American studio OBMI designs the new Once Upon a Forest installation for Dubai Design Week. It is made with gentle sloping organic shapes that are inspired by mangrove forests, which are large parts of the United Arab Emirates. It marks the eighth edition of Dubai Design Week and works towards the question of how to be more sustainable as designers. Visitors enter the arrangement of sculptures, which is similar to a maze topped with canopies.
It uses sustainable materials and construction procedures. OBMI states, "Our goal is to educate and inspire the community about the benefits and beauty of the mangrove forests by providing an immersive experience that ignites the senses and showcases nature's power to mitigate climate change [...] The mangrove forests are the UAE's most valuable natural treasure and the installation honors the diverse environment of the seven Emirates in the city's urban center."
Mangrove Forest-Inspired Installations
OBMI Designs the Once Upon a Forest of Sloped Shapes
Trend Themes
1. Sustainable Installations - The use of sustainable materials and construction procedures in installations is a trend seen in the Once Upon a Forest installation by OBMI.
2. Nature-inspired Designs - The Once Upon a Forest installation is an example of a trend where designers are inspired by nature, such as mangrove forests, to create organic shapes in their designs.
3. Immersive Experiences - The Once Upon a Forest installation provides an immersive experience for visitors, exemplifying a trend where installations aim to educate and inspire through sensory experiences.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - The architecture industry can benefit from the trend of using sustainable materials and organic shapes inspired by nature to create unique and eco-friendly designs.
2. Design - The design industry can take inspiration from the Once Upon a Forest installation and create immersive experiences that educate and inspire visitors while showcasing the beauty of nature.
3. Tourism - The tourism industry can incorporate installations like the Once Upon a Forest to promote eco-tourism and sustainable travel by providing unique experiences that honor and showcase the natural environment and treasures of various locations.