Design enthusiasts in Milan have a unique opportunity to delve into the creative spirit of AlUla, a rising design destination in Saudi Arabia. From April 14th to 21st, the Mediateca Santa Teresa in Brera, Milan’s historic design district, plays host to an exhibition showcasing recent design initiatives inspired by AlUla’s unique materiality.
This exhibition brings to light the design scene flourishing in AlUla, an ancient oasis city undergoing an ambitious transformation.
The displayed works represent the vision of leading artists and designers. Dr. Zahrah Alghamdi, Cristian Mohaded, the design duo TAKK (Mireia Luzarraga and Alejandro Muino), and TECHNOCrafts all contribute pieces. These works were originally featured in two new design programs launched in AlUla this year: the Madrasat Addeera Editions and the AlUla Design Residency. Curated by Samer Yamani and Ali Ismail Karami respectively, these programs are cultivating a thriving design scene in AlUla.
Practices from multiple countries around the world help foster a more global and interconnected design community in Madrasat Addeera Editions. Curated by Samer Yamani, the projects include designs by practices from Saudi Arabia (Dr. Zahrah Alghamdi), Argentina (Cristian Mohaded) and Spain (TAKK & TECHNOCrafts). Having such a mix of designers injects a variety of styles and techniques, reflecting the international spirit shaping AlUla’s design future.
Under the curatorial eye of Ali Ismail Karimi, the first edition of the AlUla Design Residency welcomed a global cohort of designers. The residency brought together practices from five countries: Saudi Arabia (Leen Ajlan), a collaborative effort between Bahrain and Denmark (bahraini – danish), France (Hall Haus and Studio Leo Orta), and India (Studio Raw Material).
This Milan exhibition offers a glimpse into the design language emerging from AlUla’s rich cultural heritage and captivating landscapes. By showcasing the works of established and emerging talents, the exhibition highlights the city’s potential as a major design force.
