Design Middle East July 2020

Coronavirus would change the designs of public restrooms for better say Frederick Trzcinski, marketing & innovation director of Ideal Standard MENA; Sharib Rao, specification sales manager at Geberit Gulf; and Victor Schoone, country manager Middle East at Roca

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July 2020

RETHINKING PUBLIC RESTROOM DESIGN

MAKING AN ENTRANCE! Unique entrances for unique buildings Bauporte doors provide the entrances to some of the worlds most iconic buildings and now we have brought our experience and expertise to the Middle East.

With the completion the prestigious entrances for the Dubai Real Estate Company, an upgrade for the entrances of the Opus by Zaha Hadid and the start of the exciting Action Impact auditorium works in Abu Dhabi, our customized doors solutions have found their way to some of the regions’ most iconic buildings.

We have been designing and manufacturing customised door solutions for more than 100 years and our experience and passion for quality will ensure that you can create that exceptional entrance that your building deserves.

Visit bauporte.com and get inspired!

Bauporte Gulf Building Materials Trading L.L.C. Rep. office: Level 41, Emirates Towers, Sheik Zayed Road, PO Box 31303, European Business Centre, Dubai Investment Park First, Office BC-38, 598-633, Dubai, UAE Tel: + 971 43132 793, sales@bauporte.com

Contents J U LY 2020

20 12 IN THIS ISSUE‌ 20 Cover Story

E-live on how COVID-19 will change the design of public restrooms forever

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16

OP-ED

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Interview

26

Supplier Focus

32

Project

Alex Dunn from Drawdeck on the state of arts industry amid COVID-19 outbreak

Dominic Frank of Captain Planet DXB on the importance of urban gardening and tips to get started

The various art galleries and exhibitions to check out in the UAE

The Secret Room by designer Paolo Ferrari

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Contents J U LY 2020

26

REGULARS 5

Editor’s Note

12 Newsmakers

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July 2020

31 Tips & Tricks 36 Pick of the Month

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Canopy of Light M A N D A R I N O R I E N TA L J U M E R I A , D U B A I D Y N A M I C I N S TA L L AT I O N D E S I G N E D I N C O L L A B O R AT I O N WITH DESIGNWILKES

preciosalighting.com

Conca - basin 80cm Conca - mirror round Ø 100cm Conca - vanity unit 200x37x55 cm, matt sunset color

IDEAL STANDARD MENA Tel. +971 4 804 2400 | Email: idealstandardgulf@idealstandard.com IDEAL STANDARD DESIGN BATHROOM CENTRE Sheikh Zayed Road, near Nour Bank metro station, Dubai, UAE | Tel. +971 4 309 6000 www.idealstandardgulf.com

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

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

Editor Roma Arora roma@ bncpublishing.net

Art director Aaron Sutton aaron@bncpublishing.net

Marketing Executive

Welcome COVID-19 has clearly shaken us up from within and has asked us to make changes instantly which we must adpat to. Same is happening in the world of design and architecture, where everything from now on would need to be reconsidered and readdressed with a completely different mindset and requirements. Our July cover interestingly touches an important aspect of design—Can we make pandemic-resistant bathrooms? This pandemic has busted many myths about design and public bathrooms are not spared too. For, our E-live session, we invited the industry experts who discussed the various aspects of public restrooms that would need major overhaul featuring Frederick Trzcinski from Ideal Standard MENA, Sharib Rao from Geberit Gulf, and Victor Schoone of Roca. Learn more about it in our July cover story.

Moving on, we have a stunning project called The Secret Room night club at Five Palm Jumeirah Hotel by designer Paolo Ferrari. The interiors are so gripping and dramatic, that they will linger on your mind for long. This issue, the suppliers' section is about the art galleries in Dubai that are supporting young talent and exhibiting some fine artists from all over the world. Plus, other exciting reads include interviews, design tips, opinion pieces, and lots more.

Roma Arora Editor

Aaron Joshua aj@bncpublishing.net

Digital Media Producer Ahmad Khader ahmad@bncpublishing.net

SUBSCRIBE subscriptions@bncpublishing.net PO Box 502511 Dubai, United Arab Emirates T +971 4 420 0506 | F +971 4 420 0196 For all commercial enquiries related to Design Middle East contact

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Opinions expressed are solely those of the contributors.

Design Middle East and all subsidiary publications in the MENA region are officially licensed exclusively to BNC Publishing in the MENA region by Design Middle East.

No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission of the publisher.

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Attributed use of copyrighted images with permission. Prices are quoted in US dollars.

I have never seen such charming and bright switches and sockets. I am crushing on these.

Check out our 'Pick of the Month' section.

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Newsmakers

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Losberger De Boer offers rapidly deployable structures to maintain social distancing Global supplier of temporary structures, Losberger De Boer, is supporting organisations in the UAE and worldwide who are adapting to the new social distancing norm while working. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), social distancing, or physical distancing, is one of the most important tools in the fight against COVID-19, and businesses who require extra space to follow guidelines are searching for solutions that can be operational quickly – and safely.

Losberger De Boer offers a range of rapidly deployable structures that can be used for extra office space, additional meeting rooms, a temporary canteen or dining area, or even a temporary workshop or production space.

