Design Middle East July/August 2018

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I N T E R I O R S A N D A R C H I T E C T U R E F R O M T H E G U L F, L E V A N T A N D B E Y O N D

July/August 2018

INSIDE:

Lighting solution providers are transforming the hospitality experience with innovative products

MAN OF

THE MOMENT Janus Rostock from AECOM on his new role, expectations, and the changes he wants to bring in design and architecture

Watch out for Design Middle East Awards 2018

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Contents J U LY/AU G U S T 2 0 1 8

18 28 IN THIS ISSUE‌

18

Cover Story

24

Interview

26

OP-ED

28

Feature

Janus Rostock from AECOM gets candid about his career move and future plans Amit Yadav, marketing manager, 2XL, on why customer's satisfaction is priority for the brand Paula Fay Evans from Godwin Austen Johnson discusses the benefits of effective design delivery

The lighting trends and innovations impacting the hospitality sector

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Wish List

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Contents J U LY/AU G U S T 2 0 1 8

36

46

42 REGULARS

36

Project

Address Downtown reopens with the finest of interiors and beaming designs

3

42

Store Focus

10 Newsmakers

48

First Look

52 Tips & Tricks

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Petraviva Marbles' first store in Dubai showcases their exquisite creations Pallavi Dean explores the concept of cafe and bookstore together in her newest project—Al Rawi in Sharjah

Awards Preview

All the details about our first Design Middle East Awards 2018

July/August 2018

Editor’s Note

58 Events 60 Pick of the Month

CEO Wissam Younane wissam@bncpublishing.net Director Rabih Najm rabih@bncpublishing.net Group sales director Joaquim D’Costa jo@bncpublishing.net +971 50 440 2706

Business development director Rabih Naderi rabih.naderi@bncpublishing.net +966 50 328 9818

Editor Roma Arora roma@ bncpublishing.net

Art director Ifteqar Ahmed Syed Marketing executive Mark Anthony Monzon mark@bncpublishing.net Photographers Farooq Salik Hayder Al-Zuhairi Shameeem Sha

Welcome Every great design begins with an even better story. Our lead for this month is about a storyteller who talks design like no one else. Leading architect Janus Rostock who has recently joined AECOM graces our cover, and he shares his story like never before. Worth the read!

Our feature on lighting in the hospitality sector would give you an in-depth knowledge of the trending styles, technology, and innovations that are leading the region. The iconic Address Downtown has reopened again and the result is unbelievable.

The feature carries some stunning images of the property and how it achieved the impeccable interiors and designs. This edition also showcases the first look of Pallavi Dean’s latest project—Al Rawi, a café and bookstore in Sharjah. It’s a perfect place to unwind, relax, grab a cup of coffee, and enjoy a good read.

This year in October, we will have our first Design Middle East Awards 2018 and the nominations are already open. We request the design fraternity to support our first endeavour by submitting their nominations across various categories and spreading the word across. Do follow this link for more details: http://design middleeast.com/awards2018/ On a personal note, I am gravitating towards the Kabuki floor lamp from Kartell; it resembles a laced structure—so gorgeous that it makes me greedy!

Happy reading!

Roma Arora

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NEWSMAKERS Andrew Mowat

Perkins+Will appoints new operations director Perkins+Will has appointed Andrew Mowat as operations director. Mowat will arrive with over 20 years’ experience, including nine years’ local experience in the Middle East, where he has been involved with commercial, hospitality, medical, leisure, and multi-use developments. His local portfolio of projects include Abu Dhabi National Exhibition and Conference Centre, Capital Gate, Manarat Al Saadiyat Museum, The Heart of Doha, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, W-Hotel Palm Jumeirah, and Al Madina A'Zarqa, formerly known as Blue City.

Mowat’s role at Perkins+Will encompasses resourcing, finance, revenue, and operations. He said: “I am excited to take on a new challenge at Perkins+Will, an industry leader in providing worldclass design services across a multitude of end-markets and projects. I am looking forward to working with a forward-thinking and innovative team, and I am very much aligned with Perkins+Will’s vision and goals for the future.”

Mowat is optimistic about the region’s architecture industry moving forward: “While every industry has its challenges, I predict a very bright future for Perkins+Will and the industry as a whole. Ongoing and future projects in the pipeline represent some of the smartest and most innovative developments in the region, which is already known for its cutting-edge and boundarypushing projects,” he added.

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(L-R): Carlos Montana, Raffi Tchakerian, Hani Asfour, Sass Brown, Sayjel Patel, and Mirko Daneluzzo

DIDI appoints founding faculty members Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI) has appointed Carlos Montana, Mirko Daneluzzo, Raffi Tchakerian, and Sayjel Vijay Patel as part of its faculty ahead of opening this September.

The appointed faculty brings the best in global design to Dubai, originating from all four corners of the world. The professors have experience working in design hubs such as Canada, Italy, Australia, Singapore, and Beirut. They join dean, Sass Brown, and associate dean, Hani Asfour, as the founding faculty of DIDI who will welcome the first cohort of students in fall this year.

Sass Brown, dean of DIDI, comments: “At DIDI, we have promised to nurture the change makers of the future, which means we need the best and most forward-thinking faculty in the world.

The faculty we have appointed ahead of DIDI’s inaugural year have incomparable experience and their vision and belief in cross-disciplinary education makes them the perfect fit for DIDI.” Mirko Daneluzzo – Cross Disciplinary Design Mirko Daneluzzo is an architect and co-founder and chief design officer of Nyxo ltd. He has taught computational design and design laboratory at the Academy of Applied Arts, LABA, and industrial design in Rimini.

Sayjel Vijay Patel - Design and Technology An architectural designer, researcher, and lecturer, Sayjel Vijay Patel, joins DIDI as Design

“At DIDI, we have promised to nurture the change makers of the future, which means we need the best and most forward-thinking faculty in the world."

-Sass Brown, dean of DIDI

and Technology faculty. He is also a principal investigator with the SUTD Digital Manufacturing & Design Centre and has led ‘The 3D Sampling Project’, an initiative that explores new design and fabrication processes and combines mobile 3D scanning and advanced additive manufacturing.

Carlos Montana - Interdisciplinary Design Carlos Montana is an award-winning industrial designer and educator and joins DIDI as Interdisciplinary Design Faculty. His interest in multi-disciplinary and cross-cultural approaches to design has seen him work in the health and sports, biomimicry, and sustainability fields.

Raffi Tchakerian – Industrial Aerospace Design Raffi Tchakerian joins DIDI as Cross-Disciplinary Faculty and has experience in a vast range of design fields including aerospace, aviation, medicine, humanitarian design, product design, interactive design, and robotics.

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The library is scheduled to open early 2019

Abu Dhabi’s Children’s Library to open in Q1 2019 The Department of Culture and Tourism—Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) announced details of one of its exciting components: the Abu Dhabi Children’s Library, a space in the heart of the city specially designed for and catering to children.

HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman, DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “We are extremely excited to be creating a new and vibrant space in Abu Dhabi that will impact the lives of children and their families. The Abu Dhabi Children’s Library will provide creative opportunities for digital engagement and emphasise the importance of the library as a rich and welcoming space for children within the local community. It will also allow us to support the development of Arabic literacy and creative programmes that will enrich and enhance learning outside the classroom. We hope to inspire a new generation of readers, starting them on a life-long journey of discovery.”

Spread over three floors, the 5,250sqm facility has been divided into several ageappropriate, immersive social spaces. Drawing inspiration from pop-up books, the library will boast three-dimensional learn/play spaces in which children can physically immerse themselves, becoming part of a story. An open,

friendly and inviting space, featuring whimsical, colourful designs inspired by the nature of Abu Dhabi, including a ‘Book Mountain’ at its centre, the library is sure to delight and inspire children from across the region.

