From waste to design: Sheikha Hind Al Qasimi's vision for Sharjah's creative future
Discarded oyster shells, palm waste and by-products from desalination plants might seem unlikely starting points for a new generation of design products. Sheikha Hind bint Majid Al Qasimi, however, says they represent some of the most exciting possibilities being explored at Sharjah Design Centre. The brains behind the institution, scheduled to open in 2029, have already spent almost three years…
In 2029, Sharjah Design Centre will debut in Sharjah, offering seven specialized laboratories for testing and creating products. Led by Sheikha Hind bint Majid Al Qasimi, the institution will be a key player in Sharjah Creative Quarter, a cultural district near House of Wisdom and University City. The labs will focus on textiles, rapid prototyping, glass, ceramics, jewelry, metal, and wood.
Accompanying facilities include private studios, co-working spaces, exhibition areas, a retail shop, a Material Library, and a Digital Archive. Sheikha Hind explains that the center aims to bridge the gap between research and production, providing designers with the resources needed to turn ideas into viable products. The institution will collaborate with American University of Sharjah for material testing and certification, and work with Sharjah Economic Department to map the emirate's manufacturing capabilities.
The centre will also host educational programs, including workshops and masterclasses, for emerging designers. Sharjah Design Centre will join other institutions within the Sharjah Creative Quarter, which will encompass art, fashion, crafts, and cultural heritage. The centre is set to be built by Mexican architectural firm Taller de Arquitectura – Mauricio Rocha and Spanish architect Daniel Rossello, combining traditional design with modern technology.
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