BMW and AB+AC Architects Redefine Luxury with Sustainable Pavilion at Dubai Design Week
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BMW Middle east and AB+AC Architects have once again made a bold statement at Dubai Design Week, unveiling the “Luxury of Less” pavilion. This immersive installation is a testament to BMWS commitment to circular design principles, offering visitors a serene and sustainable experience that redefines luxury for the modern era.
The pavilion,designed in collaboration with AB+AC Architects,invites guests on a multi-sensory journey that emphasizes minimalism,intentionality,and well-being. Inspired by BMW’s sustainable design philosophy,the structure embodies the brand’s Re;duce,Re;use,Re;cycle,Re;think mantra,showcasing how luxury can be both elegant and environmentally conscious.
“At AB+AC, we believe that this is what luxury will look like in the future — stripping away the unnecessary and focusing on meaningful and intentional choices that still reflect the best in quality and comfort,”
comments designer Arianna Bavuso.
A Modular approach to Sustainable Design
The pavilion’s wooden cubed form is constructed using modular components, much like the precision engineering found in BMW vehicles. Every element, from the structural framework to the translucent drapes and inner paneling, is designed to be disassembled, replaced, and reused. This modularity not only reduces waste but also extends the lifecycle of the materials, aligning perfectly with BMW’s commitment to sustainability.
An Immersive experience of design and Well-Being
the “Luxury of Less” pavilion is more than just a structure; it’s an immersive experience that merges design, nature, and well-being. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by the BMW iX, a vehicle crafted using 100% green hydroelectricity and recycled materials.The exterior of the pavilion is draped in sapphire blue chiffon, symbolizing the connection between the earth and the sky, while the interior features shining orange silk that evokes the warmth of a desert sunset.
The journey culminates in a tranquil central room designed to soothe the senses. Ecru alcantara floor tiles mimic sand dunes, and natural light filters through perforated walls, creating a serene atmosphere. Minimalistic design elements, such as a suspended scenographic mirror and a central tray with rose water, are complemented by sensory details like Tibetan bowls, crystal chimes, and warm lighting grids. The pavilion also features a meditative performance, further enhancing the calming effect on visitors.
A Vision for the Future of Luxury
The “Luxury of Less” pavilion is not just a showcase of BMW’s sustainable design philosophy; it’s a vision for the future of luxury. By stripping away unnecessary elements and focusing on meaningful, intentional choices, BMW and AB+AC Architects demonstrate that luxury can be both high-quality and environmentally responsible. This innovative approach not only aligns with global sustainability goals but also resonates with consumers who are increasingly conscious of their environmental impact.
As Dubai Design Week continues to grow as a platform for innovative design,the collaboration between BMW and AB+AC Architects stands out as a prime example of how luxury and sustainability can coexist. the “Luxury of Less” pavilion is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and a reminder that the future of luxury is rooted in well-being and sustainability.
All images courtesy of AB+AC Architects.
BMW and AB+AC Architects Unveil Innovative Pavilion at Dubai Design Week 2024
in a groundbreaking collaboration, BMW Middle East and AB+AC Architects have unveiled a transformative pavilion at Dubai Design Week 2024, showcasing a fusion of neuro-architecture and cutting-edge design principles. Themed around enhancing human well-being through thoughtful design, the pavilion invites visitors to experience a multi-sensory journey that blends luxury, sustainability, and psychological insights.
The pavilion,designed by AB+AC Architects,leverages the firm’s expertise in neuro-architecture and the psychology of spaces. It is engineered to create a virtuous cycle of excitement, awe, and reflection, grounded in neuroscientific principles such as curiosity, anticipation, and pleasure. According to Arianna Bavuso,a key figure behind the project,”We have one million years of evolution to prove that our cellular biology is strongly tied to our surroundings,yet this is taken into consideration only marginally in the design of our cities and everyday spaces.”
The pavilion’s design fosters endorphin release, promoting not only emotional well-being but also cellular repair. This innovative approach to architecture underscores the importance of creating spaces that resonate with human biology, offering a glimpse into the future of urban design.
A Multi-Sensory Experience at Dubai Design Week
The pavilion was showcased at the Dubai Design District (d3) from November 5 to 10, 2024, as part of Dubai Design Week.Visitors were treated to a meditative journey within a modular structure that featured a translucent cube nested within another module. The design, titled “Luxury of Less,” reimagines luxury as minimalist, intentional, and deeply rooted in well-being.
One of the pavilion’s standout features is a liminal space adorned with bright orange silk, evoking the warm glow of a desert sunset. This immersive habitat encourages visitors to slow down, reflect, and connect with their surroundings in a profound way.
A Vision for the Future of Design
The collaboration between BMW and AB+AC Architects highlights a growing trend in design that prioritizes human well-being and sustainability. By integrating neuroscientific principles into architectural practice, the pavilion serves as a testament to the potential of design to enhance our lives on a cellular level.
As cities around the world continue to grow, the lessons learned from this pavilion could inspire a new wave of urban planning that prioritizes not just functionality, but also emotional and physical health.The success of this project at Dubai Design Week 2024 marks a significant step forward in the evolution of design for well-being.
For those unable to attend Dubai design Week, the pavilion’s innovative design and its emphasis on luxury, sustainability, and well-being offer a compelling vision of what the future of architecture could look like. As the global design community continues to explore new ways to enhance human experiences, projects like this one serve as a beacon of inspiration.
Cased at Dubai Design Week, offering visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a space that not only reflects teh principles of sustainability but also enhances their well-being through thoughtful design. The collaboration between BMW Middle East and AB+AC Architects highlights the potential for luxury and environmental duty to coexist harmoniously.
The pavilion’s design, inspired by BMW’s commitment to circular design principles, emphasizes minimalism and intentionality. The modular construction allows for easy disassembly, replacement, and reuse of materials, reducing waste and extending the lifecycle of the components. This approach aligns wiht BMW’s “Re;duce, Re;use, Re;cycle, Re;think” mantra, showcasing how luxury can be both elegant and environmentally conscious.
Inside the pavilion, visitors are greeted by the BMW iX, a vehicle crafted using 100% green hydroelectricity and recycled materials. the interior design features elements that evoke a sense of calm and connection to nature, such as sapphire blue chiffon drapes and orange silk panels that mimic a desert sunset. the central room is designed to soothe the senses, with ecru alcantara floor tiles, natural light filtering through perforated walls, and sensory details like Tibetan bowls and crystal chimes.
The pavilion also incorporates a meditative performance, further enhancing the calming effect on visitors.This multi-sensory experience demonstrates how design can influence human emotions and well-being, offering a glimpse into the future of luxury where thoughtful, sustainable choices are at the forefront.
The “Luxury of Less” pavilion is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in design. it not only showcases BMW’s commitment to sustainability but also redefines luxury for the modern era, resonating with consumers who are increasingly conscious of their environmental impact. As Dubai Design Week continues to grow as a platform for innovative design, this collaboration stands out as a prime example of how luxury and sustainability can coexist, paving the way for a future where well-being and environmental responsibility are integral to the design of our spaces.
