Life
Cartier and Dubai Design District have come together in celebration of Eid Al Etihad with a vibrant programme titled Al Manama by Cartier.
Everything to know about the Al Manama exhibition
The Al Manama exhibition opens on Friday 22nd November until the 3rd of December. The exhibit will include a variety of programmes ranging from panel discussions and creative collaborations featuring local Emirati creatives. Situated between buildings 9 and 10 of d3, you can partake in the exhibition in the three manamas conceptualized by local architects Ahmed and Rashid bin Shabib in collaboration with Cartier.
The structures are a product of reimagining Emirati architecture from a contemporary lens, showcasing modernity in the preservation of the UAE’s heritage. The main manama hosts the programmes. The second one consists of a standing conversation pit and projector displaying past pictures of buildings, the sea, boats and people as a way to remember and reflect. The third manama is for the book enthusiasts. Containing a variety of different books related to the UAE and its history.
Al Manama by Cartier: Revisiting Typologies
The first day of the exhibition consisted of a panel titled Al Manama: Revisiting Typologies. It began with opening speeches from Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of d3 and Caroline Dumont Frotiee, Managing Director of Cartier UAE. Shortly after, the panel welcomed moderator Adina Hempel and speakers Ahmed and Rashid bin Shabib.
In a reflective discussion on the practice of architecture, Ahmed and Rashid discussed the idea of an analogue social network. The Manama is a century old structure that has been revisited for the collaboration. Traditionally, it was a way for people to keep cool during the summertime.
The panel sparked an interesting dialogue about the architecture and the culture. In a modern world where everything shifts quickly, emerging technologies constantly arise, how do we preserve some of the ‘lost art’ of creating?
The answer to this question depends on who one might ask. The first step is always to revisit the past. As Ahmed and Rashid have done so by asking their grandmother to conceptualise these manamas in the Design District. Indeed one must find prior knowledge in order to be inspired. To create a new way of looking at old things, just like Jacques Cartier did (who visited the Dubai in 1912). He left with pearls that ultimately shifted the trajectory of Cartier.
In an effort to celebrate Eid Al Etihad, we encourage you to visit the exhibition. Interesting discussions and programmes being held, where you are guaranteed to learn something about this place we call home.
