Design Middle East October 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

October

FIT FOR SUCCESS Kamal Farah, CEO of Abanos Interior Fit-Out & Joinery on his hands-on approach for building the brand with a strong identity

DESIGN MIDDLE EAST AWARDS 2018 Meet the judges and check out the shortlist

2018

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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

Welcome I can't keep calm and why should I? We’re heading towards our first Design Middle East Awards on October 10, 2018, at Habtoor Palace, LXR Hotels & Resorts, Dubai. It’s amazing; the kind of positive response and support we have received from the design fraternity has been overwhelming, and we cannot thank you enough. We want to celebrate and highlight the people and companies who are passionate about design and architecture as much as we are.

The October edition unfolds the journey of Kamal Farah, CEO of Abanos Fit-Out & Joinery as he discusses the regional fit-out market, trends, and evolution of technology at length.

Moving on, we have a special awards feature, which features our eminent jury members and the awards shortlist. There’s a detailed coverage of two significant events that took place last month INDEX in Dubai and Feria Habitat Valencia in Spain. This month’s project brings an international flavour, as we take explore the beauty of Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Paris, the designs are every bit Parisian and awe-inspiring.

My this month’s super pick is the bathroom sink in natural stone by designer Miguel Herranz. Take a look!

See you at the awards!

Happy reading!

Roma Arora

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October 2018

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Contents OCTOBER 2018

18 26 IN THIS ISSUE‌

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October 2018

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Cover Story

24

Interview

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OP-ED

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DesignME Awards

Kamal Farah, CEO of Abanos Interior Fit-Out & Joinery talks about his journey to success Simona Greco, exhibitions director at Fiera Milano, Italy on her preparations for HostMilano 2019 Elise Sarkis on how luxury brands are becoming affordable

Meet the jury and check out the shortlist for the awards

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Wish List

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Contents OCTOBER 2018

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40 34 40 48

Project

Design tour of the stunning interiors of Mandarin Oriental Paris

Show report

Design highlights from Feria HĂĄbitat Valencia

Show report

What all happened at INDEX!

44 REGULARS 3

Editor’s Note

12 Newsmakers 44 Decor Review 58 Events 60 Pick of the Month October 2018

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We never sleep. So you can.

24/7 service.

Our business is trust.

NEWSMAKERS

Pallavi Dean rebrands as ‘Roar’

Agata Kurzela (L), Kathryn Athreya, and Pallavi Dean (R)

PNC Menon

Sobha Realty launches Brand Studio on Sheikh Zayed Road The UAE-based multinational conglomerate, Sobha Realty, has opened an exciting one-of-itskind Brand Studio at a coveted location on Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. The Brand Studio is the first step towards a fresh revised brand identity for Sobha Realty.

Being the foremost backward integrated company in the world is what makes Sobha Realty stands apart from the rest of the real estate organisations. It means that the company has all the key competencies and in-house resources to deliver a project from conceptualisation to completion. Sobha is primarily focussed on residential and contractual projects.

The company’s residential projects include presidential apartments, villas, row houses, super luxury and luxury apartments, plotted developments, and aspirational homes.

At present, there are three major projects under construction, two of which are located at prime locations in Dubai and are expected to be completed by 2020. The flagship Sobha Hartland

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project was launched in 2014, which is a $4bn, mixed-use development.

Commenting on this journey, PNC Menon, founder and chairman of Sobha Realty, said: “With a legacy and track record of over 42 years, Sobha Realty’s vision is to be the most trusted and respected real estate organisation in the GCC and to continue to transform the way people perceive quality by pioneering innovative projects and exceeding customers’ expectations across core markets.

Dubai offers a range of exciting projects that cater to every need and fancy of investors ranging from 149 nationalities. With the launch of the exciting and innovative Brand Studio, we are a step closer to cater investor/end-user demands.

We are very excited with this launch and are gearing up for a bigger reveal of a refreshed brand identity soon.”

Additionally, Sobha Realty has been recognised as one of the Top Real Estate Companies in the Arab World 2018.

One of the leading design firms, Pallavi Dean Design rebrands to ‘Roar’, this change is a part of a broader revamp of the firm and its structure. “The name Roar sends a powerhouse message about the DNA of the firm: our energy, our strength, our personality,” said founder Pallavi Dean.

“We considered so many options, but kept coming back to Roar. It just feels right, feels authentic, feels like ‘us’.”

Pallavi explained: “We work in such a collaborative way that having one name above the door just didn’t feel right, and we wanted something with emotion and identity”.

Earlier this month, Kathryn Athreya was appointed as the managing director, joining Roar from global real estate giant JLL. “It’s a very exciting time for us as we launch this new brand and enter into a new growth phase. Clients are recognising there is so much sameness out there and are looking for that spark, for something different. The energy and passion our team has for design is tangible and we bring it to each and every project. The physical spaces we occupy have such an impact on us, and we are proud to influence that in a positive way for all of our clients,” shared Athreya.

Agata Kurzela, who originally joined the team in 2016, has been promoted to design director. Commenting on the rebrand to Roar, Kurzela, said: “ Roar is loud and bold – the new name perfectly captures our team’s relentless energy.”

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FRATO houses luxurious and contemporary designs

FRATO comes to Dubai Mall!

The Portuguese brand, FRATO, opened a flagship store in Dubai Mall. The 400sqm space is located on the first floor of the mall and the new store provides the top-notch of the brand’s collections and also a highly qualified service along with exclusive conditions for trade customers. A charming and unique store that displays FRATO’s Collection in a delicate home-like disposition.

Blending classic and contemporary styles, the new collection includes brand-new pieces of furniture, upholstery, lighting and rugs, designed to provide up-to-date and cosmopolitan home furnishing solutions.

This store is conceptualised to portray a vision of the home and a way of living that bear the unmistakable brand’s worldly spirit, orchestrating a sophisticated palette of colours, refined materials, and shapes in a clear commitment to perfection.

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NEWSMAKERS Pavilion to emphasise the need for collaboration to achieve a sustainable future

German pavilion design for Expo 2020 unveiled The design of the pavilion and its theme, ‘Campus Germany’, for Expo 2020 was recently revealed in Dubai. The event was attended by attended by Ernst Peter Fischer, ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the UAE, Dietmar Schmitz, commissioner general of the German Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, Najeeb Mohammed Al-Ali, executive director, Dubai Expo 2020 Bureau, and other members of the German Pavilion team.

Designed by Cologne-based agency facts and fiction and Berlin-based architects LAVA, Campus Germany will be located in the Expo 2020’s Sustainability District. The campus will be built by Swiss construction company ADUNIC. It will feature a ‘vertical campus’ design consisting of separate modules that converge

at a spacious atrium with a stage and restaurant, creating an impressive structure that reflects the country’s underlying theme. A place of knowledge, research and communication, Campus Germany will provide every visitor with their own personalised interactive experience while showcasing the country’s latest science and technology innovations.