Waleed Khaled, Losberger De Boer Middle East’s regional sales director, explained how these solutions can assist organisations who are ready to get back to work but are short on space: “For many companies, it’s going to be very challenging to get employees back into the current infrastructure while ensuring there is enough space between them. From schools to offices and manufacturing facilities to sales centres, many organisations simply do not have enough extra space in the workplace to

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Losberger De Boer delivers a multitude of facilities associated with temporary and semi-permanent infrastructure

allow everyone to work while maintaining a two-metre distance between employees.

“Businesses need to take measures to ensure social distancing guidelines are followed to prevent outbreaks. For example, desks may need to be moved further apart, aisles widened and dining facilities reconfigured, so they accommodate fewer people.

This is even more complex for

manufacturing facilities, where you have to factor in heavy machinery that cannot be easily moved. Many hospitality, retail and education sectors will also need to find ways to create additional space.

In almost every sector, business owners are asking themselves how they can adapt to the new social distancing reality without it having an adverse effect on their revenue,” added Khaled.

Waleed Khaled, Losberger De Boer Middle East’s regional sales director

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NEWSMAKERS

PLP Architecture unveils design for new Yandex HQ in Moscow PLP Architecture is designing an innovative new smart headquarters for Yandex, the Russian technology giant, in the Gagarinsky District of Moscow. The inclusive, 170,000sqm campus will enable staff to have a healthy and sustainable place for seamless work and recreation, a space for inspiration and fun that will integrate technology with materiality to inspire new ideas and refined ways of working.

The campus will be a striking yet sensitive addition to the city’s skyline, sitting on a prominent site near the Moskva River a short distance from some of the city’s leading research institutions and the location of the company’s first office.

The sculptural, titanium-clad building will respect its sensitive context and connect to nearby parkland. Its adaptable design will bring a distinct new ambition to the tech campus, accommodating employees under one roof for the first time in a secure, interactive, collaborative environment that celebrates the company’s identity, technological innovation and collaborative achievements, and aspirations.

The building will be lifted up to reveal a welcoming, activated ground floor that will step up across the site to connect a large, open plaza on one side with neighbouring streets on the other.

It will present a welcoming face for the company and feature a variety of open public spaces, including restaurants, cafes, and a computer technology museum highlighting the company’s cultural and technological growth since the

The campus will create a secure, adaptable, healthy and sustainable place for seamless work and recreation

early 1990s. The main reception areas will sit on a mezzanine level to increase permeability and pedestrian access through the building.

At its heart, an open and lightfilled central hub will house collaborative zones, an auditorium, gadget testing areas and additional

flexible spaces to encourage interaction and exchange. This will be cradled along three sides by long workspace wings that partially contain it, which in turn will be connected to the Hub by a series of bridges and open staircases. These wings will be nestled below sloping glass roofs and house a variety

of departmental workspaces with high ceilings and pockets of double-height space. Arranged laterally around elongated cores, they will be interspersed with shared amenity spaces to accommodate casual digital and physical exercise when needed throughout the day.

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NEWSMAKERS

HostMilano: Rethinking spaces and furnishings HostMilano is the world-leading trade fair dedicated to the Ho.re.ca. sector, a reference point for operators of the industry, confirming itself as a veritable driver of quality business. The contribution of top players and professionals who share their know-how and express their reflections becomes interesting food for thought for everyone involved in the world of hospitality looking to discuss the future of the industry.

The hospitality sector is waiting to know which will be the final anti-Coronavirus regulations; certainly, the ”must” will be safety for the staff and the guests. From welcoming areas up to cafeteria, the horeca sector must be projected towards the future by changing the spaces and furnishings with dynamic formulas.

In this delicate process of remodulation, worldrenowned Italian architects together with top players of the hospitality industry disclose their views, projects and products to meet the new requirements while enhancing the guest experience.

HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM: DOMOTICS AND REDESIGNED SPACES REPRESENT THE WINNING FORMULA FOR HOTELS Many hotel chains already choose the develop structures certifications, as the priority is to redesign the guests experience in compliance with sanitary obligations and forms of social distancing.

As a result, it seems clear that automation and the IoT will prove to be important allies for hoteliers. “At this historic moment in time we are becoming increasingly smart, and quickly getting used to using whatever technology can offer us in terms of allowing us to connect, share and move around in a virtual way and this is just the beginning of the process of transformation in the way we interact with each other in the current dimension of space and time,” writes architect Simone Micheli on his blog. He has identified three concepts to define the world as it will be: alteration, hybridization and crossovers.

Practically, this means dedicating special attention at moments like check-in and check

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The next edition of HostMilano will take place from October 22-26, 2021

out, through the use of thermal cameras to check body temperature and apps that will be set up to give access to rooms from your own device. Once in the room, domotics will limit interaction with devices and controls considered to be “at risk”, while an interactive TV system will provide continuous contact between the hotel and its guests. More generally, phases 2 and 3 will lead to a redefinition of roles and functions.

And hotels can now look forward to a new lease of life. “By upgrading the common spaces and opening the structures to the public, with a fulltime service and a guarantee of the structure’s quality, hotels can now play a whole new role, regaining wide segments of the market and offering a highly original and quality service,” says the president of Costa Group, Franco Costa, a company that presented innovative solutions during the last editions of HostMilano and that has been highly active in the field of adapting structures to ensure maximum safety.

