Dubai Design Week commissioned Iraqi-born designer Hozan Zangana to create an outdoors installation for the Arab Emirate’s design district. Titled ‘Fata Morgana’, the installation was conceived by long-term collaborator, Luuk Disveld of Generous Studio, and produced in Amsterdam by Joseph Crickett of WoodCast Designs.
The name of the project was inspired by the optical effect that commonly occurs in the desert or at sea, a visual mirage appearing on the horizon and traditionally thought to be linked to witchcraft. Zangana’s design recreates this effect with shiny copper and rammed earth, using a modern equivalent of the ancient Atuba building technique and sand inspired by locally available materials. ‘For the viewer, the installation might resemble something of a Fata Morgana, with the universal human curiosity we hope to invite people to closer inspect and discover it for themselves, and come together to experience a space designed for reflection and interaction,’ says Zangana.
Hozan Zangana, Joseph Crickett and Luuk Disvelt working on the pieces ahead of the installation in Dubai
Based in the Netherlands, Zangana works intuitively (‘Shaping from Intuition' also being the title of an early collection he created), his shapes are often abstract and inspired by language, tradition and rituals.
For this project, Zangana asked himself: ‘How can we (re)connect culture, history and people in a public space?’ The multi-purpose installation responds to is based on a modular system and features a circle of seven pillars, each representing an Emirate, with different elements designed for public seating. A central plinth anchors the space, and a structure that, according to Zangana, ‘highlights the cultural context of the installation. The intersections between the elements demand a blend of cultural meetings and line of sights, becoming an opportunity for conversation between strangers.’
Each pillar in the installation features a layered design, with each layer representing materials from a specific Emirate. The choice of materials and manufacturing methods and materials was based on a ‘responsible and sustainable design approach, in which the production process is a key to its visual appearance.’
The Covid-19 pandemic was on Zangana’s mind while designing the installation, which was created with social-distancing in mind. ‘Our installation provides a safe public space where people can sit down and facing each other at a safe distance,’ he observes. ‘We hope this will inspire them to start connecting with each other.’
INFORMATION
ADDRESS
Dubai Design District
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
-
Olfactory Art Keller: the New York gallery exhibiting the smell of vintage perfume, blossoming lilacs and last night’s shameOlfactory Art Keller is a Manhattan-based gallery space dedicated to exhibiting scent as art. Founder Dr Andreas Keller speaks with Lara Johnson-Wheeler about the project, which doesn’t shy away from the ‘unpleasant’
-
Explore a barn conversion with a difference on the Isle of WightGianni Botsford Architects' barn conversion transforms two old farm buildings into an atmospheric residence and artistic retreat, The Old Byre
-
Audi launches AUDI, a China-only sub-brand, with a handsome new EV conceptThe AUDI E previews a new range of China-specific electric vehicles from the German carmaker’s new local sub-brand
-
Postcard from Dubai Design Week 2024: the highlightsDubai Design Week, the largest design fair in the Middle East, showcased more than 1,000 acclaimed and emerging designers, brands and creative leaders. Here are our highlights
-
Downtown Design 2022 set to bolster Dubai’s booming design sceneThe Middle East’s leading design fair, Downtown Design returns 9 – 12 November 2022, presenting opportunities for the world’s design industry in the UAE’s booming market In partnership with Downtown Design
-
Dubai Design Week 2021 champions local creativity and visions of the futureDubai Design Week 2021 highlights – here’s our pick of where to go and what to see (8 –13 November 2021)
-
Design in an Age of Crisis: London Design Biennale responds to today's crucial issuesLondon Design Biennale and Chatham House have held an open call to gather proposals and the results are in. The 500 submissions span over 50 countries and six continents, highlighting important issues (and possible solutions) in the fields of health, environment, society and work
-
‘If we must wear masks, then let them be glorious!’Designed by architect and designer Tosin Oshinowo and textile and furniture designer Chrissa Amuah in collaboration with Lexus, this collection of headpieces merges concepts of protection, ornamentation, functionality and celebration, drawing inspiration from a mix of cultural influences
-
Global Grad Show 2020 takes innovation to the next levelFrom a fall prevention device for elderly Parkinson's disease patients to a navigation system made of silk protein, this year’s works address our globe’s complex issues
-
Dutch Design Week 2020: Ikea’s virtual greenhouse, networking fungi, and rethinking wasteMoving its programme of talks and exhibition online (17 – 25 October), the Eindhoven-based design event virtually showcases future-oriented design thinking, material innovation and next generation talent
-
Design Miami launches shop to support Covid-19 key workersDesign Miami/ Shop will include collectible design from 52 international galleries, and the new charitable initiative in collaboration with international designers and artists