Each floor will have a different design concept that has been inspired by the rich and diverse landscapes of the UAE. The first floor will transport visitors to the desert while embracing themes of tranquillity, peace, and meditation. Children will be invited to read on sand dunes, climb onto camels, or huddle into four-wheel drives. It will create an environment for excitement and learning as they become a part of their own story and interact in a setting shaped to bring creative minds together. The second floor will feature an oasis landscape with a falaj water channel flowing with books, offering children a diverse space within which to broaden their minds – be it exploring with friends or spending time alone with a book.

The collection will house a large and diverse collection of books, including fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, autobiographies, and audio-books. Children will be encouraged to talk, perform, play, and interact with one

another in collaborative, open spaces. Multiple quiet zones for concentrated reading and studying have been designed throughout the library, delivering more meditative spaces for concentration and focussed learning.

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NEWSMAKERS The hotel also boasts a magnificent collection of artworks and sculptures by a large number of local and global artists

PRO TECHnology to retail Humanscale products

Al Alamein Hotel reopens with a retro-themed facelift The historic Al Alamein Hotel has officially reopened after a major facelift by Emaar Hospitality Group that makes it amongst the finest resorts along the Mediterranean.

Situated in the picturesque setting of Sidi Abdel Rahman Bay, the hotel's glamorous design ethos and refurbished retro-modern interiors hark back to the glory days of the 1960s when the resort first opened.

The remodelled designs blend vintage charm with contemporary style, evoking a sense of nostalgia to the golden age of Egyptian music and cinema.

"The refurbishment of Al Alamein Hotel provides an example of our determination to offer a hotel that is on a par with, or rather superior to, world-class resorts," said Mohamed Alabbar, chairman of Emaar.

"We strive for nothing less than the highest global standards for our customers and our developments in Egypt including Al Alamein Hotel, for which renovation costs totalled EGP1.5bn," Alabbar added.

While the building stays true to its rich heritage, visitors can expect modern comfort and

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style everywhere, from the bar and restaurants to the corridors and rooms.

The hotel is also home to the renowned Umbrellas sculpture by Greek artist George Zongolopoulos, a poetic structure of steel umbrellas that stretches 13m into the sky, offering a dramatic reinterpretation of Abdel Halim Hafez' classic oldie ‘Dokko Elshamasy’ or ‘Fix the Umbrellas on the Beach’. One of the most photographed modern sculptures worldwide, the piece was first displayed at the Venice Biennale in 1995, where it drew international attention, and will now delight visitors to this glamorous Egyptian vacation spot.

Ergonomics producer Humanscale has signed an exclusive partnership agreement with Dubai’s leading supplier, PRO TECHnology, to make it the first retailer of its products in the region.

The retail launch coincides with the regional introduction of the QuickStand, a unique work tool which enables any desk or table to convert to a sit/stand solution.

This innovative and easy-to-use product is revolutionising the way people work, encouraging more variation in posture, which dramatically enhances well-being.

Tim Hutchings, president of Humanscale International, says: “We have partnered with PRO TECHnology because of their fantastic knowledge and track record in the market and key location at the Boulevard retail area of Emirates Towers. They share the same desires and ethos of Humanscale in bringing health, wellness, and innovation to the region” PRO TECHnology’s managing director, Jamal Maraqa, adds: “We are celebrating 20 years as a well-known, innovative, household name with affiliations to strong brands.

We found the concept of healthy work environments sit well with our innovative and forward-thinking approach. We know the US and Europe have a strong inclination to work healthily and it’s important for us to remain at the forefront of change in the region.

Humanscale is a brand we are delighted to be affiliated with and we’re looking forward to evolving together.”

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The opening ceremony of the new showroom on Sheikh Zayed Road

Alshaya Enterprises launches new showroom in Dubai Alshaya Enterprises, a division of Alshaya Group, has launched a new lifestyle-concept showroom in Dubai to cater to the growing demand for customised solutions. Prominently located on Sheikh Zayed Road, the prestigious European style showroom will be home to the finest commercial equipment and high quality stylish furnishings for the office and home.

“We are absolutely delighted with the opening of our new showroom in Dubai as we look to further, expand our presence in the UAE. We have been growing steadily between 15-20% yearon-year, over the past four years. We continue to see considerable growth potential in all of the GCC markets, utilising the synergy between our different divisions,” said Henrik Christiansen, CEO, Alshaya Enterprises.

Alshaya Enterprises offers technical and design-led solutions within six key market segments including bathrooms solutions, residential kitchens, commercial kitchens, laundry equipment, office furniture and soft seating, natural stones, supermarket solutions and racking systems, commercial and residential lighting solutions.

The new showroom will offer residents access to some of the world’s most renowned brands of

"We are absolutely delighted with the opening of our new showroom in Dubai as we look to further expand our presence in the UAE. We have been growing steadily between 15-20% year-on-year, over the past four years."

-Henrik Christiansen, CEO

the highest quality including Kitchenhaus, the highest German standard in quality for kitchens.

Kitchenhaus products are manufactured by the largest kitchen manufacturer in Germany.

Each kitchen is unique; individually planned and produced on highly automated machines, which guarantees a consistently high-quality level. The choices range from modern to trendy and classical to timeless. It is an ideal choice for palaces, private villas as well as business premises.

“We are seeing a rising demand for customised solutions from all across the region and therefore, we have professional consultants from our architect and design centre available onsite in each of our showrooms to advise clients and assist them in turning their homes or offices into their

own unique works of art,” adds Christiansen. Other renowned European brands such as Imola and ABK tiles from Italy, Kludi and Keramag from Germany, and remarkable Spanish mosaics from Vidrepur are also available on display at the showroom among others.

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NEWSMAKERS

Hábitat creates a Contract Guide showing exhibitors’ most unique projects One of the key components of the upcoming edition of Feria Hábitat Valencia from September 18-21, 2018, is the contract sector. Structured around a route to market that turns over millions of euros a year in Spain, the business of furnishing and fitting out public and communal facilities have become a powerful area of sales for manufacturers in the interiors industry. Responding to the needs of this sector, Feria Hábitat Valencia is creating a Contract Guide, available online, that will give professionals an insight into the most unusual projects that exhibitors at this next edition of Hábitat have worked on.

The guide has details of some 200 projects that exhibitors at the upcoming edition of Hábitat has been involved in. The projects include hotels, restaurants, hospitals, airports, and private villas around the globe, designed by some of the leading specialist project managers and specifiers.

It is worth bearing in mind that almost 65% of exhibitors at the upcoming edition of Hábitat are involved, directly or indirectly, with the contract sector. According to fair director, Daniel Marco: “This Guide brings home to our visitors and to professionals around the world our exhibitors’ capacity for innovation and just how well they are able to adapt to contract projects."

He further explains: “It's a promotional tool that Hábitat is making available to exhibitors and that will undoubtedly position our fair as a point of reference for the contract sector.”

The fair will also be hosting a workshop on the future of the contract sector on September 19, 2018, with the foremost architecture and interior design consultancies

Contract-themed lectures The Guide is not the only contract-themed initiative that Hábitat is launching at this next edition.

Wednesday September 19, the second day of the fair will be featuring a dedicated contract workshop.

The day-long event takes place in the Ágora nude lecture space (Central Mall area), with speakers including leading professionals and companies with extensive experience in the contract business. The forum will review the current and future challenges facing the sector and is open to all professionals visiting the fair during the week.

Dubai Properties unveils Middle East’s largest living green wall at Dubai Wharf In a bid to promote sustainable living, Dubai Properties officially unveiled the Middle East’s largest living green wall at Dubai Wharf, located in the heart of Culture Village overlooking the historic Dubai Creek.

