Organizing exhibitions driven by purposeful design
Elif Resitoglu takes us behind the scenes of Isola Design Group’s groundbreaking participation at Dubai Design Week 2024 through two showcases that reveal how innovation can shape the future.
“We can’t just talk about sustainability while acting in the opposite direction,” says Elif Resitoglu, creative director and co-founder of Isola Design Group. Following the opening of Isola Design’s first regional headquarters in the Middle East, at Dubai Design District (d3), the Milan-based company, known for supporting independent designers and design studios, made a significant impact at Dubai Design Week 2024 (November 5-10) with two major events.
The flagship Design Next, divided into five thematic areas – Circular Design and Innovative Craft, Material Hub, Design Labs, Future of Urban Living and The Stage – and a collective showcase at the Downtown Design fair, which presented a carefully selected group of independent designers and contemporary design studios from around the globe.
In this interview, Elif shares insights into the two exhibitions, discussing the innovative projects presented and their alignment with Isola’s vision for a more sustainable future. She elaborates on the creative processes behind the designs and emphasizes the importance of consistency in design practices. According to her, fostering partnerships, collaborations, and cultural exchanges between various stakeholders is key to shifting the design industry’s approach to production and consumption, ultimately driving meaningful change.
Where did the inspiration for this year’s two exhibitions at Dubai Design Week come from?
Elif Resitoglu:
“It came from a mix of things – Dubai’s vibrant design scene, the global urgency around sustainability, and our mission to push creative boundaries. Design Next was curated in collaboration with Dubai Design District, exploring what’s next in design with 360-degree solutions across brands, products, and materials. It’s about showcasing how innovation can shape the future. On the other hand, Downtown Design focused on collectible design and the diversity of creative approaches. The central area featured a mix of international designers, while the side booths highlighted independent studios, with different backgrounds and craftsmanship, technology, and global perspectives. Together, they allowed visitors to experience the best of what design can offer.”
Let’s focus on Design Next. In the Material Hub section, there are objects made from sustainable materials, such as the world’s first recycled sunglasses made from crisp packets. Could you tell us more about these projects and how they came to life?
Elif Resitoglu:
“The Material Hub was developed in collaboration with Colab, the largest design library in the Middle East. In a region with so much construction activity, it’s crucial to offer visibility to innovative material solutions that challenge the use of conventional materials. We wanted to inspire architects and designers to think beyond the standard and explore sustainable alternatives – like cutlery made from date palm biowaste or wood alternatives made from palm waste. According to the region you are in, you can have different sustainable solutions. It’s about showing what’s possible when we innovate with purpose.”
The Future of Urban Living section features products focused on improving urban daily life through efficiency and sustainability. Can you share some examples of these innovative designs?
Elif Resitoglu:
“This section explores design from all angles, not just furniture. For instance, Sulmi, a UAE-based startup, presented a 3D-printed motorbike that redefines sustainable innovation and mobility. Other highlights include bio-digital solutions like ecoLogicStudio’s air-purifying algae systems and sustainable gadgets like Igreen such as iPhone covers that, once discarded, can be planted to grow flowers. These projects showcase how design can transform the way we live, move, and connect with our environment.”
At Downtown Design fair, you showcased a selection of independent designers with a focus on collectible design. How is this market evolving, and what changes do you anticipate in the future?
Elif Resitoglu:
“Collectible design is becoming more conscious of craft and uniqueness. Designers are reconnecting with their heritage, exploring collective memories, and embracing traditional craftsmanship while blending it with modern technologies. The focus is shifting toward meaningful designs that preserve cultural heritage and respect the environment. I believe we’ll see even more of this balance between storytelling, tradition, and creating contemporary products in the future.”
Sustainability is woven into every aspect of your exhibition, from the projects you showcase to the construction of your stands. It’s a rare commitment – how far do you think the industry still needs to go to make sustainability the standard?
Elif Resitoglu:
“We’ve made progress, but there’s still a long way to go. Sustainability needs to become the default, not just a niche consideration. It requires systemic changes in how we design, produce, and consume. Partnerships and working on it are the key. We can’t just talk about sustainability while acting in the opposite direction. For example, in our exhibitions, we’re very selective about our material choices. In Design Next, the entire production was done with palm waste from our local partner DesertBoard, ensuring materials could be recycled or repurposed after the exhibition. Similarly, for the Downtown Design Fair booth, we collaborated with Armourcoat to create a sustainable coating and used PLA material to 3D-print partitions with Caracol, demonstrating that sustainability and aesthetic excellence can go hand in hand.”