The materials used also contribute to protecting the environment: it will be essential to choose materials and components for

architecture and interior design that prevent bacterial accumulation and that are easy to maintain and clean. In addition, the use of technologies aimed at environmental quality will be essential especially in certain highfrequented spaces such as elevators. Surface and air sanitation systems, as well as lighting systems equipped with ultraviolet sources, will help reduce the agents’ proliferation.

ESTABLISHMENTS AFTER COVID-19: RETHINKING FURNITURE AND FURNISHINGS In China, as well as in Italy, the modular Plexiglas panels seem to be the only way out for the safe reopening of bars and restaurants. “As a result of the emergency and the need to rethink spaces, our Research Centre developed a possible solution to be proposed to our clients working in the Contract sector,” says Stefano Zajotti, design & communication manager at EMU. “It is a Plexiglas panel that produces a certain degree of social distancing and allows to keep the highest number of places inside.”

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NEWSMAKERS

ISG completes phase I of University of Wollongong Dubai’s new campus

Colab launches ‘SHARE’ campaign to engage students with curated schedule of inspiring talks

ISG worked diligently to successfully mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on productivity

The aim is to inspire them with new ideas, with a roster of inspiring topics curated by Colab in partnership with the UAE’s leading universities

ISG announced the completion of phase one of University of Wollongong Dubai’s new campus at Dubai Knowledge Park.

The first phase of the new high specification 200,000sqft, seven floor campus development, has seen ISG hand over levels one, three, four, and six to the university. These key areas house UOWD’s renowned English Language Testing System (IELTS) Centre, alongside students’ lounges, laboratories and lecture theatres, and the university’s leadership, management, and administration offices.

Commencing on site in November 2019, this first phase handover is fully aligned with the fast-track programme, that will see ISG deliver the new campus,

ahead of the start of the new academic year in September.

With an absolute focus on the health, safety, and well-being of every operative across its sites, and strict compliance with UAE Government’s health and safety guidelines. Comprehensive measures have included the review of safe travel to and from site, one-way site route planning, agile shift patterns and flexing the number of operatives on site to conform with strict social distancing regulations. ISG has also recruited dedicated occupational health first responders and introduced daily temperature checking of operatives, as part of a robust package of measures to maintain consistently high productivity rates.

Colab, the first purpose-built material library in the UAE based in Dubai Design District (d3), is opening its virtual doors to engage the UAE’s students with a curated schedule of inspiring talks. The launch of its ‘SHARE ( ‫ ’) كر اش‬campaign, aims to leverage COVID-19 necessitated distancing to move the discussion online and stimulate ideas for students in creative fields.

As such, Colab is curating free weekly webinars for the UAE’s university students. The initiative aims to provide a platform for leaders from the creative industry to share their knowledge and real-world experience with students.

Expert speakers are being drawn from the breadth of the creative community – including interior design, architecture, materials, fashion, film, digital, graphic design, and advertising. The American University in Dubai (AUD), American University of Sharjah (AUS), Zayed University, NYUAD, Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI), Heriot Watt University Dubai, Canadian University Dubai, National Design Academy Dubai, and the Manipal Academy of Higher Education – Dubai Campus are some of the university partners who have expressed their desire to participate in the campaign.

Richard Wilson, creative director, Colab, said: “We conceived Colab as a creative space to innovate, contemplate and understand all aspects of material use and design. We’re now taking this mandate and expanding it into SHARE – a powerful ongoing schedule of knowledge sharing and powerful discussions. We are thrilled to see that our communities have responded so positively, with universities supporting the cause, and industry experts volunteering to share their experience and expertise – to give back to the community.”

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OP-ED

ALEX DUNN Co-founder of Drawdeck, on the Impact of COVID-19 on the Arts Industry

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OP-ED

2020 is the pivotal year for change, and the arts industry has certainly not escaped the effects of the pandemic especially concerning commercial art projects within the region. Fortunately, we have seen positive change come through with ecommerce solutions for individual artists as well as brands such as our own - this has helped us navigate through the impact of Covid-19 quite positively.

When it comes to working with corporate clients, artwork is always one of the first cost reductions that they’ll look at in order to reduce expenses. Many of the commercial projects we were in discussions with for Drawdeck were put on hold. However, with our ecommerce offering traffic to the website has skyrocketed along with social media interaction, and ultimately sales, which resulted in 82% increase in Q2 revenues in comparison to the previous period.

Generally, our corporate projects bring in

the most revenue, with the consumer business complimenting it nicely. During the ongoing pandemic, the two streams have completely switched and that has allowed us to navigate through these challenging times. It has also highlighted how important our online business model is, and consequently it’s encouraged us to invest more into this side of the business.

The Drawdeck platform essentially allows artists to generate revenue easily and ethically.

Once signed, we handle all the marketing, production, delivery and in return the artist is paid for every sale.

We have real artists behind every design, with some generating AED 1,800+ per month. This is revenue they would have never had access to without us being here, as other sites don’t ship here. It’s just our way of giving back and supporting the art community especially in situations like the current one.

In today’s world many artists have built an online presence or have joined a site like ours allowing them to generate a steady revenue stream. However, starting an online business is never easy and the current situation is bound to add more obstacles to that. What comes with these challenging times, is a huge amount of opportunity, particularly if you have a techfocused business idea. Seek professional advice on the actual formation of the company so it matches your vision in the long run.

