dubai downtown design entry installation fuses gilded mosaic with light, sound, and crystals

carved in the now welcomes dubai downtown design visitors

In collaboration with Fantini Mosaici, AB+AC Architects has realized an enchanting, gilded entrance experience for the 10th edition of Downtown Design alongside Dubai Design Week. Welcoming visitors from November 8-11 in Dubai Design District (d3), Carved in The Now integrates a multi-sensorial walk-through installation that showcases the ancient allure of mosaic craftsmanship in a new unconventional light. Its asymmetrical configuration of the entrance, white walls adorned with diamond-shaped, sound-absorbing foam panels, orange polycarbonate panels, and nude-tinted felt carpet have all been locally produced, enhanced by a mesmerizing play of light, sound, mirrors, and therapeutic crystals that create an aura of contemplation, reflection, and rejuvenation. 

ab+ac architects creates an immersive, contemplative display

The tranquil preamble guides visitors of the fair towards the octagonal pavilion that houses the Carved in The Now experience. The tactile leather curtains of the pavilion open to reveal a mesmerizing cave of light, composed of irregular and organic precious mosaic of yellow Siena stones, Murano glass, citrine crystals, and shards of gold leaf — all hand-crafted by the mosaicists at Fantini Mosaici, an Italian luxury surfaces company. Drawing inspiration from Dubai’s vision of a unified humanity, AB+AC Architects describe Carved in The Now as an encapsulating, kaleidoscopic room projecting the spiritual qualities of joy, abundance, and creative transformation through the infinite play of mirrors. This illusionary tower, seemingly carved from the cave, unfolds both overhead and underfoot, delivering a poignant message of invitation to slow down, discover, and replenish energy.

Invited by Dubai Downtown Design to create the main entrance experience for the region’s leading design fair, lead architects Arianna Bavuso and Andre Chedid in their Middle East debut build upon the success of their previous collaboration with Fantini Mosaici (more here), the Back to the Future installation showcased during Milan Design Week. Carved in The Now continues this narrative with focus on hand-crafted mosaic and an innovative approach that promises to transform perceptions of this ancient art form. Enrico Fantin, CEO and President of Fantini Mosaici, notes: ‘Mosaic is a versatile and sustainable material with limitless applications, and one with which designers can experiment with to create bespoke designs.’ 

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project info:

name: Carved In The Now
designer: AB+AC Architects, Fantini Mosaici

location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

program: Downtown Design

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