Cities Dubai Boutique Unveils Nayef Francis Installation

Cities Dubai, the UAE’s pioneering art and design concept store hosted an intimate launch event last week for its second in-store solo exhibition entitled Undo, Move, Construct, Repeat. Of particular note was an installation by Lebanese designer Nayef Francis.

The exhibition was conceived as a way to share designs aimed at encompassing the transitional lifestyle of a Dubai resident, where it is necessary that people are able to easily assemble and dissemble furniture and home items.

Owner of Cities Dubai, Hazem Aljesr welcomed the guests and treated them to a selection of drinks and intricately crafted canapés. In line with the theme of the exhibition, a contortionist was also present to entertain guests and to symbolize the ability to change shape and size in order to fit within certain spaces.

In addition, a live arabesque jazz-fusion band set the mood as guests admired Francis’s modular pieces, which can be customized by owner as according to space and purpose of use.  Design pieces include a dining room table that can be expanded, and brass and marble shelving in which the shelves can be arranged according to preference.  With the addition of flat-packing to decrease bulk when moving the pieces, Francis has added the element of flexibility to his goal of creating functional design.

The exhibition runs until 5 June. For more information, visit www.citiesdubai.com Tel: +971 4 34 34 301