You could have best product in the world, but ultimately you need to create awareness, gain people’s interest and then convert that interest into revenue. We have partnerships ready to fulfill orders in three continents, the issue is how do we drive traffic to the website. It’s very expensive to do that and requires a serious marketing budget.

Overall Drawdeck has grown really well, 100% y-o-y growth rate seen over the last two years, and we have some big expansion plans to take Drawdeck from the UAE into the rest of the region and beyond.

Although as we take a look at the market, we have noticed that the online artwork business concept has become increasingly popular; however, we are seeing an increase in copyright issues and low-quality output which is devaluing the industry. The digital age has allowed companies like us to exist and grow, but it has also given more unethical companies the same opportunity.

These companies resell artwork that they do not own the rights to. For me this is a huge branding challenge, ensuring that we position ourselves differently and enforcing our message that every sale on Drawdeck directly supports the independent artist behind the design.

In my opinion, the design industry in the UAE is quite diverse. It represents a reflection of various cultures that reside here. Along with a strong local element and European/Asian influences it makes things extremely interesting for teams like us, allowing us to step out of our comfort zone in order to tailor our output to a specific audience.

History has repeatedly shown us that during the aftermath of every economic recession, many of the world’s most successful startups have emerged stronger. This is what we hope to achieve with Drawdeck by continuing to support the industry, working with amazing artists, and expanding into the region – in our ethical manner.

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INTERVIEW

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INTERVIEW

PLANTING WITH PASSION Dominic Frank, founder of Captain Planet DXB, shares his experience of urban gardening and what inspired his passion for growing flowers and edibles in pots WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF URBAN GARDENING? Urban gardening is the process of growing plants – both floral and vegetative in an urban environment. Given the current condition and the dire climate change situation already at hand, now is the time to reduce our own carbon footprint.

IT'S INTERESTING TO KNOW THAT YOU MAKE ALL THE HERBICIDES AND FERTILIZERS ON YOUR OWN FROM THE ORGANIC WASTE. COULD YOU SHARE SOME WAYS OF DOING IT? MY TOP TIPS FOR HERBICIDES ARE: • Orange peel brew (Where you boil the orange peels and cool the water for 24hrs. Fill a spray can with that and go crazy on your plants that are insect-infested. The citrus immediately attacks the unwelcome guests) • Neem leaves – Blitz the leaves in your mixer, soak the mixture in room temperature water for three days in a plastic container lightly covered – and put it in the spray bottle! You can add a few squirts of dishwashing liquid so that the solution holds onto the leaves longer.

MY TOP TIPS FOR FERTILIZERS ARE: • Eggshells- These fertilize your garden, keep away unwanted insects, create the best plant food for tomato plants especially and are a great source of calcium and other minerals.

Crush by hand or a mixer blitz and you can dust them atop the soil. Viola! You’re set!

• The humble Banana peel – Chop the peels, soak in water for three days, use the water

variety of chillies from India, purple Tanzania chillies and yellow Sri Lankan chillies also grow here. Lettuce, radish, beetroots, bitter gourds, okra, beans, and a variety of spinach as well. We recently harvested mustard seeds and drumsticks last week. We also every five weeks consistently harvest bottle gourds that weigh around 3.5-4 kgs. We’ve not bought store tomatoes for over 2.5 years and our garden’s crowning glory is watermelons. We’ve just two weeks ago cut a 4.7kgs watermelon.

Dominic Frank with fresh veggies from his garden

for spraying on the leaves and use the soggy peels under the top layer of soil for a further potassium boost.

WHAT ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR GARDEN? I’ve been gardening for over six decades and yet each day, I learn a new lesson from nature Our gardens at Dubai’s Desert Springs Village have had everything from a friend’s pregnancy photoshoot to Modeling photoshoots for friend’s who have local businesses. We recently had a special bloom of the Sasa Yuri Japanese Lillies which in japan itself is a rare sighting. My kids live right next door so we have two huge plots to play around in. Our current harvest includes, eggplants, capsicums, and sweet potatoes, A

DO YOU WANT TO TURN THIS PASSION INTO A BUSINESS? No, some things are for the soul. I am happy to help and assist with the many questions that people write to me with from all over the world.

I also go over to friend’s gardens in the UAE when they reach out for help with setting up, planning and maintaining but I don’t charge.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS? Our goal is to start a garden club in Dubai where like-minded gardening enthusiasts can meet and socialise, share tips and seeds, and saplings as it develops. Due to the current social distancing rule, we virtually meet people in their gardens under the hashtag already set up and being contributed to #GardenClubWithCaptainPlanet and once we have the current situation behind us- we will plan to have a garden tea party soon where we will have plant swaps, seeds giveaways and most of all a chance to catch up with gardening aficionados.