Each visitor’s experience will be delivered by an intelligent assistance system called ‘IAMU’, which will act as an invisible companion to visitors, providing them with information as they move through the pavilion. IAMU technology will be showcased to the world for the first time at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Schmitz said: “As two issues high on the regional

Es Devlin OBE to design UK Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai Award-winning British artist, Es Devlin OBE, will design the UK Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.

The Pavilion will be the centrepiece of the UK’s presence at the Expo – highlighting UK expertise in artificial intelligence and the space sector.

The UK Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai will be produced by the London and Dubai-based global brand experience agency, Avantgarde.

The Department for International Trade will lead the UK government’s presence with cross-

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government support. Es Devlin OBE is known for creating stunning large-scale performative sculptures that fuse technology and poetry.

Explaining her inspiration for the project and what she hopes it will achieve, Es Devlin OBE said: “The idea draws directly on one of Stephen Hawking’s final projects, ‘Breakthrough Message’, a global competition that Hawking and his colleagues conceived in 2015 inviting people worldwide to consider what message we would communicate to

and global agenda, education and sustainability were important focuses for us when designing Campus Germany for Expo 2020 Dubai. Our pavilion concept has been designed to seamlessly combine exhibition and architecture, with a storyline that will grasp visitors’ interest and hold it from start to finish, inviting them to engage with the content and be actively involved in the experience.”

Al-Ali said: “At Expo 2020 Dubai, we want all our visitors to contribute to making the world a better place, and the German Pavilion will provide a fascinating platform for people to learn, have fun and explore sustainability together. We look forward to seeing more compelling pavilion designs and themes revealed by other participating countries as we continue our countdown to Expo.”

Devlin and Avantgarde will join forces with Manchester-based structural engineers Atelier One and sustainability experts Atelier Ten

express ourselves as a planet, should we one day encounter other advanced civilisations in space.”

Najeeb Mohammed Al-Ali, executive director, Dubai Expo 2020 Bureau said: “At Expo 2020 Dubai, our focus on empowering individuals and communities to create opportunities that help shape a better future drives everything we do. "

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Sven Müller

SVENM wins Knowledge Fund Headquarters contract Light Middle East Awards was a successful show

Highlights from Light Middle East Light Middle East concluded last month with a big total of 333 exhibitors and 5,469 visitors from 74 countries. A glittering gala awards ceremony celebrating the very best in global lighting design and technology brought a successful end to the three-day event from September 23-25, 2018, at World Trade Centre.

The 9% year-on-year growth in exhibition space cemented this event’s position as the annual must-attend gathering for the international lighting design community.

This was further underlined by more than 600 industry professionals at the sixth Light Middle East Awards, which took place at the Hilton Al Habtoor City on September 25, 2018. A shortlist of 53 finalists contested seven projects and six product categories, selected from more than 230 submissions in 2018.

Among the big winners was The Constellation - The Founder’s Memorial Abu Dhabi, which took home two gongs: the Exterior and Public Lighting Project of the Year, and the Innovative Lighting Project of the Year.

Dubai-based dpa lighting consultants were assigned to illuminate The Constellation, a monumental public artwork that forms the centrepiece of The Founder’s Memorial in Abu Dhabi, a permanent national tribute to the UAE’s

founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The artwork was conceptualised and designed by artist Ralph Helmick, with whom dpa collaborated closely with at both his studio in Boston and during extensive lighting trials conducted in Abu Dhabi to achieve the optical visual performance of the lighting scheme that enhances this world-class artwork.

Other big winners on the night was La Perle by Dragone, the Middle East’s first resident show in Dubai, which won the Entertainment and Leisure Lighting Project of the year; and design studio Delta Lighting, which took home two awards for its work on Dubai’s Bvlgari Yacht Club in the Restaurant & Bar Lighting Project of the Year, and the Bvlgari Hotel in the Hotel Lighting Project of the Year category.

The Light Middle East Awards provided a fitting finale to Light Middle East 2018, where the world’s leading lighting manufacturers and local start-ups alike showcased their wares to thousands of trade buyers and professionals from throughout the wider region.

Light Middle East also featured for the first time in 2018 a Smart Pavilion, where leading brands featured their latest technologies in smart lighting, internet of things, lighting controls, and building automation.

SVENM has recently won the contract for the design of the government's Knowledge Fund Headquarters in Dubai.

Founded in 2009, SVENM Architecture and Design consultancy have successfully completed projects across the GCC with government entities including Dubai Culture, Sharjah Investment Authority, Abu Dhabi Tourism Development, and Investment Company and for corporate clients including Art Dubai, FLOS, Downtown Design, and Al Ghurair Group.

Having won the re-design for Al Ghurair University earlier this year also in Academic City, this second win puts SVENM firmly on the institutional map of Dubai's architecture and design sector.

Sven Müller, founder of SVENM said: “We are driven by the application of research in our work and education sector clients appreciate this. We considered the Knowledge Fund's brand and our floorplan was informed by calculating the reach of daylight into space which leads us to minimise built interventions creating a headquarters that evokes transparency.”

The SVENM winning concept features an investment zone for VIP guests and a 480sqm open plan space supporting the growth of the Knowledge Fund team, which facilitates investment into the education sector to achieve Dubai's 2020 goals.

“Our design will define the Knowledge Fund and we are delighted the jury felt our proposal best reflected their brand's ethos and vision,” adds Müller.

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COVER STORY

MAN OF SUBSTANCE: Kamal Farah credits his success to his team

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Staying ahead of the curve!

He knows the recipe for success. In conversation with Kamal Farah, CEO of Abanos Interior Fit-Out & Joinery on how Abanos has been part of the ever-evolving UAE design industry for the past three decades and aims to be a part of it in the future as well

By Roma Arora

H

e’s constantly challenging himself.

Challenges that come with working in the field of construction and design, to create and innovate, to constantly motivate your team so that they are able to reach and achieve their true potentials.

And, finally, the challenge to be able to put all the pieces of the puzzle together to deliver a superior end product to the client. Meet, Kamal Farah, CEO of Abanos Interior Fit-Out & Joinery, whose powerful vision has taken Abanos to another level of success.

After completing Masters’ in Civil Engineering at the University of Bristol, UK, Farah worked as an on-site project engineer with Mowlem, before returning to the UAE. He then developed experience in on-site civil engineering, project

engineering, in addition to working in the contractual, tendering, and plant departments with Engineering Contracting Company Group (ECC Group). Currently, Farah is also the board member of the ECC Group, where he is responsible for overseeing the performance of various divisions of ECC Group.