Extending 210m in length and rising six metres high, the impressive vertical garden spans 1,260sqm and features over 80,000 plants forming a leaf canopy area equivalent to around 200 trees, capable of offsetting an estimated

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4.4 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually. This green wall concept is developed by the landscaping experts, Gover Horticulture.

Raed Al Nuaimi, group CEO of Dubai Properties, said: “As one of the top 20 happiest countries in the world and the happiest in the Arab region, according to the World Happiness Report 2018, the UAE is a keen supporter of sustainable living environments that are known to enhance the quality of life and elevate happiness levels.”

Vertical garden expected to offset 4.4 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually

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The emirate becomes first in the Middle East to be included in a global list of members known for their creativity in design

The project will overlook the nearby marina and a central park

Foundations being set for Emaar’s Harbour Gate Project

Dubai becomes UNESCO Creative City of Design Dubai has become the first city in the Middle East and 24th in the world to be appointed a UNESCO Creative City of Design. During a press conference at the Youth Hub in the Emirates Towers, UNESCO announced the selection of Dubai as the first Creative City of Design in the Middle East within the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN).

The announcement was done in the presence of top officials from Dubai’s major government departments, including Abdullah Al Basti, secretary general of Dubai Executive Council, Dawood Abdulrahman Al Hajiri, director general of Dubai Municipality, Ahmed Abdulkarim Julfar, director general of Community Development Authority, Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, CEO of Dubai Design District, Saeed Al Nabouda, acting director general, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Mohammed Abdulla, chairman, Dubai Institute for Design and Innovation (DIDI), Nasser BuShehab, executive director of Strategy and Corporate Governance Sector, RTA, Badr Al Gargawi, deputy director general, Planning and Urban Development, Dr Mohammed Al Bahri, chief executive officer, Engineering and Urban Planning, Mohammed Al Bahri, chief executive, Engineering and Urban Planning and Ahmed Bukhash, executive director, Urban Planning, Dubai Creative Cluster Authority.

The UCCN, founded in 2004, has currently 180 Members from 72 countries covering creative fields such as art & craft, design, film, literature, and media arts. It was created to promote cooperation with and among cities that have identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development. The 180 cities work together towards a common objective: placing creativity and cultural industries at the heart of their development plans at the local level and cooperating actively at the international level.

"Yet another feather is added in the cap of achievements of Dubai and we are grateful to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who instilled the can-do spirit in us and inspired us to attain higher purposes for our city. Thanks to His Highness’s UAE Vision 2021, Dubai accelerates development for a bright and successful future," said Al Hajiri.

He said that the design is the process of finding creative solutions to problems in order to improve lives. “Design is beyond the product; rather it is the framework by which problems are solved. It puts people and their needs first to convert trash into energy, improve quality of life, increase sustainability, and promote happiness,” said Al Hajiri.

Praising the achievement, Mattar Al Tayer, director general and chairman of the board of directors of RTA, said that it marks the culmination of the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who has taken a proactive approach to innovation and creativity in Dubai's public and private sectors.

The Harbour Gate residential development by Emaar on Creek Island Dubai in Dubai Creek Harbour, the oneof-its-kind modern master-planned destination located along the historic Dubai Creek in the heart of the city, is making substantial progress on site foundation works.

Located on the Eastern side of Creek Island Dubai and accented with waterfront and park views, the project will be a high-rise development consisting of two towers with a connecting podium along with retail and townhouse opportunities.

Emaar appointed SSH to carry out full design and construction supervision services on Harbour Gate.

The property is integrated within the Dubai Creek Harbour district and is positioned to become a much soughtafter development on completion.

Dubai Creek Harbour is a new project

by Emaar in a joint venture with Dubai Holding that is focussed on building urban island residences onto the contours of the creek.

Acting as a gateway to Creek Island Dubai, the Harbour Gate property will provide an island lifestyle with an urban twist for its residents, who will be housed in one, two, or three-bedroom units. Private pools, a gym, a children's area, private parking, and a landscaped leisure deck are among the amenities available, in addition to robust retail, and food and beverage components.

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COVER STORY

THE VISIONARY: Janus Rostock aiming for new skies

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www.design-middleeast.com

n g i s e d The

superstar Janus Rostock, regional director, Design, Planning + Economics, and head of concept architecture, AECOM Middle East, answers it all — job change, design challenges, his current strategy, and why sustainability needs to be a part of every masterplan Interview by Roma Arora | Photos by Faaroq Salik

H

e’s an explorer, who wants to know new, a coach who works as a team, and intellectually curious, who is always eager for knowledge. Janus Rostock is all of this and much more; his new role of being a regional director, Design, Planning + Economics, and head of concept architecture, AECOM Middle East, is a challenging one and he is ready to take on the world once again.

Rostock was a valuable part of the core design and architecture team at Atkins for almost 12 years and had the privilege to work with many dedicated and talented individuals as well as teams on a variety of amazing projects. Rostock calls his Atkins’ stint as ‘once-in-a-lifetime opportunity’.

So what was the reason behind this recent move?

Rostock smiles and answers: “I am, by nature, a curious person and being in an organisation like Atkins, has allowed me over the years to seek and take-on new challenges. This gave me exposure to a plethora of clients, project typologies, and geographies, but also allowed me to continuously challenge myself as an architect, a designer, and a leader. Being with Atkins for so long also meant that I was starting to think about what my next move should be, and how I would step out of my

comfort zone and try something new.” With his new stimulating role at AECOM, Rostock will be leading the design, planning + economics (DP+E) team of around 90 people as well as the concept architecture team. “Over the years, AECOM and Atkins have competed head-to-head for many projects and I have always had a lot of respect for the AECOM team and the high quality work they

he [plans] to continue to apply his experience in the new role. Rostock describes the new priorities and opportunities: “The DP+E team is probably the largest and most experienced combined masterplanning, urban design, and landscape team in the Middle East with a large number of delivered masterplans.

This is a strength that we will continue to leverage in the coming years. I am not aware of any other

Being with Atkins for so long also meant that I was starting to think about what my next move should be, and how I would step out of my comfort zone and try something new. produce. So when AECOM approached me for this role, it was clear to me that this was the natural next step in my career.”

AECOM is known for their design-led multidisciplinary expertise, and ability, and experience in delivering large complex projects on time and on budget to the highest design standards. This is where Rostock’s past portfolio comes handy and

organisation that has such a breadth amongst their principals - Steven Velegrinis, Christopher Brown, Amr Mneimneh, Albert Naim, Ahmad Kafarani, Amr Attia, and Philip Black are all running teams and delivering projects across the Middle East. As a team, we are currently looking at our two to five year strategy to ensure that we are structured to meet the market requirement.”

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COVER STORY

Masterplanning and architecture is a team effort that demands collaboration, but we are only as good as the people we collaborate with. We, as a leadership team, must create a learning culture and maintain a design ethos across all our projects.

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The iconic Dubai Opera project in its full glory

Every project comes with expectations and standards to achieve and for Rostock, it’s a continuous process that demands ongoing engagement and interaction with all stakeholders at every stage. He says: “Communication and transparency are key components of this. Today, we have the blessing and curse of photo-realistic renderings. They are a blessing because they allow us to clearly communicate our ideas, yet a curse because they leave very little space for design development if the client falls in love with the rendering.”

Though the region is known for the neverseen-before megaprojects and towering glass skyscrapers, still Rostock feels there’s a lot of scope for improvement. “I still see a lot of improvement opportunities in how we design for people. Many building projects are still portrait in orientation and designed from a bird’s-eye view. This does not, in my opinion, create good cities and buildings. We need to design from an eye level, as this is how we as human beings experience the world.”

