British designer Ross Lovegrove has unveiled a groundbreaking project during Dubai Design Week, marking the debut of Deond, the design studio he co-founded with creative director Ila Colombo after moving to the United Arab Emirates. The centerpiece of this initiative is the Enfold pavilion, a striking structure that captivates the eye with its 945 sheets of recycled cardboard. Each sheet has been meticulously hand-folded into trapezoidal modules that gracefully overlap, forming a stunning design around a circular timber frame.
The inspiration behind these unique modules draws from the rugged silhouette of a palm tree trunk, showcasing Lovegrove’s innovative approach to design. Utilizing parametric software, the modules are crafted to create triangular openings that allow sunlight to filter through, casting a warm glow within the pavilion. This interplay of light and shadow not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also creates a dynamic atmosphere that invites exploration and engagement.
After their move to Dubai in 2023, Lovegrove and Colombo launched Deond, assembling a diverse, cross-disciplinary team of nine individuals. This team emphasizes talent from various Middle Eastern nations, including Iran, Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, and Qatar. The collaboration aims to merge Colombo’s expertise in artificial intelligence with Lovegrove’s extensive background in industrial design, which has been shaped by partnerships with renowned brands such as Vitra, Knoll, Renault, and Moroso, while also incorporating the unique insights of local designers.
The design of the Enfold pavilion exemplifies this innovative approach, utilizing parametric design software while adhering to the principles of biomimicry, drawing inspiration from native flora like palm trees. The pavilion’s rugged exterior transitions into a sleek, monochromatic interior, where triangular patches of light dance across the space, created by the strategically placed cardboard modules.
At the heart of the pavilion, suspended from transparent wires, are sections of a bodysuit that Deond is currently developing. These pieces feature intricate embellishments produced by a 3D printer, utilizing a groundbreaking technique from the additive manufacturing company Stratasys. Although the design was conceived digitally, the assembly process was a labor of love, with Colombo and Elselmy hand-folding the modules over three days, using 945 sheets of locally sourced corrugated cardboard.
Deond aspires to transcend the boundaries of product and installation design, aiming to embark on grander ventures. The studio is actively engaged in discussions about a significant architectural project in Saudi Arabia, as well as transportation initiatives in the UAE.