Material innovation at Downtown Design

The development of new materials that have increased functionality and design has become a major driver of product innovation. With around 70% of all new product innovation based on materials or new and improved properties; these emergent materials and their associated technologies are changing the way that architects and designers work and the way consumers engage with products that surround them.

From cork leather to raw earth; Downtown Design presents an inventive collection of products that use uncommon materials to achieve design excellence. 

Pendant Light Fixture by Beba Creations

A self-taught designer; Tariq Riaz of Beba Creations creates functional design pieces that are both creative as well as sustainable. The pendant light fixture was born out of the idea to create a piece of jewelry for an indoor environment. This hand crafted ‘pendant’ consists of a copper frame, resin tiles and flower inlays.

Morning Ritual by Paola Sakr, Beirut Design Week

Morning Ritualis a series of biodegradable containers made of coffee grounds and newspaper waste. Inspired by the designer’s childhood memories watching her father sip on Arabic coffee while reading the newspaper, Morning Ritual draws our attention to the fact that we often generate waste before our day even begins.

Drop Table Lamp by Zsuzsanna Szentirmai-Joly and Zsolt Csizmadia, Laokoon 

Laokoon is a compilation of the un-conventional strength of assorted colors, textile, thread and structure. It is a fabric art whose lamellae can be made of paper, leather, metal, wood, cork, many kinds of plastic etc. The main criteria regarding this matchless material is that it should have proportionate strength to flexibility. This tailor-made textile is changeable, moveable and when the desired structure is achieved, it retains its dynamic attribute in its static state.

While Laokoon’s moving structures are currently materialized in the form of designer lamps and murals, the possibilities implemented in it are endless.

VEGAN by Rodrigo Vairinhos, NEO

Made of an alternative material to traditional cowhide rugs the Designer Rodrigo Vairinhos has fashioned a cowhide-shaped carpet for the conscious who not only enjoy a vegan lifestyle but enjoy innovative design. With a captivation design that mimics the shape of a cowhide the designer implemented the use of cork leather, a non-animal product, from vegetable origin that is ecological and renewable.

Wall Décor, Green Road

Green Road brings to Downtown Design Wall Decoration made from real, naturally preserved plants.  Using a natural preservation process based on water, food coloring and glycerin the durable plants create a pleasant atmosphere in any space while lowering noise levels. The preservation process further preserves the beauty of these plants; keeping their natural look and require neither water nor light. 

TerraEvoca, Matteo Brioni

Italian brand Matteo Brioni specializes in natural finishes for architecture and interior design working with a unique material: raw earth. TerraEvoca finds its uniqueness in the plastic modeling technique, handmade by Matteo Brioni’s master craftsmen: an artistic customized design that makes each application exclusive and unrepeatable. The design begins with a minimum of two levels for a “ton sur ton” design. This is repeated until you get a design that consists of multiple layers where different textures and colors intersect and overlap in a game of lights and shades that creates surprising depth. 

Etna Table, NM Collection

Made in the UAE by NM Collection; the ETNA Table uses Lapis Lazuli –a bright blue metamorphic rock that is also a semi-precious stone to form the table top accentuating its unique and creative design element.

Register now to see these brands and more at Downtown Design here