Downtown Design
"The Shape of Things to Come," an exhibition that's part of Dubai Design Week, is showcasing Middle East designers' visions of the future of architecture, in a world changed by coronavirus.

The future of nightclubs? Rabih Geha Architects, a Beirut-based firm, says we will still be able to go clubbing, we will just have to find a way to do it differently. Its design "Evolve" has a concentric layout that allows people to party together while keeping a distance.

Scroll through to see more innovative designs from the exhibition.
Downtown Design
A future bridge? In response to restrictions on movement due to coronavirus, Saudi Arabia's Sibyl Design Studio designed "The Mamsha of Al-Tahliya Street," a split-level bridge that would connect the Saudi city of Jeddah from west to east. Pedestrians and cyclists are separated on two color-coded levels.
Downtown Design
A future bridge? The area under the bridge leaves space for communal areas, shops, and skate parks, as shown in this rendering.
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The future of eating out? Studio Toggle, an architecture firm based in Kuwait, designed "Jellybean," an inflatable bean-like pod that restaurants could use to maintain social distancing. Made from an eco-friendly resin, the membrane-like pod is inflated through filters attached to its base and is designed to envelop each table.
Downtown Design
The future of public spaces? To recover our experience of outdoor public areas, UAE-based Tariq Khayyat Design Partners designed "Walk of Life," a space that uses visual cues to encourage social distancing, and monitors people's movement.
Downtown Design
A local future? UAE-based Binchy and Binchy Architecture used the enforced isolation of lockdown to research materials and techniques that were available locally. "Patterns Untold," an artists' retreat in the desert, features a barrel vaulted design was chosen because "the pure semi-circle arch form is synonymous with the region."
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A future mosque? The "Dilmunia Mosque," designed by Kuwait-based studio Pace, was inspired by local culture, the region's architecture, and the Muslim faith. The design allows worshippers to descend from street level and disconnect "metaphorically and physically from the outside world."
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A home of the future? A prototype for living away from densely populated urban centers, Middle East Architecture Network designed "House 00." Intended to sit on the UAE's highest peak, Jebel Jais, the home is designed for solitude, fresh air, and breathtaking views.
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A future resort? For vacations away from the crowds, UAE-based studio AMA designed "Gaia floating resort," inspired by emerging construction technologies and sustainability.
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A future resort? The guest pods are designed to be prefabricated and supported by 3D-printed posts, allowing marine life to flourish underneath.
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A future community? Gensler's Dubai-based studio was inspired by the idea that a large proportion of landfill waste comes from the demolition of buildings. It designed "Living Volume," a pre-manufactured sustainable community that includes residential units, retail experiences, and flexible office designs.
Downtown Design
The future of social interaction? To encourage a return to social interaction, architecture firm RMJM Dubai designed "Revival Gardens." It aims to provide clean and healthy community spaces that promote mental wellbeing. RMJM says the design can be retrofitted into cities or adapted for future use when the pandemic passes.
CNN  — 

As the world continues to battle coronavirus, designers are re-imagining how public spaces can let people come together, while keeping them safe.

“The Shape of Things to Come,” an exhibition in Dubai, is offering a glimpse of what architecture and design could look like in a post-Covid world – with ideas ranging from a nightclub that keeps dancers at a distance, to an inflatable pod that envelops tables at restaurants.

Featuring over 25 Middle Eastern design practices, it is showcasing new concepts, product designs, and installations from architects and interior designers.

The future of health tech was on show at Dubai Design Week

The exhibition is part of Dubai Design Week, an annual six-day event that organizers call “the largest creative event in the Middle East.” This year, it takes place from November 9 to 14 in the open-air setting of Dubai Design District.

Downtown Design
Tariq Khayyat Design Partners, based in the UAE, designed "Walk of Life," a space that uses visual cues to encourage social distancing.

Although the UAE has experienced surges of Covid-19, with peaks in May and mid-September, it has had a relatively low incidence rate compared to other big urban centers.

Middle East talent

“This past year has demonstrated the resilience and flexibility of the Middle East’s design industry,” says Pratyush Sarup, curator of the exhibition. “In a uniquely challenging climate, our architects and interior designers have continued to produce top-notch work.”

To bring the exhibition to life, Downtown Design commissioned Agata Kurzela, a Dubai-based architect and designer. She says it provides the opportunity to showcase original talent from the region, challenging outdated ideas that the Middle East cannot be at the forefront of global trends.

Scroll through the gallery above to see more of the works on show.