Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) revealed the winning design in the “Made in Al Quoz” competition that the Authority launched in November of last year, in which it invited the creators to submit designs for public places in the Al Quoz area.

And he won the first place of the first competition of its kind, designing "Connection" (Tawasul).

The aim behind launching the “Made in Al Quoz” competition was to create public spaces for the public in the Al Quoz area, according to specific considerations, the most important of which is that the designs are inspired by the spirit of the Al Quoz area, and allow the untapped areas to be invested in the area in an optimal manner that meets the needs that the participating designers have touched In the competition during their visits to the site.

The list for the winners included eight designs chosen by the jury from among the submissions submitted based on a set of criteria that included the technical and technical sides, taking into account the site environment and the privacy of its architecture, and the ease of maintaining the implemented designs. The nominated designs for the public vote were displayed throughout January 24 and 25 in the Al-Quoz region, as part of the activities of the eighth edition of the Al-Quoz Art Festival, which was held at "Al Serkal Avenue", and more than 2000 people voted on their favorite designs. The results were based on the public’s vote, and the votes of the jury were 50 (50% by each party).

Great interaction

For her part, Shaima Rashid Al Suwaidi, Director of Marketing and Institutional Communication at Dubai Culture said: “The great interaction with the first edition of the Made in Al Quoz competition was a remarkable success for this pioneering initiative, as we received many distinguished entries in this competition, and the designs included in The short list of nominations is varied and rich in its innovative ideas, what constituted a true reflection of the uniqueness of the city of Dubai, with its rich cultural, humanitarian and creative texture in its diversity.

And came in the first place a design entitled "Connection" (communication) presented by the studio "Lima" for design, and his idea reflects the industrial history of the Al Quoz region and its environment and cultural identity. The design combines the conceptual richness with the diversity of materials used in its manufacture. It was inspired by the environment of the region and the privacy of its residents and workers, using the materials available in the place of cement, wood and metal, while providing perfect lighting and internet access.

Simplicity and elegance

About design won the first rank among participating designs, said Jason Lewis, from the studio «Lima»: «Our ideas for designs that we create are based on providing a positive human experience, as we design products that have a lasting positive impact on people's lives», explaining that the design »It is a simple and elegant piece that brings people together, in addition to providing the possibility to communicate with the world via the Internet through the Wi-Fi service.

"We are proud to have won our design in the" Made in Al Quoz "competition because we are members of the Al Quoz community, and we have a long-term commitment to work and production in this region," Lewis added. We are proud to have a role in making a practical contribution to the development of the society we love. ”

While in the second and third ranks of the competition came, they designed the "Modern Council" of the artist Alexander Zegarov, and the "Forum" of the two artists, Aisha Al-Mousa and Yasmine Noordin.

Zygroveov "Modern Council" was inspired by the shape of the seat used in the traditional council with its edges adjusted to take a comfortable and safe curve, while the outer sides of the sides came from simple black metal, so that it fades into a shadow when lighting the group of multi-colored lights that were provided, transforming the seat from a piece of furniture Simple to attractive piece of art.

As for the design of Al-Multaqa, its idea was inspired by the nature of Al-Quoz as a meeting place for creators, makers and craftsmen. The public area came in the form of a square provided by two sides with places to park bicycles, and seats from the other parties, in addition to umbrellas above the seats, to suit the nature of this vital region. Wood, stone and metal are used in the design to be suitable for outdoor installation.

Three prototypes for the winning "Connect" design (communication) will be made and installed in the creative Al Quoz area during the Dubai art season next April.

Shaima Al Suwaidi: An initiative that opens broad horizons

Shaima Rashid Al Suwaidi, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications at Dubai Culture said: “Working closely with the industrial community in Dubai is a major pillar of our cultural vision, so it was important for people to vote for choosing the appropriate design for these public spaces.” Emphasizing that "This competition gave us the possibility to communicate directly with the community, and it also gave creators and artists an opportunity to participate in works of art that are in line with the rapid developments taking place in our society, as well as the contribution of such initiatives to opening broad horizons for an ambitious future and various strategic creations."

• 3 models that will be manufactured from the winning design «Tawasul», and installed in the creative Al Quoz area during the Dubai art season next April.

• 2000 people voted for their favorite designs.