Innovation Area
RETHINK de Colab
An ever-evolving materials pop-up that has made an appearance at a series of design festivals around the globe, RETHINK by Colab showcases unique materials, with a particular focus on those developed in the UAE and wider Middle East region.
For Construmat Barcelona, Colab has curated a range of sustainable, innovative and pioneering materials. Whilst the aim is to inspire the design community and make people ‘rethink’ the materials they specify, it also helps to throw the spotlight on local, regional and international material innovators.
Colab is the first purpose-built material library in the UAE. Operating as a social business venture with an aim to educate and inspire the architectural and design community, Colab is based in Dubai Design District (d3). A creative space to innovate, contemplate and understand all aspects of materials, the library features over 400 innovative materials.
Functioning primarily as a material library and inspiration and learning center, Colab aims to elevate design across the region by offering a platform to showcase the latest materials and design trends from across the globe whilst highlighting excellence in regional design as well. Colab also serves as a gallery, event and activation space, and networking hub in its bid to bring the entire creative community together.
