ABWAB, Of Palm pavilion by Abdalla Almulla - Courtesy of Dubai Design Week 2023.

ABWAB, Of Palm pavilion by Abdalla Almulla – All photos courtesy of Dubai Design Week 2023.

Design – At Dubai Design Week 2023, Abdalla Almulla, founder of MULA studio, has created the Of Palm circular pavilion, doubling as a gathering space, a venue for talks and a relaxing shelter in the earth of the D3 – Dubai Design District.

ABWAB, Of Palm pavilion by Abdalla Almulla - Courtesy of Dubai Design Week 2023.

Having spent the majority of his years in the UAE, where the vast desert landscape is home to a myriad of plant and animal species, the Emirati architect drew deep inspiration from the indigenous Palm tree. “The main architectural concept is rooted in the idea of scarcity. I wanted to explore the creative potential of harnessing an existing natural resource for purposes beyond its original intent.” Abdalla Almulla told Archipanic.

ABWAB, Of Palm pavilion by Abdalla Almulla - Courtesy of Dubai Design Week 2023.

Dubai Design Week has commissioned the Of Palm pavilion as this year’s statement installation of the Abwab platform, celebrating design from different areas of the MENASA – Middle East, North African and South Asian – region. Abwab, which translates to ‘gate’ in Arabic, is indeed the epicentre of a series of exhibitions and installations.

ABWAB, Of Palm pavilion by Abdalla Almulla - Courtesy of Dubai Design Week 2023.

Abdalla’s vision for the pavilion is to exemplify how the palm tree, abundantly found in the local environment, can serve the multifaceted needs of the community. “Beyond its aesthetic and ecological significance, I aimed to showcase how this remarkable tree can provide sustenance, offer shelter, yield various products, and even serve as a fuel source.”

ABWAB, Of Palm pavilion by Abdalla Almulla - Courtesy of Dubai Design Week 2023.

The entire pavilion, from its structural components to its interior design and the showcased products, is meticulously crafted from the versatile palm tree. This holistic approach emphasises the tree’s inherent value and serves as a powerful statement of sustainable design and resourcefulness.

ABWAB, Of Palm pavilion by Abdalla Almulla - Courtesy of Dubai Design Week 2023.

ABWAB, Of Palm pavilion by Abdalla Almulla – Courtesy of Dubai Design Week 2023.

Abdalla’s Of Palm project encapsulates the essence of harmonising natural elements with innovative architectural concepts, fostering a deeper connection between the environment and human ingenuity.

  • All photos courtesy of Dubai Design Week 2023.
ABWAB, Of Palm pavilion by Abdalla Almulla - Courtesy of Dubai Design Week 2023.

ABWAB, Of Palm pavilion by Abdalla Almulla – Courtesy of Dubai Design Week 2023.