Farah changed the business model of Abanos, which was established in 1985, focussed on joinery and evolved to include interior fit-out in the early 2000’s foreseeing the existing gap in the local market. Farah shares: “Another reason for this evolution was to give our clients a holistic service and merge together the counterparts of joinery and fit-out. For an end user, it is extremely helpful to have the same contractor for both

services as everything is achieved seamlessly, which is our vision.”Farah aimed for a continuous and organic growth and his plan worked well in favour of the organisation. “Our team has expanded steadily and organically, now operating in the UAE and GCC markets, employing over 1,200 dedicated, highly skilled professionals– all hand-selected from various parts of the world, becoming one of the largest and most reliable holistic interior fit-out and joinery companies in the UAE.” Abanos’ diversified experience and portfolio include some of the most well-known projects and landmarks in the UAE such as Old Souk Dubai, At.mosphere Restaurant in Burj Khalifa, Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi, and Zayed University to name a few.

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COVER STORY

Dubai Design District project by Abanos

For a creative person like Farah, it’s very important to take on difficult tasks and work on their solutions. One such extremely challenging and fulfilling project was the Dubai Design District (d3) for him. Farah recalls: “I must say d3 was an incredibly challenging and inventive project. We had to create large-scale seating areas that were extremely innovative and aesthetically striking in a short time frame from an artist’s sketch without clear dimensions or 3D modelling. We began fabricating and modifying the structure millimetre by millimetre in our manufacturing facility to be able to deliver the initial design requested by the client.”

Abanos’ 33 years of journey includes a diversified clientele portfolio of governmental, semi-governmental entities, and private entities.

Key clients include Dubai Municipality, RTA, Emaar,

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Dubai Properties, Tamdeen, Arabtec, CCC, ASGC, ECC, Shapoorji Pallonji, and Al Wasl among others.

Farah discusses: “We believe that all our clients are our strategic partners, with whom we work hard to develop a fruitful, sustainable, and long-term relationship, with one objective in mind, to establish a mutual trust. Operating for over three decades now, we have grown in size and manpower, gaining a lot of experience and market knowledge in this industry. We constantly try to stay ahead of the curve by upgrading our technologies and systems and pride ourselves to be at the forefront of implementation of the best technologies.”

Abanos has heavily invested in technology enhancement and upgrades to ensure delivery of high-quality projects. Farah clearly believes that technology and innovation is a major part of the design. He shares: “We have invested 7.5% of our

We believe that all our clients are our strategic partners, with whom we work hard to develop a fruitful, sustainable and longterm relationship, with one objective in mind, to establish a mutual trust.

annual revenue to upgrade our machinery and technologies in 2017. We strongly believe that this investment in technology enhancements and upgrades ensure high-quality delivery for our projects, as we strive to provide uniquely designed, innovative offerings to cater to the needs of all our clients. Furthermore, Abanos’ continual re-

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investment into the company allows us to maintain best practices in order to stay at the forefront with respect to Sustainability and FSC certification, whilst also being a “smart” company.”

Abanos operates a 21,000sqm facility in Dubai Investment Park, with state-of-the-art machinery for wood cutting, moulding, carving, veneering, laminating and painting, capable of meeting the ambitious requirements of clients across a diverse range of sectors. With a manufacturing facility of 15,000sqm and warehousing facilities of 9,000sqm coupled with an investment in modern machinery, the company has the capacity to handle various large projects simultaneously and is capable of meeting international standards of quality and lead times. The idea is to offer the best to the clients.

Farah elaborates: “At Abanos, we are constantly trying to upgrade our systems, softwares and

STANDING TALL: Kamal promotes healthy communication between all team members

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COVER STORY technologies used at the factory by implementing international standards and practices and are currently expanding our 21,000sqm facilities, furthermore, in the Dubai Industrial City Area. Our team is always on the look-out for the latest trends and international standards practiced across the world, to provide the best offerings to our partners.”

Abanos had also implemented the acoustic perforated panel, a sound absorbing technology, on key projects in the UAE that includes Zayed University, Green Wood International School, Etisalat University, and most recently Abu Dhabi airport to name a few.

For Farah, designing a space is a well-thought process, which needs to be sustainable in all respects. “When I think about space, I always consider three elements—comfortability, efficiency, and sustainability. The importance of architecture as a trigger to physical, physiological, and psychological well-being is nowadays becoming a topic of significant relevance. The space has to be designed efficiently along with being sustainable,” adds Farah.

Sustainability is a key virtue practiced at Abanos through green credentials, specialisation, and engaging a holistic approach towards the projects.

Farah is a great supporter of sustainability. He says: “When designing a space, we always consider factors such as light penetration, heat absorption, how the object interacts with the environment, monitoring the usage of electricity, efficiently, and effectively as well as introducing greenery to the surrounding environment.”

Abanos has adopted an aggressive sustainability method and has become a pioneer in applying the certified Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) in the UAE. Along with recycling of wastage, from the source of the tree to the production process, for every tree cut, they are certified that they can plant two more.

Farah leads a team of over 1200 employees and inspires them to move in the right direction.

Farah says: “I have always been very fortunate to be surrounded by inspirational people. I am constantly motivated by leaders and visionaries around the world about the importance of teamwork, respect, honesty, hard work, and education. I am also very fortunate to be working with a team of people who resonate and share the same values. It is through this mutual respect and honesty that Abanos has grown, by embracing the philosophy of inclusion, teamwork, transparency, and communication between all the team members.”

Farah is a people’s person and believes that good leadership is not doing one thing right,

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Abanos is currently working on the prestigious Dubai Expo Village project

I am constantly motivated by leaders and visionaries around the world about the importance of teamwork, respect, honesty, hardwork, and education. but doing multiple things right. Farah explains: “You need to love and be passionate about what you do to be able to direct, motivate, and guide your team to reach the desired end goal. Strong communication, transparency, and respect are a few principles that I practice every day with my team. The best leaders lead their team by example and that’s what I practice every day at Abanos.”

The interior fit-out is one of the major markets of design and it’s constantly evolving and ever-growing with it being expected to be worth $9bn in 2018. The surge in construction for the upcoming Expo 2020 Dubai, has in turn expanded the fit-out market with multiple projects being developed for the Expo, one of which is commissioned to Abanos, the Dubai Expo Village. “Our current ongoing project, the Expo Village project is a landmark in the history of Abanos, using state-of-the-art joinery and fitout products manufactured at Abanos’ facility to

supply and install non fire-rated and fire-rated doors, kitchen cabinets, and wardrobes for the Expo 2020 Village project. The project built up area is 48,488sqm with a contract value of $13.4mn for carpentry and joinery works, spread across 11 plots, five parcels, three of which have been commissioned to Abanos.”

Farah feels that the integration of technology with fit-out is imminent to provide the user with a well-connected and functional space. He goes on: “Organic workspaces will also be more popular and common, with trees and living walls being incorporated into the workspace. Dynamic spaces, that enable the walls, furniture, cubicles to be modular and movable is another trend I envision that will gain popularity."

"Our extensive years of experience, knowledge of the market, enable us to stay ahead of the curve and keep up with the upcoming trends in the region,” signs off Farah.

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PERFECT LIGHT ANY WHERE

LUCTRA® FLEX provides good light exactly where it is needed.

Anywhere. Anytime.

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INTERVIEW

good things!