There are regions where Rostock and his design team are concentrating on. He sees great opportunities in Saudi Arabia where several megaprojects have been announced, and that will need organisations like AECOM to deliver the enormous undertakings and challenges that such projects involve. “We are also focussing on our existing clients and markets in the UAE, Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain as well as the wider region.”

As a design leader and an experienced practitioner, Rostock wants to work as a team and guide them in the right direction, which is the very essence of the design-driven organisation.

He suggests: “Masterplanning and architecture is a team effort that demands collaboration, but we are only as good as the people we collaborate with.

We, as a leadership team, must create a learning culture and maintain a design ethos across all our

"There are currently projects in the region that look at how we are going to live in the future.

I find these projects very interesting."

projects. For this to happen, we must coach our designers to constantly learn and hone their craft and everything else related to our profession - how to think, how to communicate, how to design, how to collaborate, how to present, and how to sell the AECOM integrated offer. We need to inspire our people so that they can enhance the communities we touch.”

Architects, designers, and other knowledge workers have a tendency to naturally gravitate to where their knowledge is being used. It is therefore important for Rostock to encourage behaviour and a culture where new thinking is welcome and where team members are comfortable taking risks and sharing knowledge.

“These elements are fundamental for co-creation to take place,” he emphasises.

Rostock has worked on some of the most valuable projects in the region but the Dubai

Opera project is the one close to his heart as he believes that projects like that of operas, museums, and cultural buildings hold more prominence because of their “democratic and public nature as well as the fact that they become the frame for other artists to express and display their talent”.

So, is there something, which is still unfamiliar to you in design? Rostock instantly replies: “As an architect, I would love to work on a museum as this is a typology that I have touched on in design competitions but not yet experienced as a live project with a client. I would also like to do more performance buildings as these have a special place in my heart.”

There are certain areas of designs, which are very exciting for Rostock and might change the way we live. Rostock feels: “There are currently projects in the region that look at how we are going to live in the future. I find these projects very interesting as they allow us to dream about how life could be lived in a completely different way. There are many disrupting factors coming together around autonomous vehicles, ways of working, climate change etc., the outcome of which pose very interesting design challenges.”

Another aspect of architecture and design that inspires and excites Rostock is sustainability. He was one of the founding members of the Danish Green Building Council when he lived in Denmark.

But he thinks that the Middle East needs much tighter rules and regulations as well as financial

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COVER STORY

TEAM LEADER: Rostock mentoring his team to achieve new goals

incentives for truly sustainable architecture to become the norm. Rostock explains: “Green buildings alone are not enough. They have to be part of a sustainable masterplan where all the fundamentals of human life are addressed, where the land use is optimised to reduce congestion, buildings are located to shade outdoor spaces, and where the social infrastructure supports a sense of community.”

However, what are the pain points and challenges that he comes across in his field? Rostock discusses his anxieties: “I am concerned that our design stages are continuously being squeezed.

The design process is where the majority of the value is generated, so I would caution anyone who views these stages as the best area to reduce a

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I am concerned that our design stages are continuously being squeezed. project’s timeframe.” Rostock is currently working with AECOM’s studio principals on a strategy to moving forward. Another thing he is keen on doing at AECOM is to make the world understand

more about the company’s achievements and accomplishments. Rostock divulges his plan of action: “AECOM has an amazing portfolio of really outstanding work, but we have not been very good at talking about in the market. I hope to be able to change this by encouraging the teams to celebrate and share the great work we do. Interviews like are one way of getting the word out there about AECOM’s capability and the team’s talent.”

Rostock firmly believes in the power of technology and automation in the field of design, “I would expect to see more automation in drawing production and parametric design being part of every design. Hopefully, this will allow us as designers to spend more time on the areas where we add will add the most value.”

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He hopes that the future of the industry is one where the quest for design quality and sustainability is front and centre of everything we do. “I believe that being an architect comes with an enormous responsibility. The buildings that we create have a design life of 50-100 years and it is, therefore, crucial that they stand the test of time. Buildings will always be an expression of the period in which they were built but should also be admired by future generations for their contribution to history,� Rostock signs off.

Rostock sums everything about how design is and how it should be and clearly he is at right place to bring all the critical changes for a better and more sustainable world of design and architecture.

A GO-GETTER: Rostock knows how to transform dreams into plans

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INTERVIEW

Customers at the core!

In conversation with Amit Yadav, marketing manager, 2XL on market trends, the revamped store, and how customer experience comes first

What is the company philosophy of 2XL? 2XL is a home-grown luxury furniture store catering to discerning customers, with our unique French classical style. Our philosophy is to help our customers design beautiful homes with our innovative furniture and home dĂŠcor and be the number one luxury home furniture brand, offering value and a distinct style.

How do you describe the 'look and feel' of the newly refurbished 2XL Sharjah Store?

Our refurbished Sharjah store feels more like a palatial home and not a store. It was designed to give customers the feel of walking through a stylish, opulent home, and imagine themselves living in a similar environment. At this store, you will find not only our classical designs but also our new contemporary and modern designs.

Who are your end users and market focus?

Our end users are people with finer taste in life with the desire for the best dĂŠcor products. Our market focus is to reach customers, with medium to high income.

What’s really popular in your store these days?

All our products are liked by the customers, however modern and contemporary designs are in more demand these days among the younger generation. Our customers also appreciate our carefully-designed furniture and unique lightings.

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Amit Yadav

There's a huge competition in the retail sector. What are your ways to be ahead of others in the region?

We follow a customer-centric approach, aiming to provide the latest designs and products with best quality and price. With the launch of our new e-commerce website, our customers can buy our products at the click of a button.

The brand is heavily focussing on online shopping medium as well. Tell us your business strategy in this regard?

Our online store is aimed at our customers who

prefer to shop from home. Through our online store, we are trying to reach a wider market, especially to reach out to customers in whose neighbourhood we do not have a physical presence. Also, some people like to see what we offer online and then come to the store to see it and purchase it, so in this case both the website and the actual stores are important.

What is your biggest challenge right now?

The challenge is to keep-up with the latest trends and changing consumer behaviour. We now

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2XL offers beautifully-curated furniture pieces, chandeliers, and decor accessories for your living spaces

have more contemporary-modern pieces in our stores to suit the younger generation. We are constantly trying to gauge the pulse of our customers and what they like.

How do you view the future of 2XL Furniture?

The future of 2XL is bright. We hope to establish more stores in the future and to expand existing stores we have across the UAE. Our e-commerce website will also be updated constantly to reach out to more customers.

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OP-ED

design delivery Effective

Paula Fay Evans, senior associate —Interior Design at Godwin Austen Johnson, talks about the factors that contribute to effective project delivery

A

successful project takes more than just a great design. With almost 30 years in the industry, Godwin Austen Johnson (GAJ) understands all the intricacies involved with effective design delivery.

So what are the key drivers to successful project delivery?

Being adaptable Sometimes projects don’t quite go to plan and that’s okay.

We need to be adaptable to changing circumstances, and not invest time in perfecting the details, as more often than not, we are required to re-plan and reprioritise with situations that arise.

To avoid pain points in your programme; build in extra time for changes and requests and if the project is properly planned, these changes and requests can be better managed to cause less disruption. We need to remember that a stressful project leader leads to a stressful team, that being said, it is of course inevitable to have some stresses, some larger than others, but it is how you process them and move on, that is important.

Having the right team Each project requires specific skill-sets; creative, technical, and then the organisation that pulls everything together. Ensuring you have the right people with the right experience and skills that can benefit the project is the key to its success. We should always surround ourselves with people that we can learn from and accepting that we don’t know everything is critical to becoming a good leader.

