Sharjah Design Centre is scheduled to open in 2029, with seven specialist labs for designers and makers. The planned location is beside House of Wisdom, opposite University City, within Sharjah Creative Quarter.
The centre’s announcement sets out a place where designers can research materials, make prototypes and develop products.
What will the labs offer?
The seven areas are textiles, rapid prototyping, glass, ceramics, jewellery, metal and wood. Plans also include a material library, digital archive, private studios, shared workspaces and exhibition areas.
For a designer developing a chair, a ceramic object or a textile, access to equipment and technical help could make it easier to test an idea before production. That is the practical value of bringing these facilities together.
Research is already underway
The centre says it is working with Atelier LUMA and the American University of Sharjah on material research. One project explores local and waste-based materials, including clay, palm, shells and demolition waste, for future design and construction uses.
The building’s planned opening is in 2029. In the meantime, readers looking for an existing research resource can explore Sharjah Art Foundation’s free library membership and research support.
