made with the same Dupont Corian solid surface product. As the sole distributor, Danube showcased Laminates of leading US manufacturer Wilsonart.
Being true to its status as an industry leader, Danube also introduced the new Melamine Faced Chipboard Innovus Portuguese brand, garnering attention from many visitors.
Other premier showcased products included a new partnership for wood coats and paints with Italian brand Citver; Legnostone, a very innovative product Stone & Plastic Composite flooring from Attico Floors- Italy.
“Following the successful measures taken by the UAE’s wise leadership, to contain and fight the Covid-19 pandemic, we gathered here after over a year. This is a testament to the brilliant strategy followed in the UAE to handle this challenging situation and ensure that we can gradually go back to our normal life without any health or safety concerns,” Mr Rizwan Sajan Chairman and Founder of Danube Group said. “We would like to extend our gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and the Dubai government for making such events possible, showcasing the increased public confidence in getting back to normal life in ahead of the upcoming Expo 2020 Dubai.”
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