Paula Fay Evans

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July/August 2018

www.design-middleeast.com

Contemporary hotel design by GAJ for Mysk Al Mouj Muscat appeals to both business travellers and leisure guests

The team kick off is vital to set expectations and create a workable roadmap. Assigning each person’s roles and responsibilities so there is a solid understanding of how each of their efforts contributes to the project as a whole empowers the team.

Breaking down the bigger picture The starting point is to not be overwhelmed with the task at hand and the time you have, a large-scale project can be daunting. Imagine you are standing at the bottom of a mountain, the thought of climbing that mountain in one go seems impossible which is why it is important to picture the peaks set the pace and tackle it stepby-step. Projects should be thought of in the same way; you have your main deliverable that should be broken down into a series of achievable tasks with frequent milestones to stay on track, maintain a sense of direction, and to identify if the project is falling behind before it goes too far to catch up. Once you have the smaller tasks they can be assigned to the team, it is important to spread the accountability and delegate to ensure that each team member stays motivated to deliver and so that all the pressure is not left on one person.

Being a leader requires allowing the team to breathe, not trying to control every aspect.

able to identify the potential risks early on and having strategies to deal with them effectively as soon as they happen is half the battle. It is important that the team feel reassured that they can report errors, challenges or concerns without any negative impact on their performance.

Open communication needs to be maintained throughout the project, the team should not feel

that they have to hide any issues so that they are reported as soon as possible. Regular design reviews assist to limit avoid abortive works and keep the design on track, it also helps to have another set of eyes and presenting internally with peer reviews often help raise issues that may have been missed simply due to being too familiar with the project.

Being a leader requires allowing the team to breathe, not trying to control every aspect.

Identifying risks Every project has risks; risk of abortive works, delay, change or coordination issues, however being

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FEATURE

lighter The

side of design

Brilliant showcase of lights at Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait; a project completed by Ambiance division of Alshaya Enterprises

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Highlighting the lighting trends, innovations, and pain points of the ever-luminous hospitality sector in the region

By Roma Arora www.design-middleeast.com

T

here’s nothing more striking and enchanting than an amazing display of lights blending with the theme of the décor. A well-coordinated lighting system is the true hero of a hotel or restaurant that lays a strong foundation for its success.

When it comes to the hospitality sector, lighting is a critical part of the existence of any property.

Iconic buildings are known for their immaculate lighting systems, be it iconic Burj Khalifa, stunning Burj Al Arab, or the illuminating J W Marquis Hotel in Dubai. Susann Sonnenberg, regional lead lighting consultant, from Ambiance division of Alshaya Enterprises, describes light as the most important building component in architecture, “Light is considered as the fourth dimension. Light is a function, philosophy, aesthetic innovation, and technology. It combines art with science and creates an ambience.” The brand is currently involved in a variety of different hotel projects such as the Hilton hotel in the Kuwait city.

Susann Sonnenberg from Ambiance division of Alshaya Enterprises

How to select the right lighting?

Lighting should be considered as part of the interior decoration, so aesthetics play a key part and they should fit the overall design concept and branding of the hotel. “The key factors that have to be looked at the comfort and well-being of the guests, achieved by the right light levels and illumination. For example, versatility in an allday dining restaurants or automated lighting for spa areas and guestrooms should be taken into account,” suggests Sonnenberg.

Hotels have a myriad of areas that require careful consideration and planning for the lighting scheme. As places of work also have to meet the various requirements of law, comply with local building regulations and will require emergency lighting. Paul Gregory, global specification

The key factors that have to be looked at are the comfort and well-being of the guests, achieved by the right light levels and illumination. director for Dyson, advises: “The hotel entrance and reception should be inviting and the lighting plays an essential role in creating the atmosphere.

Above all, the public areas need to offer flexibility for the primary usage of space. An adjustable colour temperature fixture, for example, could provide cool lighting during breakfast, whilst in the evening, a warmer light temperature can create a more relaxed atmosphere. Control of the light fixtures also offers the ability to zone out areas when they are not in use. The hallway lighting should be sufficient to get to your room and light the space in an open and welcoming way. Another thing to keep in mind is investing in hi-quality fixtures. The extensive use of light fixtures by hotel guests requires the fixtures to be robust and durable. Check the authenticity

of a product and its provenance.” According to research conducted in 2014, guests regularly criticise the lighting quality when giving hotel feedback with many travellers complaining about dim, bad, and sparse lighting in their rooms.

Gregory further adds: “The bedroom lighting should serve a multitude of purposes. The lighting needs to be bright enough to work, but also cosy enough to relax. It is therefore important that guests have sufficient fixtures."

One of the most important lights in the bedroom is a reading light or task light; at a minimum, each room should have a desk lamp, freestanding lamp and a decorative table lamp too in the larger rooms. Controls in the bedroom should be simple with a master switch located by the bed to turn everything off.

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FEATURE XO Lights completed the Bao Wao project at City Walk. The restaurant has a colourful lighting scheme with silk lanterns fitted with LED bulbs

Technology is a boon!

Reinout Broekers, XO Lights

XO Lights was appointed as the designer and supplier of lights at Dutch Design Center, d3

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There is no doubt that technology is key to advancing lighting design to a new level of performance and aesthetics. Eng Reinout Broekers, managing director, XO Lights says: “On the control and management side of light solutions we see a lot of possibilities.

The internet of things and smart solutions are also being integrated into the lighting systems. Suddenly it’s not anymore an on/off switch and light. It’s a complete integrated solution with audio, video, security, and temperature control. This requires a very broad knowledge of fixtures, electronics, control gear, dimmers etc.” XO Lights is known for various hospitality projects in the region including Bao Wao and Cocoa Restaurant in City Walk. They are also currently busy finishing the La Mer Lagoon project and the renovation of the Jumeirah Beach Hotel.

Leading lighting solution provider Lasvit has its own own R&D department, which is constantly searching for new technologies

that could be implemented in their lighting installations. Tomas Griger, managing director at Lasvit Middle East, says: “We were one of the first companies that introduced kinetic (Alice, Supernova, Dubai Design District) and dynamically illuminated glass art installations (Dubai Opera). We believe that the future is interactivity and there are already several projects in this area where interactive lighting installations by Lasvit will be delivered.”

Griger further discusses the level of technology they’re using in their light installations, “ We fit in our installations special sensors and DMX chips. They are more than just lighting. They can interactively react to sound or movement. Some of them can change colour to millions of possibilities from RGB spectrum. Clients can control the installation from the mobile device and play with its light and colours to change the mood of the space. The installation can “dance” according to a pre-programmed choreography designed for the given music, or change its colours and intensities.”

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Tomas Griger, Lasvit

LED and other innovations On the design side of things, a lot of new solutions have become possible because of the size and flexibility of LEDs. “An example, for instance, is the amount of LED strips that are integrated into solutions. So, it seems a project is not complete without a lot of strips in the furniture, coves, and backlighted surfaces. This is also the fun challenge; to get the design right and then to get it properly fixed. By far the majority of our solutions are taking the environment and impact on energy use into account. On the innovation front, we have also set-up a division called Xo Controls to cater to the practical demand for automation of complete solutions,” says Broekers.

Most of the lighting companies are stressing upon LEDs as much as possible like for Lasvit, almost all their lighting collections are fitted with LED sources with energy label A+ or A++.

Kush Suneja—business and design development team from Murano Lighting, says: “We are maximum working with LED technology only, it results in 95% of energy saving. We offer a range of innovations such as contractor-friendly clean recessed lighting profile installation, needle

Spectacular display of lights by Lasvit at Address Boulevard

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FEATURE

Murano Lighting executed the Lapita project at Dubai Parks and Resorts

thin narrow beam luminaires, remote control adjustable track lights, step lights with built-in motion and photo detectors. ” Some of the major projects associated with the brand is that of Gevora Hotel, The Address Fountain View at Downtown, Fairmont Hotel in Abu Dhabi, Marriot Hotel in Abu Dhabi, and Ritz Carlton in Abu Dhabi.