Host of

Simona Greco, exhibitions director at Fiera Milano, Italy talks about the preparations underway for the HostMilano 2019 edition

Please share some details about your role at HostMilano?

I am currently the group exhibition director of Fiera Milano. This means that I am in charge to coordinate and promote the directly owned exhibitions in Fiera Milano’s portfolio. I am supported by managers for each exhibition and by very effective teams that help me enhance the events at every edition.

Is there a theme for the 2019 show, can you tell us a little about it?

HostMilano is a cross-industry event and therefore it features multiple themes by definition. However, in recent years, the design has gained momentum

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and has become one of the most important themes across the entire exhibition and not only in the furniture, tableware, and technology area.

How is the 2019 edition of HostMilano shaping up?

The HostMilano will take place from October 1822, October 2019, and as of today, 1,189 companies have already confirmed their participation, with a 2% increase compared to the same period in 2016, and 45.6% of them come from 44 foreign countries.

Four more countries are now represented, including two new entries, Albania and Latvia.

Among the most represented countries, along with Germany (16% of all international exhibitors),

Spain (14%), or France (9%) from Europe, we also find the US (8.2%), and the UK (6%). In terms of macro-areas, professional catering – bread, pizza, and pasta accounts for 48% of all exhibitors, while bar, coffee machines, vending machines – ice cream, pastry shops – coffee and tea represents 34% and tableware, furnishings, and technology accounts for the remaining 18%.

In parallel, scouting continues under a partnership with ITA Agency, bringing more than 1,500 buyers from 80 different countries to Host 2019, with a high turnover rate of 80%, and a focus on particularly interesting markets such as the US, Canada, the Middle East, the UAE, China, and Russia.

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How do you and your colleagues generate creative ideas?

First of all, we build on our constant relationship with all the important players in the hospitality industry worldwide. We also have signed a series of agreements with very authoritative industry associations, analysts and other partners that help us be ahead of the markets. Moreover, HostMilano features the unique plus of being located in Milan, a city recognised as one of the world’s trending capitals.

How do you think HostMilano compares to other International trade shows for the design and hospitality market?

HostMilano’s unique concept is always very appreciated by both exhibitors and visitors, since the macro areas multiply business opportunities by making different but bordering sectors meet each other. Our efficient and effective business matching system is a very important plus too, together with a constant turnover in top buyers that opens up new business occasions.

After all the previous successful editions, what are the new developments to further the progression of this event?

Simona Greco

The current HostMilano concept was born from reuniting various single-industry Fiera Milano trade shows that already were the reference in their industry. The idea was that putting different but complementary shows together that would generate new business opportunities, and that’s

what happened. The concept is being refined at every edition, but the original idea keeps proving effective and it is the guideline we follow for any response to market changes.

Furniture, tableware, and technology is a major part of this hospitality event. Can you share some details here?

Something that is unique to HostMilano is the focus on design, formats and layouts. There will be an ongoing partnership with POLI.design, the design school from Milan’s prestigious polytechnic university, to identify and promote innovation in products, services and formats; SMART Label will be back under a partnership with ADI Associazione per il Disegno Industriale. Events will be very important too, with a packed programme of at least 500 workshops, presentations of figures and studies, tastings, educational initiatives, and thrilling contests.

What are some emerging design and hospitality brands we should be looking out for and why?

We prefer to talk about trends rather than brands.

We’re observing an increasing attention to integrated, “whole” contract projects entrusted to a single partner. This helps architects and designer meet technicians and marketing experts to design a comprehensive experience. In terms of specific terms or products, our two awards HOSThinking and Host SMART Label will be an excellent opportunity to spot some of the most innovative solutions in advance.

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OP-ED

luxury brands How

humbled down?

Elise Sarkis, business development manager at Iconic Home for Baker on how luxury brands are adopting various tactics to increase their consumer share 26 |

October 2018

Elise Sarkis

L

uxury furniture is no longer the lone ranger it used to be for years. Over the recent decade, luxury brands have been ramping up their image and brand equity to ensure a successful comeback in the market and not only in a niche one. These brands are not afraid to enter private, retails, hospitality, and residential sectors.

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Baker showroom at Dubai Design District

Over the recent decade, luxury brands have been ramping up their image and brand equity to ensure a successful comeback in the market and not only in a niche one.

For years, luxury brands had followed a strategy of snobbism or what can be called as a stuck-up attitude, where the motto was: “I stand here, let the client come to me!� rather than going to the clients using right marketing and publicity.

What used to be labelled as high-end for the rich and famous was becoming a dusty museum while mid-range brands were taking the market by storm and they were able to do it through a smart pricing, a vast distribution of network, and using clever direct marketing initiatives. Their message was appealing and making sense to the public.

The furnishing trends have been also changing to practical, easy-living, and affordable designs which was a complete opposite to what a luxury

furniture was perceived to offer. When you buy a very expensive sofa, you do not want your children and dogs to be jumping on it! So luxury brands were seeing their market shares dissolve as snow in the sun.

Another thing to notice here is that people started furnishing their houses for short to medium-term basis. Eventually, a nice interior could be completely bought from that mid-range line of furniture and enriched with an expensive carpet, a painting or a vintage chandelier. Another reason for such a decision was that most residents of the UAE are expats who know they might not be here long enough to utilise their costly pieces.

So, it was high time that luxury brands also make a move to attract the customers. This shift was made possible through a change of supply and manufacturing, and a more aggressive marketing strategy that reaches out to a wider audience. Another relevant issue was to deal with the high prices of the luxury goods. In this regard,

the luxury brands now create the same model of a sofa for example that could cost five times less by only changing the upholstery. This was not about sacrificing the quality but to giving various options to the customers. The diversity of options in wood finish, in colours, in fabrics is sufficient enough to multiply the offer.

The other side that needed tackling was the way the customers – prospects or returningwere approached. What makes the sale a sure thing is mainly the customer service and the way its local team represents works for and with the customer.

At Iconic Home, we have implemented the Design Studio, a unique concept created by Baker Furniture where clients can select the fabric, the finish, and upholstery from over 1,500 options to create a unique piece. This service is part of the sales and ensures a bespoke experience where aesthetics are at the fore but where the budget can be easily taken into consideration.

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DESIGNME AWARDS

MEET THE

JUDGES We welcome the design experts as they join the Design Middle East Awards 2018 as part of the jury

M

ake way for the first Design Middle East Awards 2018 (#DESIGNMEAWARDS) on October 10, 2018 at Habtoor Palace, LXR Hotels & Resorts, Dubai. Design Middle East Awards 2018 is 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 designoriented companies. The award ceremony with various categories will strive to recognise the individual excellence, company strengths, and project success. It’s an event to rejoice, network, and celebrate the deserving talent. We’re

PRESENTED BY

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October 2018

overwhelmed with the response we have received from the people and companies who supported us by nominating and sponsoring the event. Keeping in mind that these are our first awards, we received 210 nominations across various categories and we couldn’t have asked for more!

