A.R.M. Holding Sponsors Urban Commissions 2020 And Champions Youth Design Creativity Award
A.R.M. Holding, a multi-focused economic enabler that creates synergies and opportunities through local, regional and global investments, has awarded AED100,000 to the winners of Urban Commissions 2020, one of many initiatives sponsored by the Holding in partnership with Art Dubai Group. Urban Commissions is an annual competition held under Dubai Design Week exclusively to the benefit of the local design community in the UAE.
‘Basta,’ the winning project conceptualised by an all-women team for this year’s Urban Commissions, was selected for its unique design and functional aesthetics to be fully manufactured in the UAE with funding from A.R.M. Holding.
Mohammad Al-Shehhi, CEO of A.R.M. Holding said: “The growth of any society is a function of the investment in its human and intellectual capital. Supporting social, creative and entrepreneurial endeavours such as Urban Commissions comes in line with A.R.M.’s own overarching aim of cultivating local human capital, particularly its youth. We seek to inspire them on their path to answering life’s call and to support them in transforming their unique ideas into reality. We congratulate the winners and commend all the participants for their ingenuity in finding solutions for everyday problems.”
Emirati designer Reema AlMuhairi and Saudi designer Lujain Alatiq drew inspiration from traditional communal markets and created a modular kiosk that functions individually or as part of an ensemble housing stores, galleries, and workshop spaces. The kiosk can be adapted to the needs of retailers while allowing for efficient display.
A jury of experts comprising creative directors from A.R.M. Holding and Art Dubai Group shortlisted ‘Basta’ along with seven other finalists among 62 submissions. The winning project was selected for its innovative, adaptable and cost-efficient modular design that uses sustainable materials and allows for easy storage, all the while evoking the subtleties of a traditional outdoor market. ‘Basta’ is now being developed with support and funding from A.R.M. Holding for display at Dubai Design Week launching on November 9, 2020.
Reema AlMuhairi said, “Young aspiring designers in the region now have the opportunity to shape and improve the design scene by producing regionally inspired concepts.”
“This opportunity has allowed us to contribute to our region by promoting socially aware, modular, and compactable designs. We are grateful to work alongside a remarkable team of creatives,” added Lujain Alatiq.
A.R.M Holding is renowned for its diverse but thoughtful investments in the region’s human capital, particularly its youth. Recently, the entity pledged AED 10 million over ten years in support of start-ups focused on creating positive social impact through the A.R.M. Fund.
Urban Commissions is supported by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (DCAA) and Dubai Design District (d3).
