1971 Design Space

1971 Design Space is a venue for contemporary design on Flag Island, Sharjah. It was set up under the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority, known as Shurooq, and opened in 2015. Dr Nina Heydemann directs it together with Maraya Art Centre.

Its programme takes in graphic, furniture, interior and interactive design as well as architecture, craft and research into materials. Exhibitions, commissions, workshops, talks and residencies often draw on Gulf history and landscape and on the wider SWANA region. The space works with designers, architects, schools and universities in the UAE, and has a café.

Noor Suhail is the curator. From 12 October 2026 to 5 February 2027 she presents In Perfect Reckoning, with newly commissioned works by Hessa Lootah, Ali Mlaih and Shabir Mir. The exhibition forms part of the 12th Sharjah Calligraphy Forum.