We are glad that leading design experts from the region are part of our jury—Tariq Khayyat, head of region—Middle East, Zaha Hadid Architects; Alex Cunningham , associate director, Benoy; Hani Asfour, associate dean, Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation; David G Daniels, director of architecture, SSH; and Ali Maarrawi, general manager, OFIS.

P L AT I N U M A L L I E S

S I L V E R A L LY

KEY FACTS DATE: Wednesday, October 10, 2018 TIME: 7:30PM VENUE: HABTOOR PALACE, LXR HOTELS & RESORTS, DUBAI

C AT E G O RY A L LY

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Here’s what the esteemed jury is expecting from our first awards: What are your expectations from Design Middle East Awards 2018?

I expect the Design Middle East Awards 2018 to reveal the exceptional creative talent that is already extremely prevalent throughout the Middle East. These awards should recognise and honour both experienced architects and designers as well as discover and celebrate new and emerging architects; specifically highlighting talented individuals who have the potential to change the face of architecture in the future.

Where do you see the design industry heading towards in the run up to Expo 2020?

Since the Expo 2020 was announced for

Dubai, we have already seen considerable progress and evolution within the design industry globally. With the Expo 2020 ethos centred around connecting people and minds, we are seeing the design industry encouraging collaboration, resulting in developments in both innovative and eco-friendly designs.

With current advances in technology and the global responsibility for each of us to preserve our environment for future generations, designers are incorporating more elements of sustainability into every aspect of their design. On the run up to Expo 2020, we will definitely see the design industry pushing the boundaries of sustainable design even further than before.

Tariq Khayyat, head of region—Middle East, Zaha Hadid Architects

What are your expectations from Design Middle East Awards 2018?

For Design Middle East Awards 2018, I am looking forward to see how the newer, boutique practices, and individuals are disrupting the status quo; how their unique and thrilling perspectives are pushing boundaries and each other to achieve great delivered works.

Where do you see the design industry heading towards in the run up to Expo 2020?

Alex Cunningham ,

Moving towards 2020, it is exceptionally exciting to see how both local practices and international representatives shall come together to fulfil the Expo agenda. I see a real cross-pollination of disciplines and design, with boundaries being blurred as designers and developers strive to deliver on this milestone and create a new benchmark in concept and place.

associate director, Benoy

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DESIGNME AWARDS What are your expectations from Design Middle East Awards 2018?

Design Middle East Awards 2018 aim to acknowledge and celebrate a diverse talent of the design community in the region. OFIS team is always keen to support events that promote and pay a well-deserved respect for designer’s dedication and hard work.

Where do you see the design industry heading towards in the run up to Expo 2020?

Ali Maarrawi, general manager, OFIS

It’s definitely heading towards a more competitive, yet more daring design scene as we’re witnessing more and more talented designers working in the UAE. With so many iconic projects underway and possibilities to truly create meaningful spaces, I personally feel that designers are now having a rare opportunity to extract the utmost best of their talent juices so the region would enjoy the nectar of this unique design community.

What are your expectations from Design Middle East Awards 2018?

Where do you see the design industry heading towards in the run up to Expo 2020?

My expectations from Design Middle East Awards 2018 is to continue to see an increase in the level of design in Dubai as the city emerges as a global design leader. In the past we saw how Dubai mastered construction management and engineering feats. Today, to complete the Vitruvian Triad of durability, feasibility, and delight, design will be taking centre stage as the next iteration of the Dubai’s continual evolution.

I see the design industry heading towards operating meaningfully and contributing to the fourth industrial revolution, where design harnesses the latest advances—such as ubiquitous computing, miniaturisation, machine learning, embedded sensing, artificial intelligence, autonomous and swarming mobility, and the internet of things— and integrates their possibilities seamlessly into spatial solutions that enhance user experiences and provide memorable and useful solutions.

What are your expectations from Design Middle East Awards 2018?

David G Daniels, director of architecture, SSH

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October 2018

I’m expecting to have a real challenging but thoroughly enjoyable time along with my fellow judges trying to determine the final list of winners for the awards. Especially with the extremely high calibre of work submitted from each of the nominated practices, as well as the amazing calibre of designers in the running for the personal awards. It’s a great honour to be a part of such an illustrious judging panel and to be able to contribute to recognising the magnificent work that has been carried out over this last year.

Hani Asfour, associate dean, Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation

Where do you see the design industry heading towards in the run up to Expo 2020?

I see the design industry continuing to push forwards, as it has always done throughout the region. I think the quality of our industry will also continue to develop and improve and that there will certainly be new and great opportunities for many of us who are willing to adapt and evolve, as the industry adjusts and adapts to the economic and social growth within the UAE and the wider region. Expo 2020 will certainly play a crucial role in that ongoing development growth. I also look forward to seeing the continuing rise of the many

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2018

SHORTLIST Design Middle East Awards 2018 is about 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. Here's the much-awaited shortlist!

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DESIGNME AWARDS

COMPANY AWARDS

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

Architectural Firm of the Year

Interior Designer of the Year

SIEC Gensler GAJ KEO LACASA

Fit-Out Firm of the Year Abanos GDM Interiors Dufit ALEC A&T Group Interiors

Interior Design Firm of the Year Paul Bishop Design MMAC Design Associates SUPERFUTUREDESIGN Studio EM Bluehaus Group GAJ OPAAL Interiors

Paul Bishop, Paul Bishop Design Maja Kozel, Maja Kozel Design Andrea Sensoli , SUPERFUTUREDESIGN Meya Zaghdoud, MMAC Design Associates Pallavi Dean, Roar Noor Majid Abdullahtif Al Muhaideb, OPAAL Interiors

Architect of the Year Lama Harb, JT+Partners Mariska Stoffel, Killa Design Medy Nahravani, Design Haus Medy Raj Patel, KEO Nael Evans, SIEC

Young Talent of Talent Year (includes designers and architects) May El Agizy, Bluehaus Group Omar Nakkash, Nakkash Design Studio Rasha Altekreeti, MMAC Design Associates Yasmin Farahmandy, Gensler Nicola Fahy, Studio Em William Bennett, Desert Ink Amy Louise Dwyer, OPAAL Interiors

Decor Retailer of the Year 2XL Furniture IDdesign Chattels & More KARE Maison D'art

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October 2018

Lifetime Achievement Award Mustafa Khamash, Kart Group Andrea Sensoli, SUPERFUTUREDESIGN Chris Johnson, Gensler Noor Majid Abdullahtif Al Muhaideb, OPAAL Interiors

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PROJECT AWARDS Retail Project of the Year Symphony Fashion Store, Dubai Mall by H2R Design Lotus Arts De Vivre, City Walk, Dubai by Bishop Design Al Rawi, cafe & bookstore, Sharjah by Roar The Contemporary District, Al Seef by 10 DESIGN The Avenues Kuwait by Gensler

