A treat for design lovers, Downtown Design Riyadh will feature a plethora of limited-edition pieces from leading international galleries and regional collectives in a fair from May 20 to May 23rd. Gallery COLLECTIONAL will feature work by New York-based Apparatus Studio and Draga & Aurel, while Venini, known for its stunning glass creations, brings timeless pieces by designers Michele De Lucchi and Peter Marino. Helen Chislett Gallery presents the work of British architect Thomas Heatherwick with his striking Extrusion benches, while Jordan-based Naqsh Collective offers a regional voice through a poetic fusion of Arab craftsmanship and contemporary form, celebrating heritage through design.
The fair is also set to welcome an impressive line-up of global brands, with exciting debuts and creative collaborations, including Cosentino and Kuwait-based Babnimnim Design Studio’s Moon Vignettes, an installation inspired by the ancient concept of the Moon Gate. Lasvit is showcasing Splash, a luminous piece designed by Martin Gallo that recently showcased at this year’s Salone del Mobile in Milan. Natuzzi Italia will debut the modular Amama sofa for the first time in the region, and Maison Louis Drucker teams with TRAME and Aranda\Lasch for a tech-meets-craft launch. Other highlights include Saint Louis’ Torsade, and Scarlet Splendour, which makes its regional debut with bold brass designs by designer Richard Hutten.
Bompas & Parr, the London-based, creative duo known for crafting wild, immersive food experiences that blend art, science, and gastronomy have collaborated with regional eatery The Lighthouse to bring an onsite, multi-sensory pop-up at the fair. Glow-in-the-dark desserts and conceptual mocktails are served in a space designed by local firm Laeta Interior, inspired by the disciplined dreamers of the Bauhaus movement. Saudi specialty coffee brands Origin Roasters and Marble x Easy Bakery will also bring fresh brews and local flavours to the fair.
BMW Saudi Arabia will unveil a compelling spatial experience at Downtown Design Riyadh through The BMW Lounge, a creative concept conceived by Saudi designer Amani Al-Ibrahim, Partner, and Executive Director at Kristina Zanic Consultants. With a design rooted in Saudi identity – a hat-tip to Al-Ibrahim’s heritage – the lounge will feature curved surfaces and ambient light, with a sculptural ceiling inspired by the winding ridges of Mount Tuwaiq, Najdi motifs, and bronze-green gradients.
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Bringing a local touch to the outdoors at Downtown Design Riyadh, multidisciplinary studio Karim+Elias unveils Strata – a striking modular installation crafted from Saudi sand using the age-old rammed earth technique that has become the studio’s signature. Designed by Karim Tamerji and Elias Hage as an homage to Diriyah’s architectural landscape, the seating installation will dress the outdoor courtyards of JAX District’s main square providing a thoughtful and material moment at the fair.
A special feature of architectural installations and interactive works previously commissioned by Saudi cultural institutions will highlight the evolving creative scene of the Kingdom, with the Architecture and Design Commission of Saudi Arabia presenting a collaborative installation titled Narrating Woven by Ruba Al Khaldi, while The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) will showcase Open Segments by SYN Architects, the Iwan Pavilion, and Adeem.
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