Of Palm Pavilion - Top 10 Installations of Dubai Design Week

With immense pride, we are delighted to inform you that we were able to be a part of the Top 10 Installations of the Dubai Design Week. We created the “Of Palm” Pavilion which is a temporary structure under the supervision of renowned architect Mr. Abdalla Almulla. It was created to boost sustainability and cost-effectiveness. The structure has a ceiling, pillars, tools, display cases, and a floor and it is made of local bark and fronds from palm trees.

We designed this pavilion aiming to provide an interactive experience with various palm forms. The structure is a cylindrical, open framework, comprising three main parts: a base crafted from palm wood, a central column made of a palm trunk, and a roof fashioned from khoos mat, a traditional Emirati material crafted from palm leaves. To enhance engagement, the platforms are constructed using palm wood in a geometric pattern that aligns with the pavilion’s shape.

In this design, we incorporated twelve columns made from palm trunks, strategically arranged in a radial pattern to create a porous structure. This concept draws inspiration from traditional Emirati huts, where palm branches form the roof, and palm trunks serve as columns to support them. The pavilion’s aesthetic reflects this cultural heritage, offering a modern interpretation of traditional architectural elements.

In the rich tapestry of Emirati culture, the palm tree holds profound significance, being a versatile resource integral to construction and traditional crafts. Its diverse components are ingeniously employed to craft essential structures and a myriad of traditional artifacts, reflecting the resourcefulness and deep heritage of the Emirati people. The “Of Palm” pavilion is an architectural endeavor that delves into the multifaceted uses of the date palm, introducing innovative forms for this natural resource. Our exploration involved delving into age-old traditional applications of palm, coupled with inventive material experiments, to imbue it with a fresh dimension in both functionality and aesthetics.

In this design, we incorporated twelve columns made from palm trunks, strategically arranged in a radial pattern to create a porous structure. This concept draws inspiration from traditional Emirati huts, where palm branches form the roof, and palm trunks serve as columns to support them. The pavilion’s aesthetic reflects this cultural heritage, offering a modern interpretation of traditional architectural elements.