The challenging part!

One of the main paint points for most of the service providers or the lighting suppliers is to meet the budget with keeping a reasonable design and specification in place. “To keep up with all the possibilities and solutions is a major challenge as this does not always pay off on the short run and does require investment in travelling, visiting fairs and factories, sampling, and testing products.

This is not always appreciated and understood by clients," adds Broekers.

Sonnenberg adds: “Tight deadlines and budgets can be very challenging, as well as the lack of awareness considering lighting as an added value in the space design.”

Griger feels that the construction sector is constantly under pressure and meeting the

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Kush Suneja, Murano Lighting

schedule and budgets is always a big challenge.

“We are usually one of the last suppliers on site and if the project is delayed, then all pressure is upon us. Lighting is usually one of the last major packages, that has to be procured and many clients are already over the budget at this stage.”

What is most note-worthy here is that lighting solution providers have the technology, modern products, and all the eco-friendly ingredients to make a project success, considering a separate lighting budget and a schedule is allocated. If not the first, but lighting should not be the last priority for the project planners.

Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara in Abu Dhabi is another successful project by Murano Lighting

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Illuminating history.

Etihad Museum, Dubai.

Architect: Moriyama & Teshima Architects Lighting designer: UMAYA Lighting Special product: Typha

PREVIEW

design The

showcase

Here’s what the upcoming INDEX and FIM exhibitions will offer to its design patrons 34 |

July/August 2018

T

he emirate would witness high dose of design as the Middle East’s largest interiors exhibition—INDEX is set to host a compact edition from September 16-18, 2018, at Dubai World Trade Centre.

Following on from March’s annual flagship event, autumn’s INDEX with a focus on East meets West, the show is presenting itself as a modern day Silk Road; the famous cross-continental design pathway that opened-up new markets for Asian and European design philosophies.

It is set to welcome 400 furniture and décor design and supply companies from across the continents, all specialising in fit-out and interior products for commercial, hospitality, retail, and residential design projects.

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Samantha Macdonald, INDEX event director explains: “The Silk Road started over 2,000 years ago, and through its many routes became the first way that Europe and the West was introduced to the likes of silk, dyes, precious stones, porcelain, spices and perfumes. In return, the route took western goods like glassware, woollen textiles, rugs, carpets; animal furs and skins to a new market in the East, making it the world’s first and then premiere trade route – at the heart of which was design and creativity.”

“INDEX September will focus on individual designs and value driven products from Asia, sat alongside premium products from Europe.

Together, they will allow the show to present a wide selection of interior products to suit the taste and budgets of all our visitors, covering every buyer’s needs as the design industry heads into the final quarter of the year,” says Macdonald.

There is another event that will take place along with INDEX exhibition called FIM—dedicated to showcasing materials, fittings, and technology used to manufacture interior products. In what is a first of its kind in the region, the three-day event will present a shop-window of base materials and parts, rather than finished products. By gathering hundreds of international suppliers, the show will build a unique one-stop shop for interior professionals looking to obtain every fabric, crafting component or digital solution required to advance their manufacturing process.

Event manager, Alaa Al Ush, is behind the FIM concept. He explains: “The furniture market has, over the last decade, grown exponentially across the UAE and the Gulf region. A strong economy, considerable governmental support, and a young population base, coupled with other secondary factors – centrally large-scale developments in infrastructural, economical,

industrial and educational projects – have created a strong platform for the industry to grow to new horizons. Domestic furniture manufacturers are also expanding their capacity to fulfil premium household furniture demand,

thus driving the overall furniture market further forward.” Al Ush adds: “From wood, fabric and materials, to fittings, structural parts, 3D printing, and upholstery tools, the show will bring manufacturing to life in the most organic way.”

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PROJECT There are over 10 chandeliers across the hotel that deliver a surreal impression

Design “Address� has a new

Address Downtown reopens in a new glamorous avatar but maintains the design ethos that made it iconic Photographs by Hayder Al-Zuhairi

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Caroline-Jane Houston

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Extensive range of Italian granite and intricate marble is used in public areas

O

ne of the biggest landmark properties in Dubai, Address Downtown has reopened after an exhaustive, nearly three years of renovation works caused by a fire on New Year's Eve in 2015. Towering high at 302m across 63 levels, Address Downtown

by Emaar Hospitality Group looks stunning from all the quarters of the property. The interiors strike a right chord between the old and the new, with modern marble interiors, without losing the Arabesque touches and key the USPs that Address Downtown was known for. Caroline-Jane Houston, general manager, Address Downtown shares: “We worked with world-leading designers and

consultants to ensure that the restored version of Address Downtown has a timeless appeal that upholds the brand’s distinctive positioning of ‘where life happens’.”The hotel lobby is full of fine architectural details, brilliant artworks, butterfly installations, and hand-crafted décor accessories.

The hotel’s spectacular lobby evokes is a real mix between stunning white pillars, floor-to-ceiling glass windows and comfortable furnishings. “We decided to partner with exceptional artists from around the world to add elegant and inspirational elements to the hotel’s design. The ethos of the hotel’s interiors is lifestyle luxury, blending opulent materials like patterned Italian marble fixtures with lifestyle installations such as the three syntheticglass butterflies by Stephen Stefanou that hang above the stairway leading to The Restaurant,” explains Houston.

The subtle and muted tones can be seen across the property in various humble shades. Rooms are spacious and connect with the overall theme of the property; one of the stunning rooms available at the hotel is the Signature Spa Suite Fountain View, opening to spectacular views of the skyline with a huge balcony. Houston says: “To maintain the popularity of the property, we have taken great consideration in the guest journey, from the mood lighting in the rooms to the movement of the environments, making the areas more easily accessible and more lifestyle in approach.”

The Restaurant at Address Downtown is

designed in the style of an avant-garde French apartment with inspired spaces from the living room to the kitchen concept. Another beautifully curated restaurant is the STK, an ingenious interpretation of an American steakhouse in the form of a chic, contemporary lounge. There’s an uber cool place called Neos, it’s an ultra-luxury lounge on level 63, assuring guests a never-before ambience.

One cannot keep the eyes off the verysophisticated looking The Spa with breathtaking views. It has nine treatment rooms, a hammam, steam rooms, and relaxation areas as well.

Houston who has been part of the initial opening team in 2009 exactly knew how to maintain the essence of the property. Houston shares: “We have modernised whilst maintaining familiarly, and this has been done by pulling in those inimitable initiatives that have made Address Downtown so special. The signature scent is one of the touchpoints that remains as before, as well as keeping popular areas like the Cigar Lounge, Zeta, and Neos. Having been part of the initial opening team in 2009, I have been able to help blend the areas of the property that worked well before, whilst looking at some that required improvement. We have also added some British influences as well, including our beautiful bespoke collection of Wedgwood bone china and the team uniforms, which we call styles, that are based on British icons.”

Here’s the design tour of the magnificent Address Downtown:

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PROJECT

Effortlessly in tune with the sleek elegance of the surroundings, the rooms are stylish in every sense

The five-tiered infinity pool overlooking the burj Khalifa is pure indulgence

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July/August 2018

The Restaurant is all about sophisticated interiors and old wood charm

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Walls are adorned with incredible artworks, creating warm and inviting ambience 40 |

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STORE FOCUS

Solid bathtub made out of Paonazzo marble can be the highlight of any bathroom

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July/August 2018

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Marvellous

marbles!