You can reach out to Dominic on Instagram and Facebook @Captain_PlanetDXB

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COVER STORY

Intellimix by Ideal Standard

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COVER STORY

HOW PUBLIC RESTROOMS WILL CHANGE POST COVID-19 CRISES Design Middle East hosted an E-Live session and invited Frederick Trzcinski, marketing & innovation director, Ideal Standard MENA; Sharib Rao, specification sales manager at Geberit Gulf; and Victor Schoone, country manager Middle East—Roca, to discuss how public restrooms could evolve post coronavirus pandemic COVID-19 has turned our world upside down, so much that we are scared of doing the things which were normal earlier. Like going to a park, beach, restaurant, or even going to a mall. The idea of a return to life in public is difficult for many people. But it turns out that one of the biggest obstacles is the prospect of having to use a public restroom — a small, tight space. A lot of reports suggest that how these washrooms are an ideal place for COVID-19 transmission. What is the optinum solution that we have? Here are the highlights of the exciting disussion that will answer your queries.

THE UNPRECEDENTED SET OF CHALLENGES FREDERICK: Shared public spaces especially shared bathrooms have always been potential danger zones for health. With the coronavirus pandemic situation, the risk of germ spread has further increased. The major challenge for setting up a public bathroom is to find innovative ways through modern technology to reduce splashing, reduce touching of bathroom surfaces, and avoid residual stagnant water.

For problem-related to splashing, we have Aquablade, it is the greatest invention after the flush itself. This flushing technology is cleaner,

Frederick Trzcinski marketing & innovation director, Ideal Standard MENA quieter and smarter. Aquablade uses discrete slots to channel a sharp flow of water across the bowl to give splash-free flushing, even at low water volumes. There are some great solutions to reduce make a touch-free bathroom like sensor mixers: infrared and capacitive flush actuation for a touch-free flushing experience or the use of elbow handles is very effective in preventing infections. Lastly, when it comes to stagnant water, products like gravity drain, back outlet, and Bioguard which is a patent pending technology having an anti-microbial copper outlet to prevent biofilm attachment

and reduce the risk of Pseudomonas infection, if of great use.

VICTOR: The biggest problem for users is not to touch anything in the bathroom that you can achieve by having technologicallyoperated products. But one has to still open the doors of the restroom area and then you have to open the door of the bathroom inside the public toilet. There are still many manually operated faucets and soap dispensers. The technology in the bathroom segment has been there, what I feel is that COVID-19 accelerates the introduction of more technology into the bathroom. Another major problem for the designers, developers, and contractors is that the cost must be under control. The electronically-advanced solutions are more expensive as compared to the manually-operated systems. What we have to achieve is that make sure that all the products are available at affordable prices otherwise it would only be for the niche segment.

SHARIB: There would be a lot of changes in the world because of COVID-19 including the public conveniences. It is our responsibility of the manufacturer of sanitary ware products to come forward with innovative products.

Social distancing is very difficult to practice

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COVER STORY

Touchless controls by Geberit provide better hygiene in public and semi-public spaces

Electronic touchless basin faucet by Roca

and impose in public bathrooms, the same is a reason here. Touchless technology will play a major role here and it’s also important to understand that these products should be user-friendly and easy to maintain. We have further tale into considerations factors like pricing, durability, and affordability of products to make sure that most of the operators are using these.

CAN FLUSHING LEAD TO COVID-19 TRANSMISSION? FREDERICK: We have all read this report that

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flushing might lead to the spread of germs but still it’s not confirmed yet. But splashing of aerosols could be a major cause of bacteria to spread. So, we have to focus on technology that limits the flushing like Aquablade, disrupting innovation for flushing the toilets In 2015, Ideal Standard invented Aquablade technology which is a quantum leap in bathroom Hygiene. It uses discrete slots to channel a sharp flow of water across the bowl.

This results in the cleaning of up to 96% of the bowl area and reduces 75% splashing vs traditional rimless toilets. Even with hard

water, Aquablade resists lime build-up and clogging.

So, we have to invest in products that are technologically-advanced and touchless as much as possible. Again, we are tackling the problem of water-saving but still, we need to do more in this segment using technology and innovation. This is our responsibility as a brand.

VICTOR: What is vital here is that WCs should be splashing waster as little as possible. The European standards are highest in this regard.

Then there are technologies that allow for

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COVER STORY

Armitage Shanks SENSORFLOW technology by Ideal Standard

Sharib Rao specification sales manager at Geberit Gulf

Victor Schoone country manager Middle East, at Roca more hygienic WCs like rimless WCs. What I would like to see is a technology where I don’t have to touch anything, like if you do not have the electronic flushing system, one has to flush the WC and could be a major area of contamination.

SHARIB: There are a lot of reports that are doing the rounds that flushing might lead to the spread of the virus. But still, nothing proved till yet. But it’s important to understand that being responsible manufactures, we bring innovations in this segment.

The geometry of the bowls and designs of

the seats plays a huge role here.

TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION FREDERICK: In response to the coronavirus pandemic, the whole industry is answering with new products and technologies that reduces the touching of surfaces and limiting contact with other people. You can see the introduction of technologies like touchless faucets, sensor flushes, wall mounted ceramic products, automatic soap dispensers and many more to improve cleanliness by reducing touchpoints on highly trafficked places. In

addition to that, we have introduced some path-breaking technologies to achieve the highest level of Hygiene in public bathrooms.

Like our Sphero Urinal system is equipped with BMS (Bathroom Management Systems) to help facility or cleaning staff to better take care of bathrooms. For example, the staff may get a notification on his mobile of a possible clogging in a particular urinal, even before the clogging appears. Then, there are advanced self-flushing technologies from Ideal Standard, which can flush the urinal or toilet automatically in case it is ideal for a long

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COVER STORY

urinal dividers, this will be a great solution for the compact bathroom.

