AlUla, Design Space AlUla, a regional center dedicated to celebrating the works of local and international designers, is showcasing modern design at Milan Design Week, held this year between April 16 and 21.
The exhibition features, among others, projects from the thriving design center that has ambitious plans for the creative industries.
Among the exhibited works are recent projects from the first Arts and Design Center, Madrasat Addeera.
Participating artists from around the world contribute to the diverse collection. Saudi artist Dr. Zahrah Alghamdi’s piece titled “Gharameel” draws inspiration from AlUla’s distinctive rock formations. Argentine artist Cristian Mohaded’s work, named “AlWaha”, captures the essence of the desert dunes and palm-filled oases. The Spanish duo “TAKK’s Duna” presents the Seating Dune, a versatile relaxation space inspired by the enchanting AlUla desert. TECHNOCrafts, a Spanish design studio, showcases “Alwadiya: The Living Pots”, a self-sustaining system that mirrors the natur
al cycles of AlUla’s lush oasis.
Additionally, the exhibition showcases designs from the AlUla Design Residency program. Highlights include “Peculiar Erosions” by artist Leo Orta, inspired by AlUla’s mud-brick architecture and unique geology. “From Debris”, by Raw Materials, reimagines local historical instruments with materials from the oasis. Architect Leen Ajlan presents “Takki”, a modern reinterpretation of traditional recreational spaces. Hall Haus introduces “Haus Dari”, a contemporary take on traditional cushions and diwans. “Surface”, by Bahraini-Danish architecture firm, is a flexible steel divider facilitating interaction or serving as a screen or curtain.
Executive Director of Arts and Creative Industries at the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) Nora Aldabal highlighted the significance of the design initiatives at AlUla.
She said: “Our growing design initiatives reflect the ongoing development of AlUla as a hub for traditional design, arts, and innovation. These initiatives celebrate the region’
s cultural heritage, local materials, and natural history. The exhibited works represent the evolving aesthetics of design in AlUla, capturing the inspiration and continuous dialogue nurtured by our destination, embracing diverse cultures and artistic disciplines.”
Launched in February 2024 as part of the AlUla Arts Festival, Design Space AlUla embodies the region’s status as a cultural, creative, and storytelling hub. This permanent exhibition invites the global creative community to explore AlUla’s latest design initiatives, offering insights into the inspiration, design processes, and final outcomes.
Source: Saudi Press Agency