Photographs by Shameem Sha

T

here’s something luxurious about marble, which makes it a tasteful choice for most of the designers, architects, contractors, and developers. One such brand known for the high-quality stones and passion for bespoke products is Petraviva Marble on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. Petraviva is part of Al Marge Marble, which was founded in Sharjah in 1991 and later shifted to Ajman in 2009 to a bigger space for stoneyard, equipments, and operations.

The new Petraviva showroom is a delightful place showcasing various stunning creations like bathtubs, vanity counters, kitchen islands, flooring, walls, fireplaces, tabletops, vases, showpieces, and more, made out of marble, granite, limestone, and quartzite. Opening a showroom in Dubai means that the brand would reach out to more people from different sectors like commercial, retail, hospitality, kitchen companies, and residential developers across the region with their extensive range of products with impeccable installation techniques.

The brand sources its natural stones varying from marble, granite, limestone to quartzite from Europe such as Italy, Spain, Greece and Portugal, as well as from Iran, Lebanon, Tunisia, Turkey, Brazil, and India, to name a few countries.

Design Middle East took a tour of the fabulous Petraviva, Sheikh Zayed Road showroom and the images say it all:

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STORE FOCUS

Luxurious kitchen island at Petraviva showroom showcases the impeccable quality and craftsmanship offered by the brand

This stunning washbasin in Bianco Statuario marble is a trendsetter

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July/August 2018

Curvy washbasin in olive brown marble is a perfect pick for a sleek bathroom

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Glamorous side tables in solid marble, perfect choice for a contemporary living room

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FIRST LOOK

perfect pairing

The

Al Rawi, a book-themed cafĂŠ and bookstore in Sharjah by Pallavi Dean Interiors is inspiring in so many ways

A variety of furniture and layouts to suit customers wanting to read, converse or soak up the atmosphere

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July/August 2018

www.design-middleeast.com

Room divider inspired by book's stitch binding

Graphic tiling on wall

The design is full of literary inspiration, but in a subtle and abstract way.

-Pallavi Dean

T

he combination of coffee and books cannot go wrong ever and that’s what this contemporary book-focussed restaurant at Al Majaz Waterfront in Sharjah is all about. Al Rawi is a brand new project from the house of Pallavi Dean Interiors with an aim to create a creative space for professional writers, artists, designers, and young children, who can relax, eat, read, and interact under one roof. Set over two storeys, Al Rawi enjoys floor-to-ceiling views over Khalid Lagoon, the Al Majaz fountain, Noor Island, and the corniche.

Pallavi Dean

The eclectic furniture selection reflects and caters for the many different ways people read and write

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FIRST LOOK

Pallavi Dean, design director at Pallavi Dean Interiors, shares: “Sharjah had a book fair since the year I was born, and it’s home to many of the region’s best universities, so it makes perfect sense to create a restaurant, store, and event space with a book theme. The design is full of literary inspiration, but in a subtle and abstract way—the woven texture of the handrails and space dividers, for example, is based on the stitching that binds the books. All such details lend character and personality to this place.”

Marcela Munoz, senior interior designer from Pallavi Dean Interiors, worked her magic on this project. Munoz explains: “When we think about creative, literary people we tend to have one image in our mind of who and what that person is. But in reality, there are so many diverse

The childrens' zone where kids can read and indulge in other creative activities

It's a contemporary hub for the for book lovers, writers, and publishers, with a cafe, restaurant, event space, and children’s creative zone

Marcela Munoz

creative personalities – introverts, extroverts, and all points in between. We wanted Al Rawi to reflect that.”

One of the most interesting design aspects is the way bookshelves have been placed at the premises. Most of the bookshelves are in the centre of the floor, not against walls, allowing light and shade to dance around the space.

One can also find the striking retail pods that display books, stationery, and other bookrelated merchandise. These pods are on castors so they can be moved and the base of the pods act as storage space as well.

The open plan kitchen welcomes one and all, it’s a great area to host culinary sessions and invite endless talks. A dedicated zone for children is created where they can not only read books but also get creative, with a range of painting, drawing, and making activities.

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July/August 2018

A grab and go bar doubles up as retail space for books and magazines

The waterfront terrace with incredible views

Point of sale for book-related merchandise

The space dividing bookshelves

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From fittings & structural parts, materials & upholstery materials, semi-finished products, machinery & technologies, you will find each element showcased at FIM 2018 If your products or services fall into any of the above categories get in contact to discuss how you can showcase your products

ENQUIRE ABOUT A STAND Tel: +971 4 445 3648 www.futureinteriorsproducts.com/enquire

If you are a buyer, manufacturer, interior designer, carpenter or project manager looking to ďŹ nd products for your future interiors requirements visit us at FIM 2018

REGISTER FOR FREE ENTRY www.futureinteriorsproducts.com/register

AWARDS PREVIEW

Make way for‌

2018 Here comes our first, the Design Middle East Awards 2018 is all about the celebration of the creative best and foremost from the region’s design industry. The awards will honour the best of designers, architects, projects, and design-oriented companies. The award ceremony with various categories will strive to recognise the individual excellence, company strengths, and project success and the leading design experts will form a jury and be part of the selection procedure. Nominate now to stand a chance to win at the Design Middle East Awards 2018.

KEY FACTS DATE: Wednesday, October 10, 2018 TIME: 7:30PM VENUE: ST REGIS, DUBAI

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July/August 2018

/designmiddleeast

@designmiddleeast

@designmideast

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COMPANY AWARDS

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

* ARCHITECTURAL FIRM OF THE YEAR

• INTERIOR DESIGNER OF THE YEAR

* DÉCOR RETAILER OF THE YEAR

• ARCHITECT OF THE YEAR

* INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM

• YOUNG TALENT OF THE YEAR (INCLUDE

OF THE YEAR * FIT-OUT FIRM OF THE YEAR

DESIGNER AND ARCHITECT) • LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

PROJECT AWARDS • BEST RETAIL PROJECT OF THE YEAR • COMMERCIAL PROJECT OF THE YEAR • RESIDENTIAL PROJECT OF THE YEAR • DESIGN EDUCATION OF THE YEAR • LANDSCAPE PROJECT OF THE YEAR • LIGHTING PROJECT OF THE YEAR • SUSTAINABLE PROJECT OF THE YEAR • HOSPITALITY PROJECT DESIGN (INCLUDES HOTELS) • HOSPITALITY PROJECT DESIGN (INCLUDING RESTAURANTS, BARS, AND CLUBS) • INNOVATION IN DESIGN AWARD

HOW TO NOMINATE: • Click ‘Submit Nominations’ on the event homepage. (http://design-middleeast.com/awards2018/) • Complete nomination details, such as name of company or person you are nominating • Answer all of the required questions clearly • In your submission, be sure to include details showing why your entry deserves to win over others.

• Collate all your supporting documents to a single PDF file no larger than 10MB and e-mail with the nomination to the following: Roma Arora: roma@bncpublishing.net The team will confirm whether your nomination has been received and a confirmation e-mail will be sent to you. Any further queries can be e-mailed to the addresse above.

NOMINATION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 1, 2018

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TIPS & TRICKS

How to shop

smartly online T he age of modern technology, online shopping has never been easier. With a click of a button, the items you wish to aspire from your mood board can be easily available at home.

Keeping these tricks by Carol Sukkar, owner, www.homeandsouldubai.com in mind one can simply avoid costly mistakes and the experience can be quite rewarding too.

Basic Colours

Choose the right store

Leave the small purchases for the last. Once the basics are prioritised, then you will have a clear layout and picture. Create two lists, one for the big items and one for the small. Whether purchasing a sofa, bed or cupboard, ensure that these items are a priority and the rest will fall into place.

