X Architects - Context as a ‘Form’ Generator
When: Thursday 11 November 2021 @ 01:15 (Eastern US Time)/ 10:15 (Dubai time)
Where: Concrete at Alserkal Avenue, 17th St - Al Quoz - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Speakers
Ahmed Al-Ali and Farid Esmaeil, co-founders, X Architects
CES: 1.0 LU for AIA Members
Event Description
Successful designers are able to design buildings or objects that capture the “spirit of the age”. Some designs creatively embed connotations or reflect “truth” about the society we live in with its dreams, hopes and even fears. Only then, and in a contradictory way, the designer succeeds in making their creation timeless. His or her work can be elevated from being just an object to a symbol or “Icon” in the collective mind of the society or a nation. This may sound easy or just a mechanical design process, but it is the complete opposite.
In the age of speed, culture and identity are fast-moving targets. The moment the designer builds his or her creative assumptions on facts and information or “truth”, then it becomes obsolete. It becomes even more elusive in fast paced growing cities like Dubai, when it continuously changes and challenges its own identity and image, what Is constant and what is evolving? What should designers draw their inspirations from when the context seems forever evolving!
Speaker Bios
Ahmed Al-Ali, co-founder, X Architects
Ahmed Al-Ali is an architect, researcher, and entrepreneur from the United Arab Emirates.
Ahmed graduated from the American University of Sharjah with a degree in Architecture and immediately established the award-winning design firm, X Architects, in 2003. He is a strong proponent of Arab Identity & Culture and its translation into contemporary design
Ahmed’s research and design works are widely published and exhibited in renowned international publications and venues, he is a recurring critic and guest lecturer at various educational institutions.
In August 2019, Ahmed received the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture for his design of the Wasit Natural Reserve Visitor Center.
Farid Esmaeil, co-founder, X Architects
Farid Esmaeil is an architect, researcher, and entrepreneur; graduated from the American University of Sharjah with a degree in Architecture and founded the award-winning design firm, X Architects, in 2003. His design work addresses issues of contemporary society, urban identity, and architecture.
Farid’s work has been widely recognized internationally through various awards, exhibitions, publications, and venues. He has lectured and addressed sustainable design and various other topics specific to the climate and environment at worldwide universities and institutions.
In August 2019, Farid received the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture for his design of the Wasit Wetland Centre.
