The story of waste
The scope of the brief was to develop a temporary pavilion for hosting the ABWAB 2017. The interesting part was that it needed to be made of a waste material left for recycling at Bee’ah’s yard. Be’eah has perhaps the largest recycling facility in the MENA region with state of the art recycling facilities for recycling rubber, metal, plastic and even mattresses.
On visiting the yard, Ar Fahed Majeed came across a mount of magestically laid coil springs. The material was inspiring. It was light, let the air pass though, lets the light pass though and absolutely no resistance. However by virtue of its structuring it had its own strength.
Fascinated by its lightness and ephemeral character, the bedsprings and its mesh like silhouette brought to mind the impetuous ocean, slightly abstract. The environmental commitment that they uphold prompted them to bring a dose of meaningful recycling to Dubai. Envisaged as a creative sculpture, the pavilion is as temporary as the inspiration on which brought it to life.
The approach for this project was absolutely different from a conventional one. Here they had to think what the “bed springs” would want to be? Unlike a regular project where designers dictate what the materials can do.
The space where the pavilion was to be located is in between the built masses of D3. The idea was to erect a structure that floats like a cloud in between these volumes and would facilitate the viewing of various products. The structure should convey a sense of hope; hope for a better tomorrow. And how on regular days, everyday materials can be transformed, recycled in a meaningful manner. The bed springs acts as a coil mesh, distilling the light that passes though it to reveal interesting patterns on the ground. Drawing upon the shapes of a cotton candy, coral cluster in a reef, waves in the ocean and clouds in the sky, the structural system illustrates a series of interconnected posts to support the clouds of mesh. The structure is about going back to the basics, being in touch with the ground, seeing whats around, experiencing light and interaction.
PROJECT OUTLINE
The pavilion is designed to showcase creativity through various domains of art. The structure is designed as a contemporary and inviting space that enables it to be perceived as an artistic expression, while making ample room for exhibits within its core and amalgamating art with architecture. The mesh, made out of recycled bed spring coils, envelope the core structure further giving it an organic silhouette. The structure celebrates the shape and character of the material by retaining and representing it in its purest form. Narrow corridors, surrounded by the mesh, create a space filled with filtered light and interspersed by shadows creating a play of patterns. Every stage of the radically minimalistic pavilion enables the viewer to explore the exhibits and the pavilion amidst a creative ambiance. At the end of the exhibition all the materials goes back to Be’eah yard for recycling. The structure is not air-condition and apart from the nature of the material that would facilitate good ventilation we are also using fans.
The Abwab pavilion, an embodiment of hope, highlights the most relevant value - reuse and recycle, while setting new benchmarks in unconventional design. The structure is designed as a contemporary and inviting space that enables it to be perceived as an artistic expression.
Fahed Majeed, Founder & Chief Architect
of Fahed + Architects
Dubai is perhaps one of the most bullish place I have worked in - in the sense they aspire to be the best and would tenaciously work towards achieving that position. This means being open to ideas, having proper systems for emerging practices to come and settle down comfortably - ease of establishment etc.
- Fahed Majeed, Founder & Chief Architect of Fahed + Architects
SR- How do you see Dubai slowly emerging as a design destination (we love the fact that the main idea was to work with recycled materials)?
Dubai has been one of the most active design hub not only influencing the MENA region but going deeper into Asia and allied regions. The place is well represented with people from different parts of the world and its this diverse pool of talent that serves as the impetuous. Apart from this the initiative of the government to dedicate a specific area such as D3 that focuses on consolidating all segments representing design fosters a stronger design forum that involves/supports various design initiatives. For the last Dubai Design Week we were asked to develop the pavilion in partnership with Bee’ah using sustainable materials that have reached end of life cycle and is in the process of recycling.
SR- how is Dubai as a destination evolving for designers. What led to your work in the Middle East and Dubai?
Dubai is perhaps one of the most bullish place I have worked in - in the sense they aspire to be the best and would tenaciously work towards achieving that position. This means being open to ideas, having proper systems for emerging practices to come and settle down comfortably - ease of establishment etc.
About Fahed+Architects
Established in 2006, Fahed +Architects is a multiple awardwinning boutique practice with offices in Dubai+Kochi+ Bali. The firm strongly believes a good design can bring about a positive impact to the daily life different regions. With people from varied backgrounds and culture working together , they bring with them the richness of knowledge and distinct perspectives and experiences. As a practice with insane optimism, the firm hopes for a better tomorrow and strive to play their part – big or small – in the cultural and global context. The firm goes to great lengths to develop details that would result in engaging domestic skills which supports the economy of the region and develops a sense of belonging.
Catch Ar Fahed Majeed Live in an exclusive interaction with Vertica Dvivedi, Editor-in-Chief, Surfaces Reporter and Founder WADe Asia Awards
Date: September 05, 2020
Time: 05:30 PM
Joining link: www.facebook.com/SurfacesReporterMagazine/
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