The inaugural Fikra Graphic Design Biennial, in the UAE emirate of Sharjah, shows how the region can rethink its approach to adaptive reuse of buildings.
The first of its kind in the region, the month-long biennial has highlighted the wealth of graphic design talent in the Middle East region.
At the same time, installed in the city's former Bank of Sharjah building, it has also thrown the issue of regeneration in the UAE into the spotlight.
The dilapidated 1970s building and its neighbours – considered by many to be important examples of Arab modernism – are due to be demolished next year to make way for a new restoration project that promises to bring back the city's historic quarter.
However, according to the biennial's organisers, authorities could be reconsidering their plans for the building's future following the exhibition's success. "Biennial has set a precedent"
"The significance of doing something like this is that it's an eye opener," said Tarik Al Zaharna, the architect that led the transformation of the old bank.
"The biennial has set a precedent," he told Dezeen. "I had a conversation with someone who said 'we have empty buildings that we don't know what to do with' and this is really interesting for us."
"For architects elsewhere, it seems obvious to reuse them, but for people here, that's just not how they think. They've never been trained to think that way, as they have plent...