The City Sign by Apical Reform
In January 2012 Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, launched the social media hashtag #MyDubai, inviting the Emirate’s residents and visitors to write the social media biography of the city. Since then, across the various social media platforms, countless pictures and videos have been shared using the metadata tag. Each post tells a unique story of the Dubai experience. The progressive design studio Apical Reform visualises the Emirate’s vibrant spirit and its emotional bond with residents and visitors through a new interactive public sculpture, inspired by and named after the social media movement. Delivering a definitive image of Dubai to the world, ‘MY Dubai’ is the latest chapter in the established traditions of large-scale city sign sculptures evidenced in iconic cities across the world. Located in the heart of Dubai Design District – the city’s purpose-built creative hub – the installation will interact with its surroundings and the people, offering photo-ops to visitors. It will also serve as a landmark for buskers and street performances. The design of the installation blends the innovative attitude of Dubai with its natural landscape. Each alphabet is extruded into the third dimension using stringent Parametric Design formulae. Then, each layer is composed by hand to represent the ripples on the surface of a sand dune. Manifested in a colour inspired by the UAE Flag, ‘MY Dubai’, the city sign is a new emblem of Dubai and a cherished part of the Emirate’s urban fabric.
ABOUT APICAL REFORM Founded in 2011, Apical Reform is a collaborative design studio dedicated to creating immersive experiences led by progressive design and innovation in production technology. From designing collectable furniture to bespoke design-art pieces and large format public installations, in five short years, the studio has found a definitive creative voice. Founder Amrish Patel and Design Director Darshan Soni lead a group of forward-thinking creative minds to make an honest inquiry into how design intervention can transcend the mundane into extraordinary experiences. The award-winning designer Anna Szonyi represents Apical Reform in the UAE. She also serves as Director of AR Gallery, Apical Reform’s new venue dedicated to pioneering design at Dubai Design District.
Visit Apical Reform
Ar. Sahiba Madan, founder of Insitu and KalakaariHaath, shares her journey that goes beyond trends, to timeless design. Her inspiration from Indian culture, art, and artists is reflected throughout her journey. After pursuing architecture as a core, Sahiba established her home decor and furnishing and an interior design studio in 2014 and 2018 respectively. She […]
Creating the perfect wardrobe design for your bedroom interiors can feel like a challenging puzzle. After all, this piece of furniture isn’t just for storing clothes – it’s also a defining feature of your room’s style and a key element of organization. It’s not just a practical necessity; it’s also an essential element that contributes […]
When you walk into a room, what’s the first thing you notice in the interiors? The furniture, the walls, or the ceiling? Often overlooked, the ceiling plays a significant role in defining the ambiance of a room. If you’re looking to add some flair, sophistication, or a modern touch to your living room, false ceiling […]
Creating a TV unit design in bedroom requires the right balance of functionality, optimization, and aesthetics to enhance the space. Apart from cots and wardrobes, TV units in a bedroom play a pivotal role in captivating an individual’s attention. Keeping in mind, the design theme and concept of your home, the TV unit design in […]