Dual electronic operating plate by Roca

DO WE NEED A HYGIENE CODE FOR BATHROOMS? FREDERICK: There are already some certifications here such as ESMA but we could benefit of a hygiene code such as Hospital Building Memorandum (HBM) done in the UK but there are others for residential and hospitality used across Europe and we adhere to all these European norms. I think we need a hygiene code not only for building but also for maintaining the bathroom. Many EU countries are already using such codes and our products follow all those standards.

VICTOR: I think we will globally see some guidelines and standards to come up with regard to the hygiene codes that guarantee that the bathroom spaces are more hygienic and safer. New constructions will require Ceraplus mixer by Waldorf Astoria, Dubai Ideal Standard

time. Our Markwik 21 faucets are designed in a way that they can be disinfected manually by redirecting hot water from the cold side of the tap. The bodies and spout of Markwik 21 faucets are easily demountable so they can be submersed in disinfectant or washed in machines for sterilisation. Ideal Standard and Armitage Shanks brand are leaps and bound ahead in terms of technologies to prevent infections. We also, very carefully integrate design in our products and it’s at the centre of our planning. We have partnered with designer Roberto Palomba and yes we can have different designs and finishes depending on where we are using the product. We have to take into account various parameters especially where the product will be used like

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residences, malls, hotels, and then we can advise accordingly.

SHARIB: Whether the bathrooms are small or big, there are some products which are very essential especially at the time of this kind of pandemic. The focus should be on touch-free or handsfree products whether the washroom is small or big, whether you go to a mall or a restaurant. Sensor faucets are a must-have, rim-free toilet are in demand, urinals with integrated sensors will also be big in the coming days.

VICTOR: Touchless technology will take the centerstage, the challenge is whether it can be used in the already-established set-ups? We are also launching anti-Covid protections screens in glass which are the

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COVER STORY

minimum standards for the public bathrooms which will include touchless solutions.

SHARIB: There are so many standards from every country for the bathrooms and public spaces are on top on the priority list. Post COVID-19, I believe the governments will work in this direction and must issue some guidelines for new constructions and old establishments. To work on the existing bathrooms, it’s a bit challenging but touchless technology is a great solution here like touchless flush plates.

LEARNINGS FROM THE PANDEMIC FREDERICK: The crisis is big. The solutions are available. But as our authorities say “We are all responsible”. Technology is useful only when it is wisely used. While technology will do its best to tackle this pandemic situation, there is a need for users to learn ways of hygienic living in this New Normal. Not only

Strada II by Ideal Standard

bathrooms, but hygiene innovations should be introduced in all the areas where public contact is risky. The team has proven to show resilience in these difficult circumstances. We need to be ready for the “New Normal” being flexible and ready to adapt, we’ll need to have courage, be agile, ready to change, and be dynamic.

VICTOR: We have been woken up this pandemic and is hygiene must be our top

priority. Innovations are there and new innovations are around the corner. The industry is working and pushing each other for more.

SHARIB: The most important thing is hygiene, most of the products are already in the market like touchless toilet, urinals, and faucets. FM companies will play a major role to ensure proper cleanliness. For manufacturers, I would say that it’s time to innovate more than ever.

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SUPPLIER FOCUS

FINDING SOLACE IN ART

In the time of pandemic, it’s important to divert your mind and get creative. If you’re an art enthusiast, do not miss out on these art galleries in the UAE

ELMARSA GALLERY Elmarsa was founded in 1994, in Tunis and expanded to Dubai in 2015. Specialised in both modern and contemporary North African art, it represents recognised 20th-century artists as well as mid-career artists. Elmarsa participates in several international art fairs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Paris, London, Marrakech, Miami, and New York.

LATEST EXHIBITIONS Elmarsa Gallery Dubai is pleased to present Nuances of black and white, an exhibition presenting a group of artists using black and white and the nuanced shades in between. On view at the gallery in Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, a selection of artworks by Abdelkader Guermaz, Abdulaziz Ashour, Ali Tnani, Aly Ben Salem, Atef Maatallah, Charles Hussein Zenderoudi, Gouider Triki, Halim Karabibene, Khaled Ben Slimane, Mahjoub Ben Bella, Mouna Karray, Nabil Saouabi, Nja Mahdaoui, Omar Bey, Rachid Koraichi and Raeda Ashour. Nuances of black and white juxtapose works that range from realism to abstraction to modern art, comprising a range of media including painting, drawing, engraving, ceramic, mosaic and photography, shining a light on the unique aesthetics of each artist.

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CONTACT DETAILS +971 43415806 info@galerielmarsa.com Though many of these artists are known for their bold utilisation of colour, their focus on the line, texture, and shadow shapes a more nuanced understanding of their work. In highlighting each artist’s individualized style, this exhibition encourages a conversation across Contemporary and Modern, formal and spiritual movements.

