The Biggest Moments!

We applauded, cheered, and even did a victory dance to honour the genuine talent at the architecture Leaders Awards 2023.

We’re still buzzing from the awards night and can’t believe how much love, support, and appreciation we received for the Architecture Leaders Awards 2023. The ceremony was held on March 21 at the Sofitel Dubai The Palm and was attended by the who’s who of the architecture industry.

12 INTERVIEW

Trendsetter

Mohamad Chehab, general manager of TREND Group Middle East, discusses the brand's latest offerings, notable projects, 3D printing, the company's future, and the emphasis on sustainability.s

16 OP-ED

The evolving role of AI Horton Interiors managing director Douglas Drummond discusses how the interior design industry is eagerly embracing artificial intelligence

44 INTERVIEW

The new luxury

In conversation with Talal Moafaq Al Gaddah, Senior Executive Vice Chairman of MAG, about the concept of Keturah and the state of the Dubai real estate market.

48 DECOR REVIEW

Luxury coastal vibes by the mangroves

The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah's general manager Antonino Cardillo discusses the resort's unique qualities, the restaurant's highly regarded food and beverages, the use of technology to enhance the guest experience, and the hospitality industry's ongoing evolution.

54

F&B DESIGN

Passion for food, people, & design

Natasha Sideris, Founder and CEO of Tashas Group, discusses restaurant design, the most difficult aspect of owning a business, and future expansion plans.

58 INTERVIEW

Bejewelled

Jawaher Al Mannai, Founder of GHAND Jewellery, discusses her participation in the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition, her favourite pieces, and her plans for global expansion

60

PICK OF THE MONTH

Be the light

FNP.ae launches its exclusive Ramadan collection, #BeTheLight, illuminating the true essence of the holy month.

When we begin something new, we are always skeptical, scared, or simply concerned about how it will turn out or whether the people around us will support or show their affection. We had all of these things in mind when we started the Architecture Leaders Awards journey three years ago, and there was endless hard work, perseverance, and anxiety. We are proud to see how this event has created its own space and buzz in the fraternity after three glorious editions; it feels awesome. This is the most rewarding gift for an editor.

On March 11, everyone in the ballroom was cheering, applauding, and celebrating their own and others' victories at the Architecture Leaders Awards 2023. This is the kind of platform we've built where we can all celebrate and even dance to the winning beats.

I'd like to thank you all again for your love, support, and the spirit with which you nominate, participate, and make the evening memorable and exciting.

The March issue takes us back to that unforgettable evening when the leaders walked with trophies and owned the stage with glory.

In addition, we have other regular segments that highlight expert opinions, new projects, and industry news. The Pick of the Month is an excellent Ramadan gift that will bring cheer and joy to your home.

Roma Arora Editor roma@bncpublishing.net

CEO WISSAM YOUNANE wissam@bncpublishing.net

DIRECTOR RABIH NAJM rabih@bncpublishing.net

GROUP PUBLISHING DIRECTOR JOAQUIM D’COSTA jo@bncpublishing.net +971 50 440 2706

EDITOR ROMA ARORA roma@bncpublishing.net

CREATIVE LEAD ODETTE KAHWAGI design@bncpublishing.net

ART DIRECTOR SIMONA EL KHOURY

MARKETING EXECUTIVE AARON JOSHUA aj@bncpublishing.net

DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCER ALEXANDER BUNGAS Alexandar@bncpublishing.net

DZ Design’s Pan-Asian restaurant is inspired by hand-carved Buddhist Mogao cave temples

Set within a 4-star Radisson Red Hotel in Dubai Silicon Oasis, DZ Design’s latest Pan-Asian restaurant pays homage to the Buddhist handcarved Mogao caves in Gansu Province. Being home to many tech startups, DSO has a bustling and vibrant dining scene. Mogao, however, offers a temporary escape in a calm dining environment, reminiscent of dining in a cave. The interiors, with earthy, natural tones infused with signature red accents, create a cosy, yet moody ambience, creating a more intimate connection to Asian cuisine. Spanning 350sqm, Mogao has a capacity for 150 guests inside and 100 outside.

“Asian restaurants can be quite gimmicky, so we didn’t want to create a literal interpretation or direct replica of such strong references, but to create a more immersive experience that transports guests into the world of this rich cuisine” Dina Murali, creative director of DZ Design, explained.

Inspired by traditional Asian cooking utensils – the bamboo steamer and the wok – Mogao’s interiors offer two distinct design features. 3D sketch of a cluster of blooming Anthuriums was created first, then layered with 50 different-sized woks suspended at various heights to create a true interpretation of the flowers.

“We can visualise anything in 3D but being able to guide on-site the team on how to suspend 50 woks in the middle of the restaurant, that physical and handcrafted process is particularly important to all of us,” added Murali. Another key design feature is the wall behind the bar counter, which overlooks the main dining room. The team incorporated 300 middle-sized bamboo steamers into the wall cladding, arranging them beautifully to form a 3D geometric pattern.

A custom-made sectional booth seating sofa, upholstered in signature red colour, frames the main dining area into two sections, ending on the right side with a custom-made privacy screen, which is a reinterpretation of traditional Asian architectural elements. Made out of a solid mango wood frame in a dark red lacquer finish with natural rattan cane panel fronts offer a gently rounded silhouette. The design team connected cane panels to the frame with dualdirectional hinges that can be adjusted 360°, allowing smooth movement. Private dining is available in the back area of the restaurant, which is slightly elevated. Dark walnut has been used to craft the Mogao’s circular seating banquettes – their latticed backs are inspired by traditional Japanese Tatami rooms. In the same style, a metal mash and acrylic light boxes create a 3D wall on the back wall.