Amman Design Week opens to public with broad and diverse programme

AMMAN — Offering a more expansive and varied programme, Amman Design Week (ADW) on Friday opened its doors to the public, marking the beginning of a nine-day event of exhibitions, workshops, talks, discussions, cultural activities and networking opportunities.

ADW 2017 explores the theme of “movement” under the 2017 slogan “Design Moves Life Moves Design”, according to a statement by the organisers.

“By focusing on the theme of movement, the week has had a unique kinetic element, offering visitors an all-encompassing exploration of Jordan’s design landscape as well as a wide array of events that elevate the appreciation of principles of design and its ability to shape the future,” ADW co-founder Rana Beiruti was quoted in the statement as saying.

Starting Sunday, Arabic typographist Huda Abi Fares will lead a two-day workshop at the Ras El Ain Gallery titled “Nomadic Traces: The Craft of Type Design Research”, the statement said.

Also on Sunday, editor of Crafts Magazine Grant Gibson will also moderate a discussion panel on crafts’ ability to move communities at the Al Hussein Cultural Centre, inviting speakers from Disarming Design from Palestine, the Jordan River Foundation, and the Princess Taghrid Foundation. 

Renowned architect Faysal Tabbarah will also host a talk titled “Making Almost Natural Things”, according to the statement.

On Monday, Italian fashion designer Caterina Filice will discuss socially-responsible design in a talk at Al Hussein Cultural Centre.

Meanwhile, as part of ADW 2017’s tour programme, street-style photographer Yvan Rodic, from the online portal Facehunter, will accompany participants of Darat Al Tasweer’s “Capturing Moments” tour to explore combining design and photography in order to create truly memorable results, the statement said.