Exhibiting artists include Abdelkader Guermaz, Abdulaziz Ashour, Ali Tnani, Aly Ben Salem, Atef Maatallah, Charles Hussein Zenderoudi, Gouider Triki, Halim Karabibene, Khaled Ben Slimane, Mahjoub Ben Bella, Mouna Karray, Nabil Saouabi, Nja Mahdaoui, Omar Bey, Rachid Koraichi, and Raeda Ash.

www.design-middleeast.com

SUPPLIER FOCUS

CONTACT DETAILS +971 4 873 9800 hello@artjameel.org

JAMEEL ARTS CENTRE Jameel Arts Centre presents curated solo and group exhibitions, drawn both from the Art Jameel Collection and through regional and international collaborations. The centre is a 10,000sqm, three-storey, multidisciplinary space designed by UK-based practice Serie Architects. It also includes dedicated projects and events spaces; a rooftop terrace designed for installations, film screenings and events; and a restaurant and shop, and espresso bar.

Located by the creek in Jaddaf Waterfront, one of Dubai Holding’s mixeduse destinations, the Centre’s galleries are complemented by the Jameel Library, an open-access research centre dedicated to

artists and cultural movements in the Gulf states and beyond. The Centre serves as a hub for educational and research initiatives for diverse audiences. Its wider programming embraces partnerships with local, regional and international artists, curators and organisations.

LATEST EXHIBITIONS • Artist’s Rooms: June 10, 2020 – January 3, 2021, series marks its return with three new solo exhibitions by influential artists, including the Middle East premiere of a twochannel film installation by Larissa Sansour that debuted at the Venice Biennale; a set of 60 etchings by Taysir Batniji; and an audiovisual installation by multi-award-winning

Lawrence Abu Hamdan.

• Michael Rakowitz: March 11 – November 22, 2020. Renowned Iraqi-American artist Michael Rakowitz’s first major solo exhibition in Asia and the Middle East.

• Metropolis by Lubna Chowdhary: Until October 1, 2020, a 1000-object installation from the Art Jameel Collection, is on display in the Jameel’s Lobby.

• Jaddaf Aloud Online: continues to engage audiences at home with a programme of interactive, artist-led workshops for all ages; music performances; a directory featuring local artisans; and a ‘guided tour’ of diverse Dubai-based eateries that can fulfil home deliveries.

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SUPPLIER FOCUS

LEILA HELLER GALLERY Leila Heller Gallery was established over three decades ago in New York by Leila Taghiania-Milani Heller, as one of the first galleries highlighting Middle Eastern artists. In November 2015, Leila Heller Gallery opened its first international location in Dubai’s Alserkal Avenue. At 14,000sqft, the state-of-the-art gallery features three exhibition spaces, making it the largest gallery in the UAE. Forte Leila Heller Gallery has gained worldwide recognition as a pioneer in promoting creative dialogue and exchange between Western artists and Middle Eastern, Central and Southeast Asian artists. It has garnered a reputation for identifying and cultivating the careers of artists leaving a lasting impact on contemporary art and culture.

The gallery showcases leading regional and international artists, many of whom will be presenting their work in the Middle East for the first time, and is dedicated to supporting the evolving practise of established artists. Currently representing a diverse roster of Western and Middle Eastern artists, the gallery is also active in the American, European and Middle Eastern secondary art markets.

LATEST EXHIBITIONS Currently, the gallery is hosting three solo exhibitions. In “Habitat,” Melis Buyruk’s debut solo show in the UAE, large-scale porcelain masterworks create a ceramic topography of intricate flora and fauna encased in lit-up wooden boxes. The traditionally feminized and overlooked art form associated with domestic life is reinterpreted and points to bio-futurist tensions.

Italian Sculptor Francesca Pasquali creates wall reliefs and site-specific installations using manufactured plastic materials such as straws and neoprene in “Material Anatomy,” prompting a dialogue with the

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CONTACT DETAILS +97143216942 dubai@leilahellergallery.com region’s unique and nuanced relationship to petrochemicals. Tightly bound or folded together, the often monochrome structures follow rhythmic configurations, and recalls coral and microscopic anatomies.

Reza Derakshani's "Emanations", is a semiretrospective of his work, and recalls forgotten

tales and symbols of Iran's cultural heritage through a rich iconography drawing from medieval Persian poetry, literature, miniature painting, and sacred architectural sites laden with meaning. Celebrating both ornamentation and colour fields, the work finds space for figural representation in abstract aesthetics.

www.design-middleeast.com

SUPPLIER FOCUS

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SUPPLIER FOCUS

CONTACT DETAILS +9714 3411 367 art@thethirdline.com

THE THIRD LINE Founded in 2005, by the gallery’s current directors—Sunny Rahbar and Claudia Cellini—and businessman and UAE’s diplomat Omar Ghobash, The Third Line promotes contemporary Middle Eastern art and artist sat the local, regional, and international level. With a unique artist roster mainly comprised of Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian artists, The Third Line has fast become a distinct platform for established and emerging talent of the region and its diaspora.

Alongside its usual business, the gallery hosts programmes showcasing alternative art to foster interest, discourse, and artistic development around contemporary art, film, music, and literature in the region.

Pushing boundaries, the gallery is the

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first in Dubai to show video installations.

TheThird Line’s library publishes yearly books and monographs by and about the artists its rosters.

