Photo: Muzna Qamar, 2016
The 2017 edition of Saudi Design Week will open its doors at the Zaha Hadid-designed King Abdallah Studies and Research Center (KASRC) in Riyadh on October 5. The four-day event, now in its fourth year, will feature art and design in a multitude of mediums and will be divided into interactive exhibits, installations, workshops, and exclusive talks by the likes of Patrik Schumacher, principal of Zaha Hadid Architects, and leading creative thinkers including Google’s creative director Andre Le Masurier, and Dominic Wilcox, CEO of Little Inventors. This year’s theme explores the idea of Design in Motion.
“Designers will study that sense of motion figuratively by showcasing the stories behind their products as they move from sketch to shelf, or seek a more literal understanding by exploring the intersection of design and sports, and even motion in design through multiple dimensions such as time,” said Basma Bouzo, fair director and co-founder of Saudi Design Week. She added that the General Sports Authority will host an interactive pavilion, bringing together 15 brands from four continents to explore the idea of Design in Motion.
Photo: Talal Al Zaid
Other exhibitors include Lamb & Lu, Rawan Maki, Saccal Design House, and Ahmad Angawi.
Overall, this year’s edition aims to bring together more than 50 designers, both local and international, with a special focus on promoting talents within Saudi Arabia. “Through the fair, we are able to elevate the community and the value of good design in the Kingdom. The growth of SDW throughout the years is a strong indicator that the public is taking interest in creative thinking, innovation, and exploring new idea,” Bouzo said. Indeed, last year the annual fair welcomed more than 11,000 guests, and hopes to attract even more this year. “It is the premier event of its kind in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” she added.
Sponsors taking an active role this year by way of specially-curated exhibitions include luxury jewelry brand Van Cleef & Arpels, which is an ardent supporter of arts in the Middle East. The high jewelry maison will be presenting “Couture & Movement”, which is an exhibition dedicated to the play of volume and style within its creations.
Photo: Saudi Design Week 2016
“We want to create a dynamic platform encouraging and following the direction and vision of Saudi 2030,” Bouzo said, referring to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz’s plans to diversify the country’s economy. “Our commitment to our goal drives us to keep on doing what we do, and to do it better, year after year,” she added.
Saudi Design Week will take place at the King Abdallah Studies and Research Center (KASRC) in Riyadh on October 5-8. Access is free to the public.
