Winning Projects Announced at Tanween Challenge
DHAHRAN: In a showcase of creativity and innovation, three projects from Saudi Arabia and one from Bahrain were chosen as recipients of the prestigious Tanween Challenge, organized by the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra).
The Competition
During the six-day competition, participants presented their group projects at the Dhahran headquarters before a panel of judges. Each project aimed to address a nature-related issue within four categories: pavilion design, graphic design, furniture design, and fashion design. The winning projects will now be developed for commercial production.
Fostering Creativity in the Region
The winners were selected from 80 designers who responded to an open call from the Middle East and North Africa. Tanween, Ithra’s flagship program since 2019, plays a crucial role in nurturing the growing creative community in the region.
Support for Winners
Sultan Al-Badran, creative programs developer at Ithra’s Ideas Lab, expressed excitement for the winning projects. He stated that the winners will receive support from Tanween Challenges’ production partners to further develop their ideas for real-world solutions. The guidance from knowledge partners throughout the event has empowered all participants to continue their creative journey.
Winning Projects
In the Graphic Design Challenge, “Eyes Wide Open” showcased air pollution-related data using digital eyes to convey a powerful message about environmental impact. The Pavilion Design Challenge winner, “The Determinal,” creatively represented an airport’s movement paths through a steel structure.
The City Breathe challenge focused on repurposing industrial waste to create a pavilion that purifies urban air, while the Furniture Design Challenge winner, “Bloom,” integrated nature-inspired elements for a bench design. Lastly, the Fashion Design Challenge winner, “MRG,” utilized sea salt and fish scales to craft a biodegradable bag inspired by the Arabian Gulf coast.
Future Showcasing
The winning projects will be showcased at Ithra’s Tanween Conference in November, with the opportunity to make a positive impact on our relationship with nature. The Tanween Conference is scheduled to take place at Ithra headquarters from Nov. 1-4, 2024.