The Third Line represents over 25 artists working in a broad range of disciplines from across the Middle East. Included on the gallery’s roster of established and emerging artists are prominent Emiratis such as Farah Al Qasimi, as well as internationally acclaimedIranian artistS such as Monir Shahroudy Farman farmaian and Farhad Moshiri, the Egyptian photographer Youssef Nabil, and Lebanese photographer and filmmaker Fouad Elkoury. Also represented by the gallery are established artists connected to the region such as the London-based Bangladeshi sculptor Rana Begum, Iranian-American

artist Pouran Jinchi, and the Eurasian art collective Slavs and Tatars.

LATEST EXHIBITIONS In 2020, The Third Line will be participating in Art Dubai with a solo presentation by the acclaimed photographer, Hassan Hajjaj. Meanwhile, the gallery will also be opening two shows: a group exhibition titled ‘There Is Fiction In The Space Between’ with a selection of works by a few of the gallery’s represented artists as well as a solo show by Emirati photographer, Lamya Gargash, featuring her new series of work 'Sahwa' which was recently shown as part of the group exhibition at Abu Dhabi Art's 'Gateway: Fragments, Yesterday and Today'.

www.design-middleeast.com

TIPS & TRICKS

DECLUTTER YOUR HOME

Decluttering is a task for some but, a hobby for others. It is not just about getting rid of unnecessary junk but also place them in a well and organised manner within the four walls of any storage unit. By Western Furniture Select your choice of furnishing which you may use as storage or display like cabinets, sideboards, table with storage, bookcase or shelves.

Use tables to place centrepieces like bowls, vases, candles, etc.

Use the storage units to store things in it that are currently not in use but can be useful later.

Make sure to add some plants around these storage units to spruce up some nature within the space.

Finally, place these furnishings in the room that will not only cover up empty spaces but will add great appeal to the room as well.

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PROJECT

THE DESIGN SECRET IS OUT

There’s a new address to design and dining, The Secret Room at Five Palm Jumeirah Hotel by designer Paolo Ferrari

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www.design-middleeast.com

PROJECT

The bronze-coloured arched bar acts as a luminous showstopper in the nightclub

There’s a new place to party in town. The Secret Room, designed by Toronto-based Paolo Ferrari, is a nightclub that deftly threads together space and time with authenticity. The complex design draws inspiration from the far corners of the world—not unlike the cultural panoply of Dubai—and grounds it within the subterranean depths of the Five Palm Jumeirah Hotel.

“When we started this project, we had a visual of Villa Farnese [a renaissance-era mansion in Rome], then we spliced it with Anish Kapoor’s

Cloud Gate,” says Ferrari of The Secret Room’s early inspiration. Then, to anchor the idea of bacchanalian decadence with a feeling of noble restraint, the design team employed the concept of duality. “We articulated this as the duality of history (the past) and invention (the future),” explains Ferrari. “It’s about creating a kind of ambiguity of time and place.” Through that lens, a series of time-travelling assemblages could complement each other, rather than overwhelm.

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PROJECT

Mirrors throughout the nightclub visually expand the sultry space, but it is upon opening a door to the bathroom that guests are transported to The Secret Room’s most experimental area

There are carved wooden walls and smoked oak flooring, along with an artwork inspired by classic Italian bacchanal paintings

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www.design-middleeast.com

PROJECT

Each and every area is meticulously crafted with impeccable craftsmanship

A series of pedestal drink tables are cast from clear resin and meant to recall the physical shape of the liquid

The Dalí-esque statement bar speaks to the future, while soft furnishings conjure up an aesthetic reminiscent of the ’60s and ’70s. The classic interior architecture of the walls, ceiling, and floors delves farther back still, alluding to pre-20th century.

These elements were also loosely inspired by the final moments of Stanley Kubrick’s film 2001: A Space Odyssey, set in a Louis XIV-era French bedroom. “That scene has always resonated for me,” Ferrari says. “There is an incredible tension between the interior architecture, but at the same time it feels uncomplicated.” A similar effect is achieved in The Secret Room and, with it, a nod to retrofuturism is made clear.

The bar serves as a visually weighty object of discovery for guests and exudes an aerodynamic feel while also anchoring the space. The fibreglass bar was meticulously 3-D modelled from the inside-out then milled from custom moulds—not unlike fabricating a custom speedboat—and its design is mirrored in the sculpted aesthetic of the host and DJ station.

The seduction of an underground lair invites a sense of artistry from those who set foot within the multi-faceted speakeasy. “For us, The Secret Room is a unicorn in our portfolio. It is a reminder that a great club pulls on your alter ego,” signs off Ferrari.

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PICK OF THE MONTH

Switch on with style MELJAC is adding a splash of colour to the summer season. Swiyches and sockets in vibrant or pastel shades, plain or patterned, a vast range of effects can be created thanks to MELJAC’s unique combination of skilled craftsmanship and advanced technology. All MELJAC products are made in France from quality materials and carry the prestigious Origine France Garantie label.

The brand offers a range of vibrant, colourful models for a stylish look that suits all tastes. Your chosen shade can be added to the quality materials used, such as brass, glass, and porcelain, to blend in perfectly with your interior. Each model can also be customised with engraving.

The brass and tempered glass collections can be finished with any of the shades in the RAL colour chart. Porcelain products (glazed or unglazed) come in around thirty colours that can be selected from a specific colour chart, with the added option of hand-painted customised motifs.

MELJAC also has a plexiglass range, which allows its products to blend into the background to bring out the colours in a wall covering.

Availability: www.meljac.com

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Our SME eShop delivers.

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