DUBAI // An artificial leaf that can absorb carbon dioxide and a US$600,000 glass sculpture that changes shape depending on light and sound are among the highlights at an annual design exhibition taking place this week.
Downtown Design is in its second year and brings together some of the world’s top creatives in the shadow of the Burj Khalifa.
The four-day event aims to help promote local talent through collaboration with international brands, as well as showing off the latest in design and technology.
“Silk Leaf is the first man-made biological leaf that is capable of photosynthesis by absorbing carbon dioxide,” said inventor Julian Melchiorri, a recent graduate of the Royal College of Art and Imperial College of London with a degree in innovation and design engineering.
“The leaf then releases oxygen and glucose, which can be used as a form of energy.” The potential for the invention is huge, with everything from air purification to helping astronauts breath during space travel two possibilities.
“We are only just touching the surface in terms of its applications,” Mr Melchiorri said.
The leaf uses a synthetic silk but much of the technology behind it is being kept under wraps for the moment.
One of the most expensive and eye-catching exhibits on display is the huge, chandelier-like Alice kinetic glass artwork by Czech designer Petra Krausova.
“The idea is of a flower that is opening up,” said the designer, who works for Czech company Lasvit, which specialises in glass installations and sculptures.
“It can be set to change shape based on lighting or music and can move in many different ways.
“The inspiration for it came from me wanting to find a parallel between nature and glass.
“Each piece of glass is unique and has been sculpted by hand.
“The whole process took about six months to complete and is about $600,000 (Dh2.2 million).”
Lasvit has had a presence in Dubai for more than five years, with many of the company’s works purchased by wealthy individuals or hotels. Shopping malls are also a growing market for the company.
Dubai’s rapid growth and increasing creativity was praised by Italian design icon Mario Bellini, who was at the exhibition.
“I have been visiting Dubai for many years and I’ve seen how it has changed over time from a few buildings in the late 80s and early 90s,” he said.
“I’ve come back to Dubai after some time and it is almost unrecognisable from what I remember.”
He described the emirate as a “special” place with a creative energy that was unique in the region.
“Milan is known as a creative hub, but I think Dubai is catching up fast and is becoming a world-class centre,” Mr Bellini said.
“For me, design is the expression of the culture of a particular moment in time.”
He said he was stunned at the rapid speed that Dubai has developed, which comes with positives and negatives.
“You look at the Burj Khalifa and it’s amazing to see such a such a tall building,” said the architect.
“But when a city develops so fast, it can become overwhelming and perhaps does not create a face for itself.
“I would say be aware of your history and try to be yourself as a city and find an identity.”
Elsewhere at the exhibition, the House of Tomorrow, from ikonhouse, features technology that allows people to adjust almost every household setting, from air conditioning to automatic blinds, at a touch of a button.
“The great thing is that this features technology that is available now, so people can experience and use it today,” said Anders Larsen, director of design and technology at ikonhouse.
The home boasts a television that can be swivelled to angle to where the viewer is sitting, a Dh10,000 3D home printer and a special mirror that doubles as a computer screen that can detect an individual’s mood and set lighting and music to suit.
“People are getting these things installed in their home now but the price varies from Dh20,000 to the millions,” said Mr Larsen.
Downtown Design is held at The Venue, at the base of the Burj Khalifa, and runs until October 31. Entry is Dh50.
nhanif@thenational.ae
