Emirati architect Abdalla Almulla showcased his innovative Of Palm pavilion at Dubai Design Week, serving as this year’s Abwab pavilion, named after the Arabic word for doors. The focal point of the annual Dubai Design Week festival, Of Palm stood as a testament to sustainable architecture and design, emphasizing the potential for these practices to address climate change. Know more about it on SURFACES REPORTER (SR).
Constructed entirely from local palm trees, Of Palm pavilion featured ceilings crafted from intricately woven leaf mats and furniture made from palm wood.
Constructed entirely from local palm trees, Of Palm pavilion featured ceilings crafted from intricately woven leaf mats and furniture made from palm wood. The sustainable ethos extended to the bark-clad trunks that served as pillars, supporting a ceiling adorned with patterned palm frond mats. While some reinforcement was necessary, the structure predominantly comprised palm wood, showcasing the versatility of this locally abundant material.
Dark wood paneling from the palm tree was utilized to fashion furniture, including stools and display cases, contributing to the circular pavilion’s cohesive aesthetic.
Dark wood paneling from the palm tree was utilized to fashion furniture, including stools and display cases, contributing to the circular pavilion’s cohesive aesthetic. Even the flooring echoed this sustainable approach, being crafted from the same wood, stained in various colour to add vibrancy. Beyond the ecological consciousness, Almulla’s choice of palm trees was grounded in their historical significance in the United Arab Emirates, where they have been integral for shelter, sustenance and energy for centuries. The Of Palm pavilion, though temporary, stands as a testament to the adaptability and potential of palm wood in contemporary design.
Image credit: Dubai Design Week