For the 2020 edition of Dubai Design Week, KHALID SHAFAR collaborated with the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) to unveil POP-UP, a smart seating installation that reimagined communal spaces. Inspired by the 1980s—a transformative era marked by technological and cultural revolutions—POP-UP echoed the decade’s dynamic energy and optimism. Its design incorporated neon lights and synth-wave aesthetics, capturing the spirit of the era’s technological leaps and societal changes.

POP-UP responded to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the social distancing measures that reshaped public interactions. The installation was conceived as a smart seating solution that could adapt to these constraints through a dynamic, adjustable interface. Featuring interactive technologies, it allowed users to engage with their surroundings through Wi-Fi connectivity and integrated digital interfaces, encouraging communal interaction and a shared experience of music, light, gaming, and space.

The installation was not merely a nod to the past but a forward-looking solution that adapted to changing social needs. Once the need for social distancing subsided, the screen could be retracted, reducing the physical barriers and promoting closer interactions among users. This adaptability made POP-UP a testament to resilience and innovation, symbolising the fusion of historical inspirations with contemporary technology to address both current and future challenges.

Collaboration Partner: American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC)
Location: Dubai Design District (d3), Dubai, UAE
Year: 2020