The first step to successful online shopping is choosing the right store. Use recommendations from your friends and look for professionally done and beautiful websites. Visit interior design blogs to gain inspiration for online stores available and read reviews about the quality and feedback received. Find a store that matches both your aesthetic and budget. Compare various retailers and see what fits your style the most.

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Avoid matching pieces with a particular colour you choose online as in reality the colours rarely match. Go for something neutral such as beige, black or white. These basic shaded decor items can fit perfectly anywhere in the house without overwhelming the space due to the bright unexpected pop.

Mak big purchases first

Understand where to place your purchases Shopping online has become so easy that binge

Carol Sukkar

shopping just can’t be avoided. Carefully decide where to place your purchases in order to avoid the clutter. Visualise a completed room with the product in order to mentally compile the finished outcome. Create a simple mood board online to understand what’s missing and what can be fit in.

Know what your item is made from Read and understand the material selection for the products selected. Try to google the brand and look for reviews based on the products in order to get a clear picture of the durability and quality of the decor. Avoid purchasing items without any images, as there’s no way to compare the product later on to what’s been received and what you saw online.

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WISH LIST Love your space The simple and pure setting for an easy and comfortable living Availability: Talata Design, Dubai Design District

A visual feast Touch of gold

Practical yet trendy designs for a super chic living

Vera Wang's exclusive designs for English homeware brand, Wedgwood Availability: Bloomingdale's Home, Dubai Mall

The dream chair Upholstered armchair with its steel and brass structural undercarriage Availability: Studio A, Al Mountada Building 6th Floor, Roma Street, Hamra, Beirut, Lebanon

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High on style Melange highback chair is highlighted by hand-stitched leather piping, which separates a velvet-soft leather back rest from the soft seat cushion Availability: www.wittmann.at

July/August 2018

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WISH LIST Go for indigo!

Montgomery Chesterfield sofa is upholstered in Designers Guild's Varese Indigo Velvet and with feather-filled cushions Availability: www.fdxonline.com

Brilliant in red Elegant stool from the FAZ collection with base formed using lacquered metal rods Availability: www.vondom.com

Spring delight Large salad earthernware bowl, beautifully hand-painted from Maria Flor collection Availability: www.international. bordallopinheiro.com

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July/August 2018

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Moulded beauty The Kabuki floor lamp is injection moulded. The sophisticated injection technology used makes it possible to crate a woven structure similar to lace with a unique perforated surface through which the light is diffused Availability: Kartell, Galeries Lafayette, Dubai Mall

Playful and charming Designer Mercedes Salazar's first tabletop home collection is all about preserving artisan craft Availability: www.modaoperandi.com

Time is precious The clock in marble and brass is just perfect for the side table Availability: BoConcept Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road

July/August 2018

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EVENTS

THE MONTH AHEAD

Trade fair dates for your diary…

EVENT IN FOCUS São Paulo Design Weekend 29 Aug – 7 Sept 2018 São Paulo, Brazil

Design Weekend is an urban festival that aims to promote design culture and its connections with architecture, art, decoration, urbanism, social inclusion, business, and technological innovation. The DW! includes lectures in educational institutions, guided tours in galleries and workshops, exhibitions, installations, artistic and urban interventions, thematic circuits, competitions, parties, and product launches in shops and showrooms. The event celebrates important moments for the industry and consistently reaffirms its position as the largest urban design festival in Latin America.

London Design Biennale 4-24 September 2018 London, United Kingdom

A highlight on the global cultural calendar, the London Design Biennale will see some of the world’s most exciting and ambitious designers, innovators, and cultural bodies gather in the capital to celebrate the universal power of design and explore the role of design in our collective futures. In 2018, the event will be devoted to the theme Emotional States, and will see international designers respond with installations spread across London's Somerset House, with a diverse group of countries and cities confirmed as participants.

Feria Habitat Valencia

18-21 September 2018 Valencia, Spain Following last year’s successful return to its September date, Valencia’s Furniture, Lighting and Décor Fair will be taking place in September again this year, specifically from 18th to 21st September, at Feria Valencia. Almost all of the exhibitors at last year’s edition have re-booked, with around a hundred new manufacturers and brands returning to the Feria Valencia event, convinced of its cost-effectiveness and the potential it offers for doing business both in Spain and internationally.

Many of these companies are ground breakers in their respective sectors, including designers Sancal and Viccarbe, innovative brands Nomon, Tegar Mobel and Doos Design, and office and contract furniture designer and manufacturer DeLaOliva, which is a leader in its field.

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Paris Design Week

6-15 September 2018 Paris, France Paris Design Week encompasses 2018's second instalment of out-of-town trade fair Maison & Objet, plus open studios and design shows around the city centre, with work by students, graduates, and upcoming designers. Open to the general public, the event is also an opportunity to discover the new talents of design. The event mobilises shops, galleries, showrooms, hotels, and restaurants for eight days to share their experience of design and creation with visitors.

www.design-middleeast.com

SUPPLIER FOCUS Villa on Lake Garda is equipped with the KNX System from JUNG, including compact room controllers and F 40 push-button sensors in aluminium

Know your costumer’s needs!

Tarek Zakaria, managing director, JUNG Middle East DMCC, discusses creative innovation and how suppliers should keep client satisfaction at the forefront What can suppliers do to make themselves more attractive to companies (clients) in your field?

Suppliers should always listen carefully to their clients to understand their needs.

From there, they should always highlight new and innovative ideas relevant to the design or technology trends affiliated with their businesses. By offering the latest products from a solid R&D team, with an expansive portfolio of quality and reliable products, they can achieve this position with their clients.

Who are your biggest clients in this region?

The scale of development in the region reflects on JUNG’s type of local clients. Property developers such as Emaar and hotel operators in the likes of Marriott and IHG are included in the brand’s repertoire of references.

Have you introduced any new product ranges?

It has been a tradition for us that new products and systems are always presented during the biggest exhibition for the industry’s products and technologies: “The Light & Building” in Frankfurt.

This year, we’ve introduced a new design range, which pays homage to the retro look and functionality for switches: the LS 1912 series.

What is the business strategy for the Middle East?

Our strategy is to build up strong presence in Dubai and Saudi Arabia to support our value chain customers like Interior designers, architects, property developers and hotel operators. This is while making our channel partners in the Middle East region capable and offering the technical and commercial support needed to reflect the best image of the brand in terms of quality and functionality.

Tarek Zakaria

What new technology do you think will have the most impact on manufacturing in the next 10 years?

Creative innovation in the IT field has seen a continuously growing dynamic in the recent years. Trends of automation to provide comfort, mobility, flexibility and energy saving have been backed up by the release of so many products, namely under the IoT (internet of things) umbrella. This is evidently complementing positively Smart Home and Building automation segments because of smaller and more efficient microprocessors, which in my opinion will be at the forefront of manufacturing enhancement in the years to come.

Contact: E: t.zakaria@jung.ae P: +971 4 3687275 W: www.jung.de

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PICK OF THE MONTH

Steal the look!

Expect something out-of-the-box and unique from Roberto Cavalli Interiors. Just like this Fly Case night table drawers in Diane green leather and structured in multi-layer wood.

The collection is characterised by a combination of boxes in different sizes and finishing.

They are finished either in leather, oak, glossy wengĂŠ or glossy ebony, with metal details, and optional hexagonal or lozenge quilted leather. The RC logo appears in melted brass, available in platinum or golden finishing.

Price: The two-drawer night table set in Daino green leather is for AED37,750 Availability: Aati, Zabeel Road, Dubai; +97143377825

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JUNG.AE

JUNG Middle East DMCC Office 3001, Saba Tower 1. JLT, Cluster E. Dubai, United Arab Emirates. +971 4 368 7275. info@jung.ae