Commercial Project of the Year Imkan Corporate Office by Bluehaus Group Olioli by Sneha Divias Atelier Oriana Spa, Jeddah by SUPERFUTUREDESIGN Signature Element by Design Haus Medy Edelmen Office by Roar VR Park, Dubai Mall by 4SPACE

Residential Project of the Year Villa Bar Al Jissah, Oman by Sneha Divias Atelier Satwa Villa by GDM Interiors Private villa at Al Khawaneej 3, Dubai by Kart Group Dubai South Town homes by SIEC KH Villa, Abu Dhabi by Remy Architects Bahรงekรถy House by Habif Architects Marasi Water Homes, Business Bay by U+A Architects

Hospitality Project Design (Hotels) Al Alamein Hotel, Eqypt by H2R Design Rove, La Mer, Dubai by MMAC Design Associates Al Manara Lighthouse, Jordan by MMAC Design Associates Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait by Gensler

Hospitality Project Design (Bar, restaurants, and clubs) TWO at Symphony, Dubai Mall by H2R Design Scalini, Four Seasons Hotel, Dubai by Bishop Design Atmosfire, Dubai by 4SPACE Design BOA Lounge and Club, The V Hotel, Dubai by Bishop Design Snooze Coffee Shop, Dubai by Light Space Design Brew 92, Jeddah by Liqui Design Le Petit Belge, Motor City by Creneau International Hotel Cartagena, JW Marriott Marquis, Dubai by Atelier EPJ

Landscape Project of the Year Al Dana Waves Garden, Abu Dhabi Gate by Noha Jaheen Design Villa on Jumeirah Island by Sejal Nagjee , Milestone Dubai The Block, Desert Ink

Design Education Project of the Year Prince Sultan College for Visually Impaired, Saudi Arabia by ZAS Architects Swiss International Scientific School of Dubai by U+A Architects Aquila School, Dubailand by Intermass

Sustainable Project of the Year One life, d3, Dubai by Studio Em Swiss International Scientific School of Dubai by U+A Architects Xworks, Dubai by AESG

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PROJECT

Parisian designs,

oriental feel!

Mandarin Oriental Paris' interiors are inspired by the art of the magical city and French elegance

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October 2018

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I

t feels like you’re in the lap of Paris when you’re staying at Mandarin Oriental located on rue Saint- Honoré close to Garnier Opera, Tuileries Gardens, and Louvre. With its neighbouring hotels heavily influenced by Parisian history and culture, Mandarin Oriental’s unique character, contemporary styling, and chic designs make it standout with distinction.

The hotel is made in the place of a 1930 historic building and architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte from Wilmotte & Associés worked his magic on this project. Sybille de Margerie of SM Design has executed the interior design and décor of rooms, suites, spa, and public spaces. There are 138 rooms and suites in the hotel along with three restaurants—Sur Mesure par Thierry Marx, Camelia, L’ Honoré, and a bar called Bar 8.

Emilie Pichon, director of communications at Mandarin Oriental, says: “The hotel combines Parisian style with the legendary Mandarin Oriental service. Inside a historic art deco building, the hotel comes alive with the exotic fusion of nature, contemporary design, and Parisian elegance. 98 of the most spacious rooms in Paris have been designed by Parisian designer Sybille de Margerie.

Her haute couture skill provides an equally soothing and vibrant quintessential Parisian style. Margerie has imagined innovative transitions between the different spaces for an individual art de vivre. These spaces can be open but also intimate and separate, leaving guests the choice of how they occupy the room. The décor puts the accent on luxury with taupe silk cushions and embroidered taffeta in shades of orange, magenta and plum. Furniture in

a contemporary style accentuates noble materials with a dominance of dark wood, pale lacquer, and chrome.”

The hotel receives a lot of visitors from the Middle East and other GCC countries during the peak season. Every corner of the hotel is carefully curated. The corridors and the lobby area is decked up with stunning photographs and artwork.

Photographic works by the acclaimed Man Ray features throughout the suites along with the work of Iranian photographer, Ali Mahdavi, who encapsulates Paris fashion in perfect keeping with the hotel.

The hotel is inspired by butterfly motif, which can be found at all the prominent places in the hotel. Like, Swarovski crystal butterflies shine brightly from the entry doors to the lobby, butterfly pattern can be noticed on the walls, on cushions, and on floor carpet as well.

The rooms and suites are easily one of the spacious ones available in the Paris city. Couture suites offer a private balcony and come with a freestanding bathtub. The Suite Royale Mandarin offers spectacular view of the city and is decorated in gold, white, and plum. The staircase in the living room of the suite forms a vertical sculpture of rounds and circles in guilloche metal.

Easily, one of the most-voted and popular, The Spa at the hotel is a sight to see. The spa is decorated with origami-style flowers and mosaic flooring studded with butterflies in silver leaf.

The hotel gives the highest regard to sustainability and has obtained High Quality Environment (HQE) certification as well.

Emilie Pichon

It is the first hotel in France, which is recognised for its sustainable development approach. The hotel has an inner garden with a hundred different varieties of trees and shrubs. The hotel heavily invests in good air quality system, soundproof windows, and other water saving initiatives. To help restore the decreasing bee population, the hotel has installed two rooftop beehives and uses its honey in their kitchen. The property also has a small kitchen garden where it grows organic vegetables and fruits.

The hotel has some great expansion plans in the pipeline. Pichon shares: “We plan to design the largest suite available in Paris on the hotel’s sixth floor. The works will start in November 2018 and will last six months.”

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PROJECT

The Suite Royale Mandarin is studded with plush furniture and luxurious accessories in gold, white, and plum

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October 2018

www.design-middleeast.com

The Sur Mesure by Thierry Marx restaurant looks like a cosy cocoon with attention given to shapes and colours

The Spa is embellished in powdery, pearly whites, and pinks

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PROJECT

Couture Suites are glamorous with calming ambience 38 |

October 2018

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The bathroom of Royale Mandarin Suite overlooking the iconic Eiffel Tower

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SHOW REPORT

The

design carnival!

The design round-up from Feria Hรกbitat Valencia furniture fair

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October 2018

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D

esign has no boundaries and the recently concluded Feria Hábitat Valencia in Spain is a perfect example.

It was one jam-packed furniture fair, which took place from September 18-21, 2018, and included more than 415 international companies and brands. Feria Hábitat Valencia occupied four pavilions on Feria Valencia’s level 2 plus the Central Mall, which was more packed than ever.

Overall, Hábitat had more than 45,000sqm of exhibition space at its disposal and net occupation, in terms of stand surface area, which was 20% upon last year’s. The positive figures are essentially due to the fair having re-signed almost all the exhibitors from last year on the back of that fair’s excellent performance and, also, having signed up a select group of new exhibitors that included leading brands in the fields of design, children’s, and contemporary furniture etc.

