‘Gathered Ground’ is a communal installation designed by Universal Design Studio for Dubai Design Week 2025. Built as a place to pause, connect, and come together, the space celebrates the event’s wider theme of community through form, materiality, and atmosphere. 

At its centre, a sweeping curved wall gently embraced visitors, creating a moment of calm against the striking white architecture of Dubai Design Week. The structure was crafted using ARDH Collective’s Dune Blocks using Dunecrete, an innovative building material made from the region’s own desert sand. Their soft pink pigment, derived from natural colourants, introduced a warm, grounding contrast to the surrounding greenery and the dynamic entrance of Downtown Design.

As the sun shifted throughout the day, the curved form cast beautifully changing shadows, transforming the space with each passing hour and inviting visitors to linger a little longer. Crafted with care and brought to life by ARDH Collective, it stood as a meaningful contribution to Dubai Design Week’s ongoing dialogue on sustainability, connection, and design with purpose.