Q1: Give us your overview on Downtown Design and its program this year.
A1: This year the event has evolved again, both in size and scope. The success of the 2017 edition has prompted significant demand from new brands looking to harness the opportunities presented by the region’s ongoing development. In the same waterfront location, we will occupy a larger footprint, and host multiple new exhibitors and features, including an indoor garden, new pop-up café concepts, design installations both inside and out, a materials library designed to be a ‘play’ space for architects and interior designers, and a newly designed Forum in association with Haworth, to host our public programme.
Q2: What is different this year?
A2: Every year we collaborate with a new award-winning architectural practice to masterplan the event. This year we’re working with H + A who have designed our internal space based on the theme of Liveable Cities. Our focus is each is to deliver a strong, dynamic and enjoyable visitor experience. The design of our fair is key to creating atmosphere, to retaining our audience and creating the perfect environment for our participating brands to do business.
This year we will launch Downtown Editions, presenting limited edition design from around the world, with a focus on the region. This will include individual designers, up and coming studios, design galleries and design collectives.
We will also have a strong design retail element, featuring handpicked design retailers to satisfy the demand for smaller design objects for buyers to take away from the fair. This will be curated as a separate distinct section.
Q3: Who are the designers participating this year? Are there any new designers?
A3: Last year the fair doubled in size. This year, we’ve grown again by 25%. So each year, we have a large roster of brands that are either new to the fair, or launching in the region and using Downtown Design as the platform to access the market. Our exhibitors are a mix of high end manufacturers and individual designers. New to the fair this year include: Cassina, Cappelini, Thonet, Artemide, Frato, Foscarini, Gandia Blasco, Jan Kath, Agrippa and Manfredi Style.
Q4: Are you seeing an increase in participation and showcasing in creative concept?
A4: We’re seeing a huge increase in the both the number of participants, the creativity of their approach and the sheer ambition of their presentations. They invest hugely in establishing an engaging, interactive and original experience to draw attention. This is very much a market that they take seriously.
Q5: What is the one thing you expect to stand out in this year’s addition?
A5: Preciosa will bring a version of their Breath of Light installation that first showcased in Milan this year. It was easily the best installation I saw during the Milan Design Week, and I’m thrilled that our regional audience will get to experience this. It has to be seen to be believed.
Q6: What is this year theme and latest trends in Design?
A6: The buzz topics in design and architecture will form the backbone of our talks programme this year. The development of the region; including Saudi Arabia and India exposes fast growing communities and the opportunity that presents. Liveable Cities, drawing from our overall theme for the fair, broadly addresses how to build healthy, happy communities with strong urban planning, innovation and technology. Material Innovation is a key topic, backed by our new Materials Library. Architects and Interior Designers are all looking to discover and work with the latest, most sustainable materials, and keeping up with this development is something we’re keen to support. Finally, Creative Collaboration – to expose the benefits of working better together. From individual regional designers bringing their creative ideas to manufacturers with the skill to produce them, right the way through to architects and interior designers combining their skills to provide aesthetically powerful and cost effective solutions to their clients.
Q7: What would you like to tell upcoming designers?
A7: Having a bank of creative ideas is wonderful. Understanding how to turn those ideas into a beautiful, functioning piece of original design is another. Master your craft, experiment with materials, collaborate wherever possible, explore other design disciplines to create something that is truly your own language.