One standout feature of the fair was the significant presence of high-end Italian firms, which are staging a major comeback at the Hábitat showcase. Then, there are companies such as Cattelan, Target Point New, Corium, Franco Ferri, AmbiensVR, Officina Nove, F.Lli Rossetto, Fan Europe, Magniflex, Plust Collection, Ilpo, FIM, Novamobili, Nidi, and Tonin Casa –that exhibited at Hábitat for the first time.

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SHOW REPORT

The fair also showcased the cutting-edge products found in Spain from companies such as Andreu World, Capdell, Cármenes, B&V, Belta & Frajumar, DRT, Expormim, Fama, Grassoler, Inclass, Joquer, Koo, Momocca and Treku. Other notable brands taking part include Ofifran, Ondarreta, Point, Skyline, Versat, and Vondom.

There were also a number of firms that did

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October 2018

not exhibit last time and returned to Valencia this year – renowned manufacturers such as Sancal and Viccarbe, innovative brands Nomon, Tegar Mobel and Doos Design, leading office and contract brand DeLaOliva, along with Italian group Battistella, Tonin Casa, Bordbar Design, Fenabel, Serip, and designer bathroom company Buto Bath.

Feria Hábitat Valencia also hosted a specialist

seminar on the future of contract sector. Delivered by prestigious specifiers and professionals who are specialists in this route to market, the workshop analysed and discussed the future of the contract business.

The fair also showcased the young designer’s show, the 16th edition of ‘nude’. The jury included interior designer Pepe Cosín, designers Cutu

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Mazuelos and Eva Prego of Stone Designs, Pilar Tendero of Domus magazine and furniture manufacturer Actiu. The new ‘After nude’ space enabled Hábitat to overcome the traditional limitations of nude, which was dedicated solely to designers just starting out on their professional careers and who in many instances presented their first prototypes and creations at Hábitat. Now,

established designers who have been working in the world of interiors and design for more than 10 years presented at Hábitat to show their portfolios to the world.

Feria Hábitat Valencia closed its doors achieving the best record of recent years. This year, more than 25,000 professional visitors attended the show, which is already an increase

of 15% compared to the total of the last edition.

"Without a doubt, it is an excellent record for Feria Hábitat Valencia. Going back to two-digit growth does nothing but ratify the project started last year to recover in September for Valencia and for the furniture sector in our country a historical fair and reference as Habitat,” explained Daniel Marco, event director.

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DÉCOR REVIEW

Raw and rooted!

La Carnita DXB is a celebration of design that is raw and less polished!

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October 2018

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R

aise a toast for one of the coolest night joints at InterContinental Dubai Marina, La Carnita DXB. Known for its lip-smacking tacos, this Mexicaninspired restaurant has an amazing menu including fusion of the Latin American street food items.

La Carnita began as a pop-up food stand on Toronto’s growing underground food fest circuit, where it gave away tacos alongside artworks and regularly drew massive line-ups of hungry foodies. Building up a steady fan base, it took the Toronto food scene by storm and now has seven restaurants across the city.

The brand continues to bring the same artsy and cheerful décor at their newest addition in Dubai as well.

Ian Rydberg, founder and principal designer from Solid Design Creative, has worked on this restaurant. Ian Rydberg says: “La Carnita (LC) DXB has a more raw, urban warehouse feel than any of the other LC locations. We have developed a

We have developed a specific look and feel based on the shape and flow of the space.

– Ian Rydberg

specific look and feel based on the shape and flow of the space. For example, we turned the mezzanine level above the restaurant into a bridge overlooking the warehouse interior – this is a

nod to the urban, underground landscape and to ensure it has its own identity. The ceiling height for La Carnita DXB enabled us to add canopy style booths – a first for a La Carnita franchise.”

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DÉCOR REVIEW

Another major design aspect of the property is the use of urban street art. The artwork is again a nod to urban street art, which would be found on the interior of an abandoned building or alleyway in the North American metropolitan city. “The artwork sets the tone of the restaurant which is based on the love of food, urban street art, and music. It is an icon of the LC brand, which we wanted to embody in the Dubai location,” explains Rydberg.

The colours and materials used throughout the restaurant include orange and saddle brown leather, raw steel, rusted steel, wood and concrete – all of which are consistently used in all LC locations but in different formats to support the brand identity. The flooring was already in place, however, we ground it down to fit with the raw warehouse feel of the restaurant. Rydberg further adds: “The ceiling has steel security gates suspended through the middle of the dining room, while the bar area ceiling is parged concrete

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October 2018

The artwork sets the tone of the restaurant which is based on the love of ood, urban street art, and music.

with steel strips running through it to mimic the underside of a bridge. In the entrance, there is a steel structure suspended from the ceiling, which supports both lighting and greenery. All accessories throughout the restaurant are vintage sourced goods from Toronto."

The brand is based on connecting with people through music, art and food and a raw urban space was the perfect backdrop to showcase these elements in Dubai. The designer wanted to stick with the Toronto roots of the concept and bring something raw and less polished to Dubai.

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SHOW REPORT

Design from

INDEX! The highlights from the INDEX September 2018 edition

T

he Dubai design industry just witnessed another successful edition of INDEX exhibition from September 16-18, 2018, at the World Trade Centre. Over 300 exhibitors showcased their latest offerings. HE Sami Al Qamzi, director general of the Department of Economic Department Dubai, inaugurated the region’s premier interior design show.

INDEX hosted Dubai’s first ever sleep challenge sponsored by mattress experts DeRucci.

Three contestants were tucked into supremely comfortable DeRucci beds placed in the middle of the show and the coveted title of Dubai’s best

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October 2018

snoozer was bagged by Navita Gupta Hakim for enjoying uninterrupted sleep for one hour and 57 minutes with spectators walking around the stand.

The winner walked away with a DeRucci mattress custom made for her sleep requirement while the other two contenders got discounted offers from the brand.

Given the robust number of construction projects in the pipeline in the GCC, that will soon be ready for the interior design and fit-out phase, industry stalwarts like Victoria Redshaw from UK Trend Futurists Scarlet Opus, Danish Design Guru Johannes Thorpe, Dubai-based

Pallavi Dean, founder of Roar who spoke at, and attended INDEX, unanimously commented on design being modern while preserving the authenticity and sensibility of the region’s prolific culture and heritage.

Redshaw said: “Architectural structures and design should aim to be a statement of pride upholding the uniqueness and culture of this country especially with the number of visitors that will soon be pouring in for Expo 2020”.

Talking about 2019 trends, Redshaw explained that biophilic design is the way forward for Dubai and other GCC countries. “Biotech is a

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diverse discipline that looks at how science and technology evolve and work with each other to push boundaries and move forward to achieve environmental improvements, health benefits, and super connect with future. Taking that as inspiration, Dubai as well as other GCC countries, which have a unique environmental position, has the opportunity to adopt biophilic design and be a hero city for biophilic design in the world if the city planners and architects integrate nature, sense of well-being, sustainability while addressing the resources within the architecture of this region�.

Architectural structures and design should aim to be a statement of pride upholding the uniqueness and culture of this country.

