Tuesday, September 20, 2016
American hardwoods are set to feature widely at the second edition of ‘Dubai Design Week’, which will take place from October 24 – 29, 2016 across the city. Following success at the inaugural design event last year, the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) has announced its plans to participate at both Downtown Design 2016 and Design Ras Al Khor (DRAK), two key events taking place during Dubai Design Week (DDW).
Aiming to highlight the beauty, versatility and environmental credentials of American hardwoods, AHEC is collaborating with T.ZED Architects on an installation at Downtown Design 2016 by repurposing thermally-modified American ash that was previously used to clad AHEC’s stand at exhibitions in Turkey in 2014 and 2015. According to Tarik Al Zaharna, Founder and Director, T.ZED Architects, the main challenge was to utilize a specific quantity of thermally-modified timber (TMT) in order to produce a long-lasting installation at Downtown Design 2016 and beyond. The installation will not only serve the purpose of being shown at the fair but also aspires to have a prolonged presence in the public realm around Dubai and the UAE, long after the event has ended.
“The basic concept is to create a cocoon that is gently placed in a dynamic and frenzied environment. The overall structure allows individuals to physically and metaphorically disconnect themselves from the surrounding urban setting and invite them into a quiet space where moments of reflection simply emerge,” said Zaharna. “Our collaboration with AHEC has provided us with a unique opportunity to test the durability and performance of TMT in a climate and context that are very different from where it is most commonly used, and naturally sourced. Given the properties of the timber following its treatment, we want to re-use and create a unique installation that could demonstrate and challenge the physical properties of this American hardwood as well as its versatility and durability.”
Tags: AHEC, Design Ras Al Khor (DRAK), dubai design week, Tarik Al Zaharna
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