Art Basel heads to Doha with its first fair in the Middle East, Vladimir Kanevsky’s Porcelain Garden dazzles at the Frick, and airport layovers get luxe with rooftop bars and outdoor lounges. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday.
Art Basel Qatar to launch in Doha
M7 in Doha; photo courtesy of Art Basel
This week, Art Basel announced the launch of Art Basel Qatar, its first contemporary and modern art fair in the Middle East, set to debut in Doha in February 2026, reports The Art Newspaper. This initiative is a collaboration between Art Basel’s parent company MCH Group, Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), and strategic and creative collective QC+. The event will take place at the M7 creative hub and in downtown Msheireb’s Doha Design District and will feature a curated selection of leading regional artists and galleries. Art Basel Qatar aims to blend Qatar’s vibrant cultural landscape and the MENA region’s dynamic arts to showcase top talent from the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and beyond. The initiative builds upon the country’s investment in cultural infrastructure, including the development of world-class museums and creative hubs. Additionally, Art Basel Qatar will offer educational programming, market development strategies, and public arts engagement with the aim of producing a growing network of collectors, galleries, and cultural leaders both regionally and globally.
Airports upgrade traveling with outdoor experiences
Designed by SOM, the Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore was envisioned as a terminal in a garden; photo by Studio Recall
Airports are elevating the travel experience by introducing rooftop bars and open-air lounges with the goal of transforming terminals into destinations themselves, writes Bloomberg. This trend caters to modern travelers seeking relaxation and unique experiences during layovers. Post-security outdoor spaces, including observation decks and microbrewery-inspired bars, are becoming popular amenities. These venues provide travelers with the opportunity to unwind, take in panoramic views, and enjoy local food without leaving the airport. By adding these features, airports hope to enhance customer satisfaction and differentiate themselves in a competitive industry by creating more engaging and inviting airport environments.
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Vladimir Kanevsky’s Porcelain Garden is the hot pick at the Frick
Lilies of the Valley (2024-2025) installed in the Boucher Room of the Frick Collection, New York; photo by Joseph Coscia Jr. and courtesy of the artist
Ukrainian-born sculptor Vladimir Kanevsky’s lifelike porcelain flowers have become a highlight of the Frick Collection’s reopening after its $220 million renovation, according to The Wall Street Journal. His Porcelain Garden installation features more than 30 meticulously crafted floral sculptures, including tulips, lilacs, and black poppies, strategically placed throughout the museum echoing its 1935 debut when fresh blooms adorned the galleries. Kanevsky, a former architect who immigrated to New York in 1989, spent three years creating the pieces. Despite initial reservations about their market appeal, nearly all of them were sold before the public opening. The installation will remain on view at the museum for six months.
Heatherwick Studio and Aurelia Institute unveil Space Garden
Space Garden by Heatherwick Studio and the Aurelia Institute; photo by Nik Eagland
Space Garden, a near-Earth orbit project created by Heatherwick Studio and the Aurelia Institute, reimagines space habitats through the lens of wellbeing and sustainability. On view at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, the concept comes to life through an autonomous greenhouse in orbit, designed to grow plants that support mental health and life on Earth. The approximately 13-by-13-foot model features 30 plant pods, including a hero species—a pomegranate tree—and demonstrates how natural systems can be added into extreme environments. Designed with protective pods and photovoltaic surfaces, the structure promotes energy efficiency and resilience. Space Garden is part of a broader “Offworlding” initiative, exploring how transferring industrial processes to space might help restore Earth’s ecosystems.
Join us in London for HD CitySCENE and BD Match
The Standard, London; courtesy of the Standard
Hospitality Design heads to Europe next month with the launch of a joint HD CitySCENE and BD Match event in London. CitySCENE will take place June 25th at the Standard, London, offering a casual evening of cocktails and networking. BD Match follows on June 26–27th at the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel, connecting top European hospitality professionals—designers, architects, purchasers, brand executives, and owners—for curated one-on-one meetings. Both events anticipate dynamic conversations and invaluable connections with emerging talent and seasoned leaders from across the industry. A+D community, register for CitySCENE and be part of the joint event’s exciting debut. Spots are limited.
