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B. Doha debates design Regional and internationally renowned graphic, fashion and interior design practitioners will be heading to Doha this spring to discuss the most current and topical issues in design. The annual design conference, Tasmeem Doha, is organised by the Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar (VCUQ) in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. This year’s theme is ‘Design at the Crossroads: the intersection of change and the future’. Qatar, and the Arabian Gulf generally, has experienced many intersections of contemplation; as Bedouin traditions merge with modernity and the East and West converge in the region’s emerging multicultural cities. Design ideology is also in transition, to a 21st-century ethos. The conference organisers propose that such a rapidly changing environment makes it essential to consider all paths before forging ahead. This year’s event features an impressive rostrum of speakers including award-winning graphic designer, Sadik Karamustafa, who works in Istanbul and recently founded Karamustafa Design with
his daughter; the energetic fashion retailer/ Villa Moda founder, Sheikh Majed Al-Sabah; Beirut architect Bernard Khoury; and Mohammed Harib, founder and creative director of Freej. Each afternoon during the conference, conversations will focus on the day’s topics and how they apply to local situations in Qatar. These will be chaired by Muneera Spence, a Yale graduate and chair of VCUQ’s graphic design department. Tasmem Doha design conference, Doha, Qatar, 3-6 March 2008; www.qatar.vcu.edu
C. Architecture in the Emirates Taschen’s new book, Architecture in the Emirates, documents the unprecedented architectural frenzy that has been going on in the UAE. The building boom has brought architects such as Tadao Ando, Hadi Simaan, IM Pei, Frank Gehry, Zaha Hadid and Jean Nouvel to the region. Aptly beginning his book with a quote about the dazzling Emerald City from the Wizard of Oz, Philip Jodido organises each architect or firm into sections with their projects following. There will surely be a second volume to follow. www.taschen.com
The grand dame of modernism, Andrée Putman – who designed the interiors of the Concorde, and whose design for Morgans Hotel in 1984 kicked off the ‘boutique’ hotel concept – has been appointed by Kuwaiti developers, Abyaar, to stamp her unmistakable vision of timeless elegance and understated luxury to an apartment building within its Acacia Avenues development in Dubai. Putman’s own-label fixtures and fittings will complement the interior design. Acacia Avenues is the only freehold development in Dubai’s Jumeirah district and will be serviced by Angsana Resorts and Spas. www.abyaar.com www.andreeputman.com
F. Internal affairs A new interior design exhibition, Interiors UAE, is being launched in Abu Dhabi – aiming to give Dubai’s long-established Index a run for its money, while exploiting the potential of the booming development now underway in the Emirate’s capital. Taking place at the city’s gleaming exhibition centre, ADNEC – billed as the world’s most technically advanced venue, complete with movable walls and a flexible lighting system – the show is set to feature both regional and international furniture firms. For example, Alpha Crystal, the Dubai lighting company, which represents a wealth of designer brands, such as Swarovski. Interiors UAE, ADNEC, Abu Dhabi, 30 March to 2 April; www.interiorsuae.com www.alphacrystalme.com
March/April 2008 ALEF MAGAZINE 73
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