After combining elements of landscaping, perspective art and architecture for the entrance of the 2017 edition of the fair, desert INK respond to Downtown Design’s 2018 theme ‘Livable Cities’ with a multi-functional recreational space. An indoor installation with outdoor elements will enhance visitor experience alongside the wide range of exhibitors, other creative fair features and pop-up cafes.
“This year, we wanted the visitors to interact with the installation, so we developed a concept housed within the exhibition hall itself” states Romit Chakravarty, the project’s lead designer. Exploring a narrative of ‘abstracted dunes’, the installation features a series of staggered terraces punctuated by refreshing bursts of lush planting courtesy of Dubai Garden Centre. Incorporating spaces for relaxation and informal meetings, the design aims to be both sculptural and functional while creating an a focal point within the space.
desert INK’s responsive view on horticulture development is consistently pioneering and environmentally sustainable. Their tailored approach has not only earned them prestigious projects such as Central Park (Riyadh, KSA), Iran’s largest mall, TAT (Tehran) and Banyan Tree Residences (Dubai, United Arab Emirates), it has also earned them a place amongst the Middle East’s most influential design practices.
From masterminding a pop-up ‘secret garden’ for Chanel in a flat car park space at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, to lending regional perspective to the landscape design for the Grimshaw helmed Sustainability Pavilion 2020, the studio demonstrates versatility and uniqueness with every project.
A testament to their vision to create exciting places which enhance lives and an out of the box approach, their recently completed urban park ‘The Block’, situated on the d3 Waterfront in Dubai Design District has been nominated for the Architizer A+ awards in the ‘Best Public Landscape Design’ category. Re-purposing seven hundred 30-ton concrete blocks left over from the canal construction, The Block features an urban beach, an outdoor gym and play areas for children. It will be integral to Downtown Design waterfront activations during Dubai Design Week.
Whether it is adding value to a public space, a private residence or creating first impressions for the region’s most coveted developers, as they did for Akoya Oxygen by DAMAC, desertINK offer bespoke design solutions that respond to the unique requirements of their clients and the site.
To find out more visit www.desert-ink.com
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