Amman Design Week made a triumphant comeback in October 2026 after a hiatus since 2019. This fourth edition lasted longer than the previous event and almost doubled the number of participating designers compared to its previous iteration. Spread across the Ras El Ain, Jabal Al Lweibdeh, and Jabal Amman districts, the event also extended to Iraq Al Amir and included a satellite installation in Aqaba, highlighting its expanded reach.
Accumulations: A Theme of Growth and Legacy
This year’s event theme, “Accumulations,” emphasized the idea of gathering knowledge and skills over time. Faysal Tabbarah, the exhibitions curator, and co-directors Bisher Tabbaa and Sarah Hejazin aimed to showcase the ongoing efforts and development within the jordan design community over the past seven years. This theme celebrated the foundation built by past generations while embracing contemporary innovations.
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Among the highlights was a research-based video by architects Farah Alkhoury and Tigran Kostandyan addressing US imperialism’s toxic legacy in the Global South, emphasizing long-term environmental impacts.
Innovative Collaborations and Artistic Narratives
Collaboration was key at this year’s event. Syrian-Lebanese designer Ranim AlHalaky created a striking collection of glass vessels, influenced by her grandmother’s voice, in partnership with Damascus glassblower Ahmad AlHalaak. This meshing of sound, visual, and traditional craftsmanship highlighted the event’s theme of interconnected narratives.
Exploring Functional and Conceptual Designs
The displays at Ras El Ain Hangar included diverse creations, from modular (Dis)Connect 2.0 chairs by Daniel+Qusai to Raya Shaban’s tactile Sufra table, which challenges perceptions of dining with its ceramic tiles designed for holding food. In Ras El Ain Park, Abeer Anabtawi’s colorful basketball pitch paid homage to local agriculture.
Integrating History and Modernity
Wesam Al Asali transformed an outdoor space at Al-Hussain Cultural Centre with vaulted stone structures, reviving traditional Arab construction techniques. Meanwhile, Darat Abu Adnan, a restored 1950s house in Jabal Al Lweibdeh, hosted student exhibitions and public programs, featuring a vibrant backdrop by Architecture + Other Things, nodding to Amman’s urban landscape history.
A Rural Retreat at Iraq Al Amir
In Iraq Al Amir, Palestinian artist Dima Srouji filled the ancient palace of Qasr Al Abed with handmade glass sculptures, referencing the area’s rich ecological past. Visitors also had a visit to a local women’s cooperative that highlights the unique properties of the region’s clay.
The design week embodied the essence of Jordan’s vibrant artistic landscape—honoring its cultural roots while embracing forward-thinking new expressions.
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The event’s success underscores its role as a pivotal platform for design and cultural dialogue in the region, elevating both local and global narratives through thoughtful craftsmanship and community engagement, becoming a beacon of amman culture.
Source: wallpaper.com
Frequently asked questions
When did Amman Design Week return?
Amman Design Week made a triumphant comeback in October 2026 after a hiatus since 2019.
What was the theme of Amman Design Week 2026?
This year’s event theme was “Accumulations,” emphasizing the idea of gathering knowledge and skills over time.
Which districts participated in Amman Design Week 2026?
The event was spread across the Ras El Ain, Jabal Al Lweibdeh, and Jabal Amman districts, and also extended to Iraq Al Amir with a satellite installation in Aqaba.
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