The Surge Gala is only three months away. We will be privy to the ‘dreams’ of participating designer teams in less than 90 days. Surge’s customary Designers’ Workshop had an equally immersive beginning. Missed it? Here is everything that happened a few months ago…
“Just concentrate on the sounds”, Meetu Singh, an energy healer instructed, as she gently slid a stick around her singing bowls at Kanvas’ projection room. For the day, some of Dubai’s well-known designers were her students. The bunch sat with their eyelids closed ‘immersing’ themselves in the calming ambience.
Lately, the word ‘immersive’ has been ubiquitous, thanks to phenomena like VR and Metaverse. A quick search reveals its implication – ‘characterised by experience that is absorbing or exciting’. Similar to dreams, right? Vivid, attention-gripping and intriguing.
Surge’s theme of the year, ‘Build Your Dreams’ evokes the same tenor – with a dash of technology, of course. But let’s not forget why Surge comes back every year. While most of us reading this article have access to uninterrupted internet and electricity, there are sections of the world where even water is scarce.
Dedicated to providing clean drinking water to the repressed communities in the world, Surge for Water rolls out a design competition every year. This year marks their 11th edition, which will ultimately lead to a Gala and Award Ceremony at the end of the year. Learn more here.
The Surge Designer Workshop 2024
For this edition of the Designers’ Workshop, Firas Alsahin of 4SPACE has stepped in as a mentor. Anyone who knows the designer is aware of his inclination to technology. From time lapses to AI, he learns his way around softwares and other gadgets before one can say ‘stay updated.’ At the Surge Designer Workshop, Firas began his presentation with, “When I was a child, I wanted to be Superman” – indicating the fantastical level the entries can hit this year is ‘open to interpretation.’ Bit by bit, he walked his audience through the process of using his childhood inspiration to produce a short video of a space (generated by AI).
Later, Firas, Mriganka Travasso, Chadi El Tabbah and Ammar Kalo reviewed the design teams’ concepts one by one in the meeting room upstairs at Kanvas.
In the meanwhile, we spoke to Jennie Stallings, Volunteer – Middle East, Surge, who expressed her anticipation, “We are very excited for the designs in progress and designs we are yet to see.” The theme this year leverages technology in a way that allows designers to experiment endlessly. They don’t have to hold back. They can make the ground like the sky, or they can have objects flying out of a vortex; it really is up to them.
Intent & Partnerships of the Surge ‘Design. Dine. Make a Difference’ Competition
Surge ‘Design. Dine. Make a Difference.’ seeks to inspire introspection and exploration. The competition brings the community together for a cause bigger than ‘just awards’. Participation in Surge goes beyond recognition; it demonstrates empathy and a willingness to uplift society.
Headline Sponsors for this year—Acoulite, Sedus and Light Link—are of the same mind. “Acoulite and Surge have been together since the beginning”, says Steve Jardine, General Manager of Acoulite Environmental Solutions. “Besides providing clean drinking water, it is also about the education programs introduced by Surge. So, we know we are continually making a difference. The biggest gift that we give these communities is the hope for their future, and that is something we want to be involved with.”
“Besides providing clean drinking water, it is also about the education programs introduced by Surge. So, we know we are continually making a difference. The biggest gift that we give these communities is the hope for their future, and that is something we want to be involved with.“
– Steve Jardine, General Manager of Acoulite
Joelle Nader, Managing Director, Sedus Stoll also expresses the honour on the company’s behalf. She mentions, “The work that Surge for Water is doing, and the continuous dedication they demonstrate towards vulnerable communities, is truly impressive and deeply resonates with us. At Sedus, we firmly believe in the importance of sustainability and community support ensuring we give back two-thirds of our profit to society through our foundations owning the company.
Together, Sedus and Surge are making a meaningful impact, ensuring a brighter and healthier future for those in need. Sedus is honoured to stand alongside Surge and support their impactful initiatives, and we are glad to sponsor the Surge Gala event for the fifth consecutive year.”
Jaspal Bal, Director at LightLink has been associated with it long before the Light Link was started. “Having set up Light Link five years ago, it was my goal to be a Headline sponsor for Surge and to contribute to the great work that they are doing.”
