Matter and Shape, 2026

Matter and Shape, 2026

Commissioned by: AFALULA

Jardin des Tuileries, Paris

From 16 January to 28 February 2026

At the second edition of Matter and Shape, an international exhibition dedicated to contemporary design held in the Tuileries Garden during Paris Fashion Week, AFALULA presented several projects highlighting the creative scene developing in AlUla and the interplay between design, craftsmanship, architecture and heritage. Conceived as a curatorial platform at the crossroads of design, fashion and craftsmanship, Matter and Shape has now established itself as one of the major new events on the international design calendar.

In this context, Villa Hegra presented a selection of projects from AlUla’s design residency programme. Through models, editorial content and scenographic installations, the project invited visitors to discover a space conceived as an international platform dedicated to exchanges between artists, designers, architects and researchers.

In particular, this exhibition highlighted a new generation of designers invited to develop research rooted in the resources, craftsmanship and landscapes of the Saudi oasis, exploring materials such as palm fibres, sand, basalt and industrial waste. Bringing together the theme ‘Designing Within’, designers Aseel Alamoudi, Altin Studio (Yasmine Sfar and Mehdi Kebaier), Ori Orisun Merhav, Paul Moustapha Ledron and Studio ThusThat have developed projects that blend design, material research and reflection on contemporary uses of the AlUla region. Their proposals explore how local resources, craft traditions and environmental challenges can inspire new forms of creation.

Eva Albarran & Co handled the production and operational coordination of this exhibition, overseeing the project’s implementation, liaising with the various contributors, and managing all logistical and technical aspects of the installation.

Guest designers: Aseel Alamoudi, Altin Studio, Ori Orisun Merhav, Paul Moustapha Ledron, Studio ThusThat

Venue: Matter and Shape, Jardin des Tuileries, Paris