Marking the first flagship collaboration with d3 and supported by Dubai Design Week, Isola presents Design Next, one of the key events of the design week which will transform d3’s Building 6 into a hub for the future of design.
Design Next is a showcase that aims to inspire a fresh mindset in sustainable design and to be a platform for promoting environmentally positive changes in lifestyle and consumption habits, presenting circular furniture, innovative materials, and design tech solutions. Beyond the concepts on view to the public, the event will also present a dynamic series of panel talks and live performances to raise awareness for the circular economy and inspire visitors to play a greater part in shaping a future-thinking world.
Design Next will be the first of many initiatives launched between Isola Design Group and d3, who will continue to collaborate on an array of events and services to further cement the region’s flourishing design scene and support exciting local and regional design talents. Design Next
will be a biennial event with the d3 Architecture Exhibition which will be held in the intervening years.
Design Next will consist of 5 main areas:

Circular Design and Innovative Craft:
A collective exhibition featuring sustainable projects, circular market-ready products, and innovative crafting techniques by both local and international designers.

Material Hub:
Building on previous collaborations with Isola, Colab, the first digital and physical material library in the Middle East, is showcasing a selection of unique objects made from sustainable materials. These include a skateboard made from plastic bottle caps as a collaboration with Karl Lagerfeld; the world’s first recycled sunglasses made from crisp packets; eco-friendly hangers made from olive cores and olive pits; and cutlery
made from date palm biowaste mixed with biodegradable polymers.

Design Labs:
A dedicated space for bespoke companies showcasing their pioneering approaches to production and innovative solutions. These brands will present products and design systems aimed at shaping a scalable and sustainable future.

Future of Urban Living:
Will feature a selection of products designed for everyday urban life, showcasing functional designs that prioritize efficiency and environmental responsibility. These creations come from both international and local startups, as well as design studios.

The Stage:
The Stage will host an extensive programme of panel talks by industry professionals covering topics such as sustainable living, the role of design in environmental conservation and how companies are working to implement this change. These talks will start on 6 November with Diane De Smit, Esra Lemmens, Fahad Ahmed Al Obaidly, Mariana Wehbe, Samer Yamani, Sergio Padula, Tellurico, and Wael Al Awar among the
line-up of panelists. Moreover, a series of live performances will provide visitors with an immersive glance at designers crafting skills. House of Piranesi will furnish the Stage with their Terra Teka, modular reconfigurable seating for open spaces.

Isola Studio has developed the project in terms of creative direction, branding, curation, and space design which is realized with wooden panels made from regenerated palm biomass by DesertBoard.