Agencies / The first edition of Downtown Design Riyadh, the first event specializing in contemporary and high-quality design in Saudi Arabia, kicked off on Tuesday in the heart of the Jax Cultural District.
The exhibition will take place from May 20 to 23, in partnership with the Architecture and Design Authority, part of the Saudi Ministry of Culture. With the participation of a selection of exhibitors from around the world.
Saudi talent is at the center of the show, with the “Designed in Saudi” initiative, individual entries by independent Saudi designers showcasing their latest collections, as well as exclusive collaborations with local design studios.
Dr. Sumaya Al Sulaiman, CEO of the Architecture and Design Authority, said: “Downtown Design Riyadh is an important step in our endeavor to build a design culture that is rooted in Saudi Arabia’s identity and openly engages with the world.
She added: “Through its various programs, the exhibition focuses on this vision, bringing together the work of Saudi designers, both emerging and established, as well as international names, in a framework that supports creative production and stimulates knowledge exchange.”
Exhibition stations
Cosentino presents an art installation titled “Milestones of the Moon” by Kuwaiti studio Papiniminim, and in a gallery featuring a variety of brands, Huda Lighting presents the most prominent names in architectural and decorative lighting.
BMW Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia is offering a captivating spatial experience at Downtown Design Riyadh with BMW Lounge, an innovative hospitality concept designed by Saudi designer Amani Al Ibrahim.
This creative vision embodies BMW’s future design language and reflects the brand’s ongoing dialog with the worlds of creativity, architecture and innovation in an interactive space that merges technology with contemporary architectural identity.
London creative duo Bombas & Bar are collaborating with The Lighthouse to create a multi-sensory culinary experience at the exhibition, blending art, science and cooking in an immersive and unconventional way.
The program also includes a specialty coffee scene in Saudi Arabia, an encounter that combines local taste with modern design.
The Commission for Architecture and Design is presenting an exhibition that introduces visitors to its initiatives, as well as a collaborative installation titled “Woven Narrative” by designers Ruba Al Khalidi and Lajin Rafi, which includes an interactive loom that will be used during the days of the exhibition.
The Ithra Center is also participating with Open Segment by Scene Architects, Ewan Pavilion, and the Adeem Initiative.
A platform for thought leadership
The exhibition’s thought leadership platform. A who’s who of the design world. to explore the ideas that are shaping the region’s creative future. The forum is designed to be a platform for dialog and exploration. It includes a daily program of panel discussions. It explores how collectible design is emerging as a new cultural and economic force in the Middle East. The role of graphic design in preserving and reimagining heritage.
The forum also brings together. An elite group of architects, designers, and cultural thinkers. from across the Kingdom and beyond. It provides an ideal space for exchange and constructive ideas.
The exhibition features a selection of workshops presented by Ithra. Including the manufacture of seats through folding techniques. and an introduction to silk-screen printing. A session focused on sustainability. It explores edible packaging as a creative response to global waste.