– Victoria Redshaw

Victoria Redshaw

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SHOW REPORT

Canon participated for the first time at Future Interiors Manufacturing (FIM), which took place along with the INDEX show. Canon showcased the digital technology opportunities it presents for the retail, corporate, home, and hospitality segments.

Ayman Ali, senior marketing manager—B2B, Canon Middle East, said: “In today’s personalised, customised world, digitally-printed interior décor is transforming the spaces we live, work and play.

Digital technology introduces the opportunity for customers to produce a wide variety of high-value décor applications to meet new and evolving demands, differentiate themselves and explore new revenue streams to maximise profits. With an integrated portfolio of solutions and services, Canon is committed to ensuring that businesses keep pace with the rapidly-growing market, driven by evolving customer demands.”

The changing trends and expectations for décor to be more adaptable, personalised and dynamic, calls for the right technologies, and the right consultancy. Providing a solution to dynamic customer preferences, Canon showcased its latest developments in digital wide format production, supported by extensive applications expertise, at the industry event, to inspire visitors to explore new creative product

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October 2018

Ayman Ali, Canon

opportunities while maximising productivity to meet rising demand.

With capacity expansion high on the agenda for most wide format print service providers (PSPs), Canon demonstrated several important innovations to help customers increase production, manage growing job volumes and meet ever tighter customer deadlines. Visitors witnessed the versatility and speed of the Océ Colorado 1640 roll-to-roll printer, designed to deliver quality, productivity and profitability, featuring Canon UVgel technology.

In addition to this, Canon also displayed the award- winning Océ Arizona series of digital flatbed printers, capable of handling a wide range of innovative applications. Through the incorporation of technologies like varnish, white ink

printing, and a choice of smart cutting accessories, digital flatbed printing increases the freedom of product design making prototyping, personalised or customised production economically feasible.

Redshaw concluded by saying, “We cannot put a price tag on our planet, we need to look after where we currently live. The UAE is leading the way in the region to incorporate sustainability at all levels. For example, sound rules and regulations have been instated to control food wastage. It will be ideal to see similar efforts taken to control glass and plastic wastage. For this, the region can look towards the West, and other parts of the world where post-consumer waste is converted to materials to be used within interiors and the building industry”.

Event director, Samantha Kane MacDonald, said: “The response from exhibitors, visitors, and speakers at INDEX has been nothing but positive.

We had 300 exhibitors at the show from Europe to China, and all have reported three solid days of conducting business and networking. One of the key segments of the show was the seminars at the Design Hub, which were all well attended. I am thrilled that we had a successful show and look forward to putting together the next edition of INDEX that will take place in September 2019."

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WISH LIST

New looks Design lessons for a space that is stylish and functional at the same time

Eternal beauty The infinity chandelier in light gold chrome stainless steel base with 16 lights is made of Venecian Murano glass Availability: www.giorgiocollection.it

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October 2018

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Fine finish!

Functional and minimal, the soft and harmonic design of the Ales armchair is perfect for the relaxation mode Availability: www.muebledeespana.co

Have a seat!

Nuez stool by Patricia Urquiola with thermoplastic seat and backrest is available in several colours Availability: www.andreuworld.com

Humbly yours!

Coral dining table is a tribute to classy design and simplicity Availability: www.hurtado.eu

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WISH LIST

Simply mesmerising Made with pine wood and soft foam, lego sofa set can be the highlight of your living room Availability: www.2xlme.com

Pretty you look

Meet the sleep experts

The beautiful lamp piece is made using the solid aluminium of aeronautical quality— machined by turning and milling www.mayarratia.com

Helmii has launched in the UAE, offering customised beds and mattresses for adults and kids, delivered directly to your door www.helmii.com

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October 2018

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Versatile!

Momocca's latest collection, Julia is a very light, modular system formed by pieces that can be combined to create unlimited furnishing solutions for different needs and spaces Availability: www.momocca.com

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EVENTS

THE MONTH AHEAD

Trade fair dates for your diary…

EVENT IN FOCUS Dutch Design Week 20-28 October 2018 Eindhoven, Netherlands

Dutch Design Week is Eindhoven's cultural pride. It's the largest design event in the Netherlands and it offers nine days of events and activities across the city. The 17th edition of the event is expected to welcome over 335,000 visitors from all over Eindhoven, the region, the country and from abroad to be inspired by new ideas, striking works and innovative solutions.

The theme for this year’s edition is ‘if not us, then who?’, focussing on the role of designers in continually offering new innovations and creative solutions. Ravi Naidoo (Design Indaba), Laurens van den Acker (Renault), and Wendy Plomp (Dutch Invertuals) were announced as the ambassadors for this year.

Surface & Materials Show 9-11 October 2018 Birmingham, UK

The Surface & Materials Show forms part of the coveted UK Construction Week and has grown from strength to strength since its launch in 2015. The free to attend event creates a unique platform for innovations within the surfaces and materials sector. Uniting architects, designers, contractors, developers and more, the show is supported by industry associations including RIBA, CIAT, BIFM, FeRFA and ASBP. From colour forecasts to bionic buildings, there will be topics that anticipate all the major technological, cultural, and societal trends.

Dubai Design Week

12-17 November 2018 Dubai, UAE Dubai Design Week is the region’s largest creative festival, reflecting Dubai’s position as design capital of the Middle East. The fourth edition of DDW includes over 200 events covering design across a range of disciplines including architecture, product, furniture, interior, and graphic design. Key happenings at the event include the region’s leading design fair Downtown Design, and its showcase dedicated to limited-edition design, Downtown Editions; the Global Grad Show that brings together works from 100 of the most innovative universities across the world; and Abwab, the curated and interactive project containing original design from the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia.

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October 2018

Biennale Interieur

18-22 October Kortrijk, Belgium With 2018 marking its 50th anniversary, Biennale Interieur returns for its 26th edition, hosting a strongly cultural program including lectures, exhibitions, presentations and meeting moments. While up to the previous edition the exhibition lasted for 10 days, this year’s event will run for a more compact five days, taking a strong substantive approach increasingly aimed at a professional audience.

Expanding beyond the exhibition halls once again, this year, an empty hospital in the center of the city will be taken over by a young generation of designers, cultural partners and internationally leading designers. The city festival, which runs alongside the event, will remain open to the public for two more weekends.

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PICK OF THE MONTH

Au Naturale The design of the Essence Stone Sink by Miguel Herranz emphasises the power of the stone: its original volume, its strength, its essence. The friendly, accessible design fits seamlessly into all kinds of environments. The robotic machining of the piece brings out the elegance and purity of the original blocks, providing a fresh take on the conventional white oval sink on a rectangular countertop, or column.

Essence is a simple piece that comes in versatile solutions. The minimum size of an individual basin is 60cm, but the sink can be made in larger sizes with the option of placing the basin off centre or including two basins.

Price: AED19, 724 (approx) Availability: www.miguelherranz.com

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October 2018

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