This Installation Celebrates Beauty and Importance of the UAE’s Mangrove Forests | Once Upon a Forest

In an attempt to highlight the UAE’s rich natural environment at the ongoing Dubai Design Week, US studio OBMI has created an installation that awakens new possibilities in the urban landscape. Named Once Upon a Forest, the installation has been designed and created by OBMI for the eighth edition of Dubai Design Week with the theme Design with Impact which aims to question how sustainably designers can create designs. Here is a detailed report on SURFACES REPORTER (SR).


OBMI’s Once Upon a Forest installation commemorates the environment of the seven emirates by supporting the preservation of mangroves for a better sustainable future

Seen on the coastlines of the UAE, the mangrove forests are the most valued natural resource of the region. OBMI’s Once Upon a Forest installation, which has been showcased at the central location of Dubai Design Week, commemorates the environment of the seven emirates by supporting the preservation of mangroves for a better sustainable future.


The maze-like arrangement of the installation is handcrafted in 2,700m of bamboo, 350sqm of jute rope and 30km of jute mesh. 

The Once Upon a Forest installation features a gentle slope in organic curves and lines that highlight the region’s mangrove forests that are closely associated with the United Arab Emirates. The installation encapsulates the beauty of the realistic environment of the mangroves. The installation complements the contemporary design event through its fluidity in close association with the diverse landscape of the UAE.


The installation encapsulates the beauty of the realistic environment of the mangroves. 

The floating canopies continue to play the light and shadow game throughout the day, thereby creating an intimate and serene ambiance. Mimicking nature, the installation offers a dreamlike experience that creates a place of refuge and also educates visitors about the possibilities of resilient mangroves. The maze-like arrangement of the installation is handcrafted in 2,700m of bamboo, 350sqm of jute rope and 30km of jute mesh. All the natural materials have been sourced from the Middle East and North African (MENA) region.


The Once Upon a Forest installation features a gentle slope in organic curves and lines that highlight the region’s mangrove forests.

Within the installation, an integrated audio-visual experience plays information about the mangrove forests. Post the event, Once Upon a Forest will be repurposed for various other events to celebrate Dubai’s natural landscape.

Photographs: Sebastian Bottcher; Courtesy: OBM

×
×

Post Your Comment


"Content that powers your Business. News that keeps you informed."

Surfaces Reporter is one of India's leading media in Print & Digital Telecast for News on Interiors & Architecture Projects, Products, Building Materials, and the Business of Design! Since 2011, it serves as a referral for designers & architects to know about inspiring projects and source new products. If you have a Product or Project worth publishing in Surfaces Reporter, please email us hello@surfacesreporter.com or you can also submit your project online.

Like Surfaces Reporter on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter and Instagram | Subscribe to our magazine | Sign Up for the FREE Surfaces Reporter Magazine Newsletter

Muted Palette Preference in a Thane Home for US Based Owners | RN DEESIGN

Perched on the 23rd floor of Crystal Spires, a prestigious residential complex in Thane, this 1610 sq-ft apartment designed by the creative team of RN DEESIGN offers a glimpse into elevated living.

Read more

Completion of Californias Tallest Residential Tower | The Beaudry by Marmol Radziner

The Beaudry is a sleek, modern skyscraper with a glass wall exterior outlined in dark steel. The studio says its now the tallest residential building in California, standing at 695 feet with 64 stories.

Read more

Hyatt Hotels announces major expansion in India with 7 new properties set to open in 2024 | SR News Update

Hyatt Hotels intends to widen its presence in India by launching seven new hotels and incorporating 1,115 rooms across various leisure and urban locales in 2024.

Read more

Iconic Drum-Shaped Concrete Museum by Herzog & de Meuron Debuts on Qatari Island | Qatar

The five-story structure, designed with intersecting spheres, creates internal volumes. Its exterior mimics sandy texture with striated concrete, blending with the coastal surroundings.

Read more


This is alt