OBMI Highlights the UAE’s Rich Natural Environment Through Dubai Design Week’s Signature Installation

Dubai Design Week Reveals “Once Upon a Forest” Envisioned by OBMI Architects – Awakening New Possibilities in the Urban Landscape

The mangrove forests found on the coastlines of the UAE are the region’s most valuable natural treasure. “Once Upon a Forest,” an OBMI-designed installation to be showcased in the central location of Dubai Design Week, honors the environment of the seven Emirates and supports the preservation of mangroves toward a more sustainable future.

Using organic shapes, local materials, and naturally occurring energy, “Once Upon a Forest” brings the realistic environment of the mangroves into the heart of the Dubai Design District. The contrast between the contemporary space of Dubai Design Week and the fluidity of the installation creates a complimentary showcase of the diverse landscape of the UAE.

Nature is the protector of humanity, offering shelter from the elements and providing the necessities of life: food, water, and sunlight. The floating canopies play with light and shadows to create an intimate and serene ambiance, delivering a dreamlike experience that mimics nature, acting as a place of refuge and inspiration. The pavilion immerses individuals in a fully sensorial experience of the region’s heritage and natural ecosystems, educating guests about the possibilities of resilient mangroves.

Don’t miss a chance to see the UAE’s mangrove forests realized in the urban center of Dubai Design District from November 8-13, 2022!