Dubai, as seen by Architonic's editors

In the second installment of our photographic journey through this year’s edition of INDEX Exhibition we reveal the images from the 3rd annual Contemporary Majlis Competition, the fair and the gleaming city of Dubai itself. Enjoy!

to Architonic’s photo tour of INDEX Exhibition 2011, Part II

Dubai's INDEX Exhibition, as seen by Architonic

In its 21st edition, Dubai’s INDEX Exhibition gave us an impression that the financial crisis of 2008, which unexpectedly but severely affected the Middle Eastern emirate, seems to be a thing of the past and that Dubai is on the road to recovery on a less speculative and more realistic level. Located on the emirate’s northern coastline, the glittering, glass-cladded Dubai City is itself an ultimate, extravagant showcase of emirate’s financial power and sky-high ambitions, with both architecture and interior design being the prime examples of this particular penchant for infinite luxury. (more…)

The Pavilion, Downtown by Studio M; photo by Sid Siva

The architect Abboud Malak and his Dubai-based practice Studio M have realised this understated contemporary cultural centre located in the downtown area of the city. Completed in 2010, the 12,000-square-foot open-plan Pavilion comprises two gallery spaces, a library, lounge, restaurant, screening room and a tucked away semi-enclosed ‘shed’ structure. Described by the architects as ‘an oversized container’, the Pavilion is devoid of any dividing walls – the modern furniture ‘plays a key role in dividing up the different spaces’ and includes a number of popular designs from manufacturers such as Foscarini, Cassina, Established & Sons, Magis, Accademia and Vitra. (more…)

Dubai Metro, photo by Katrin Greiling

Today at 6am the Dubai Metro opened to the public after its inaugural ride last night.

09.09.09 Sheikh Mohammed and his entourage, walked the red carpet followed by selected VIP’s and several hundred contest winners to the maiden trip on Dubais urban rail network.

Katrin Greiling, a designer and photographer based in Dubai documented this first ride. As she says she will spend many more hours riding the metro and look at all the stations and impressions the new view on the city will generate.

Dubai Metro, photo by Katrin Greiling

Dubai Metro, photo by Katrin Greiling

Dubai Metro, photo by Katrin Greiling

Dubai Metro, photo by Katrin Greiling

Katrin Greilings pictures will be published by Al Manakh, the collaborative initiative to monitor, reveal and forecast new urban developments unfolding in the Gulf region, published as a special edition of Volume.

more photos by Katrin Greiling

to the Al Manakh website

'Bidoun' inspired by traditional Arab seating

‘Bidoun’ by Katrin Greiling is a collection of upholstery furniture, created for the Bidoun Lounge during the ArtDubai 2009.

For this line the German/Swedish designer, who recently became Director of Industrial Design at Traffic, the 2007 founded art and design practice in Dubai, studied the lifestyle and traditions of nomadic Arabs and developed a new contemporary interpretation of the original Arab seating.

'Bidoun' by Katrin Greiling

Details like the cord are inspired by the Bedouin tent, the variation of upholstery fabrics is chosen to reflect the random availability of patterns and is a symbol for traveling and the different cultural influences in Middle East.

The upholstery fabrics are by Kvadrat and Maharam

‘Bidoun’ is the first collection developed by Traffic and will be part of a contemporary line inspired by the Middle East.

'Bidoun' was created for the 'Bidoun Loung'at ArtPark during the ArtDubai 2009

more products by Katrin Greiling @ Architonic

more Kvadrat products @ Architonic

to the Traffic website