alula design award crowns five winners at paris design week 2023

the rugged, awe-inspiring landscape of alula, saudi arabia, continues to be a muse for innovative artists, as shown by the winners of alula design award.

tim spears September 13, 2023 5 min

arts alula at paris design week 2023

The rugged, awe-inspiring landscape of AlUla, Saudi Arabia, has been a muse for artists for generations. This legacy continues as Arts AlUla aims to preserve the heritage of traditional artisans in this region while also promoting designers to respectfully push boundaries and innovate. Coinciding with Paris Design Week 2023, three initiatives aim to conserve this future: the winners of AlUla Design Award 2023, the Madrasat Addeera Editions exhibition, and the inaugural Design Residency in AlUla.

alula design award crowns five winners at paris design week 2023 - 1 — ALWADIYA_ The Living Pots, by TECHNOCrafts, Madrasat Addeera Editions (main image also)

‘The winners of the AlUla Design Award have brilliantly interpreted the landscape and heritage of AlUla through their designs. We are excited that the Award sits alongside several AlUla design initiatives including the trailblazing Madrasat Addeera Editions, also exhibiting in Paris; the first Design Residency which begins in October in AlUla; and the Design Space AlUla which opens in early 2024. These initiatives exemplify AlUla’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of design in dynamic and innovative ways whilst fostering creativity and cross-cultural connections. We look forward to nurturing these ambitious initiatives which are making AlUla a design hub in the region, engaging local and international design communities alike,‘ said Nora Aldabal, Executive Director of Arts and Creative Industries Royal Commission for AlUla.

alula design award crowns five winners at paris design week 2023 - 2 — ALWAHA, The Room Divider, by Cristian Mohaded, Madrasat Addeera Editions 2023

alula design award 2023 winners

As the first of three initiatives of Arts AlUla at Paris Design Week 2023, the winners of the AlUla Design Award were announced in a dedicated exhibition in the city. Including established as well as emerging designers, the awards sought entries that conceptualized and developed high-end retail items across six categories. Submissions were then deliberated down to 10 finalists by an international jury of renowned leaders in the design industry.

Conceived by designer Hervé Sauvage, the AlUla Design Award exhibition revealed the work of all 10 finalists. Each design references the heritage, landscape, and artistic legacies of the region in Saudi Arabia. The five winners ranged from the contemplative Tawa chair by Shaddah Studio and ritualistic AlUla Terrains: Dates Serving Sets by Teeb to the mosaic-patterned Incense Heritage Collection by Sarra Hafaiedh, Oil Lantern by Imane Mellah, and Naba Tea Tiffin by Ikkis, Gunjan Gupta. The award-winning items will be commissioned, with laureates provided assistance during the production process, and promoted regionally and internationally through exhibitions as seen in Paris.

alula design award crowns five winners at paris design week 2023 - 3 — ALGHARAMEEL The Magical Pillars, by Dr. Zahrah Alghamdi, Madrasat Addeera Editions 2023

madraset addeera editions exhibition

Held concurrently with an exhibition during Paris Design Week 2023, Madraset Addeera Editions showcases a curation of limited edition statement designs from AlUla. The initiative is dedicated to developing artisanal skills and crafts for locals, with the aim of growing a sustainable, vibrant, and authentically creative design industry in the region.

The showcase displays four pieces designed and produced by established Saudi and international designers from more than eight other countries. Each design blends local heritage with contemporary style, techniques, and innovation with the aim of highlighting the potential of artisanal crafts in today’s creative scene. With limited edition statement pieces by Dr. Zahrah Alghamdi, Cristian Mohaded, TAKK (Mireia Luzarraga and Alejandro Muino), and GTECNOCrafts, the designs pair tradition with modern innovations and sustainable materials.

alula design award crowns five winners at paris design week 2023 - 4 — DUNA, The Seating Dune, by TAKK, Madrasat Addeera Editions 2023

inaugural design residency in alula

Arts AlUla’s inaugural Design Residency encourages more ambitious experimentation of design in the region. It builds upon the success of the AlUla Artist Residency, launched in 2021 by the Royal Commission for AlUla and French Agency for AlUla Development. Taking place for three months, the residency invites creatives to AlUla to forge new examinations and explorations of designs that preserve heritage while pushing boundaries. The goal is to create a thriving, inspiring hub for artistic and design excellence in the historic location.

The inaugural Design Residency beings in October 2023, inviting six designers for three months, before exhibiting their work in February 2024 during the AlUla Arts Festival.