Four projects in Dubai have been longlisted for the 2022 Dezeen Awards in design.
Two installations at the Museum of the Future — Future Heroes and Journey of the Pioneers — are in the running for the Exhibition Design prize, as is the Land of Dreamers Who Do from the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.
Meanwhile, Sensasia Stories Spa at the Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates is competing in the Architectural Design Lighting category.
The longlist features 290 projects from 36 countries, including Poland, Kuwait, Denmark and Ukraine. The projects are competing in 11 categories.
The two longlisted exhibitions from the Museum of the Future were designed by German company Atelier Bruckner. Land of Dreamers Who Do, on the other hand, was conceived by Dutch design agency Tellart. The three exhibitions are competing against 24 other projects.
Future Heroes is a dedicated space for children aged 4 to 11, which encourages problem-solving, communication and active participation. It is segmented into three main experiences: Imagine, Design and Build.
The exhibition presents its young visitors with surprise missions, inspired by formats found in video games but applied to real-world settings. Players must work together to overcome obstacles, explore areas and reap rewards.
The immersive Journey of the Pioneers imagines the world in 2071. The exhibition is divided into three chapters. It begins at OSS Hope, a space station 600 kilometres above Earth. Visitors can explore the space station, take on missions, invent technologies and explore how the Moon can be used as a source of renewable energy.
The exhibition then leads to the Heal Institute, an organisation founded with the aim of restoring damaged ecosystems. The institute is anchored on an interactive library featuring the DNA of thousands of species. Al Waha is the concluding experience of the exhibition. Described as a sanctuary from digital life, the wellbeing centre presents futuristic meditative techniques using vibrations.
Land of Dreamers Who Do was a centerpiece of the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. The project presented the country’s history and culture to visitors in a multisensory and immersive exhibition. Divided into six sections, the exhibition told the nation’s story while using cutting-edge projections, sound design, fragrances and scenography.
The lighting at Sensasia Stories Spa was designed by Studio N, which has offices in both the UAE and the UK. The agency designed a lighting palette to complement the spa’s architecture, which was conceived by Dubai-based interior design company Roar.
Dezeen is still in the process of announcing the longlists for its 2022 awards. Earlier this week, Al Wasl Plaza was longlisted in the Cultural Building category of the architecture prize. The magazine said it received 5,400 submissions from 90 countries, a record-breaking number.
Shortlisted projects will be revealed in September. Winners will be unveiled during an awards ceremony in November.
Scroll through the gallery below to see behind the scenes at Al Wasl Plaza
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A view of Al Wasl dome after midnight at Expo 2020 Dubai when the site shuts down to visitors. Pawan Singh / The National -
Visitors watch an immersive show at Al Wasl dome. Pawan Singh / The National -
People leave Expo 2020 Dubai after watching the final audiovisual shows at Al Wasl dome. Pawan Singh / The National -
When the Expo site closes to visitors, rehearsals begin under Al Wasl dome, also called the Expo's crown jewel. Pawan Singh / The National -
Crews prepare for the next day show during the night shift at Al Wasl dome. Pawan Singh / The National -
Technical and maintenance crews check the 30,000 lights that change colour in synch to the music in the sunken garden of Al Wasl Plaza. Pawan Singh / The National -
The view from one of two control rooms that manage the content beamed across Al Wasl dome. Pawan Singh / The National -
Inside the main control room, programmers work through the night to check audio and light effects for Al Wasl Plaza. Pawan Singh / The National -
The technical crew work with the spotlights during night rehearsals at Al Wasl dome. Pawan Singh / The National -
A view of the control room that oversees the stunning effects beamed across Al Wasl dome. Pawan Singh / The National -
The revolving stage inside Al Wasl dome is being readied at night ahead of a musical performance the next day. Pawan Singh / The National -
Content is curated in virtual reality and in audio studios that overlook Al Wasl dome. Pawan Singh / The National -
Technical teams run through the sequence of light and sound that lend an element of theatre to performances at Al Wasl dome. Pawan Singh / The National -
William Ainley, vice president, technical, for events and entertainment at Expo 2020 Dubai, says the night-time hours are precious for rehearsals. Pawan Singh / The National -
Al Wasl dome is quiet minutes before night rehearsals make it come alive. Pawan Singh / The National -
Coldplay perform beneath Al Wasl dome to a packed crowd. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
Thousands watch the Coldplay performance at Expo 2020 Dubai. Reuters -
Alicia Keys commands the stage. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
Amna Abulhoul, creative director, ceremonies, at Expo 2020 Dubai says the immersive dome has made a lasting impression on top music groups. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
Singer Alicia Keys performs at Dubai Expo 2020 Dubai. AP -
The Black Eyed Peas perform at Expo 2020 Dubai. Reuters -
The Black Eyed Peas perform as the circular designs within Al Wasl dome take on a life of their own at Expo 2020 Dubai. Reuters
