Design Middle East October 2019

Meet five supremely talented people who're shaping the future of the industry in many different ways

P26 - SHORTLIST ANNOUNCED FOR DESIGN MIDDLE EAST AWARDS 2019

www.design-middleeast.com

October 2019

Movers & Shakers

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

Contents Oc tober 2019

18

14 IN THIS ISSUE‌ 18 Cover Story

The recent movers and shakers in the design industry share their journeys

16

16

Interview

14

OP-ED

26

Awards Shortlist

50

Feature

Albi Serfaty talks about his latest stackable ToTeM lighting collection

Cynthia Helena Rif on why co-working spaces will further grow

Shortlist announced for Design Middle East Awards 2019

How the paint and coatings industry is changing in the region

50 October 2019

|1

Contents Oc tober 2019

10

58

56 REGULARS 5

Editor’s Note

10 Newsmakers 56 Event Review 58 Events 60 Pick of the Month

2|

October 2019

www.design-middleeast.com

DELIVERING SUPERIOR TURNKEY FIT-OUT SERVICES & PRODUCTS.

Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre Al Ain, Abu Dhabi

Sintoho, Four Seasons Hotel Al Mirqab, Kuwait

No. 57 Boutique CafĂŠ Al Bateen Harbour, Abu Dhabi

Since 1998, Havelock One Interiors has established itself as a leading turnkey fit-out service provider in the Middle East. We specialise in interior contracting and manufacturing of bespoke joinery, metal works and shop-fittings. Being driven by the aspiration to deliver exceptional work through the power of thoughtful precision, Havelock One supports its demanding clients with high-end services and products for hospitality, F&B, retail, commercial, government, entertainment and selected residential projects.

www.havelockone.com

Havelock One. Consider it done.

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

Commercial director Delphene Fletcher delphene@bncpublishing.net +971 55 9910706

Business development director Rabih Naderi

Welcome

W

e are inching towards one of the biggest events in the region—Design Middle East Awards 2019, to be held on October 23 at Sofitel The Palm. I am superexcited as we have received 350 plus nominations this year. It’s been an amazing journey and we would like to thank each one of you for your love, support, and encouragement.

This edition is very special as it covers the biggest movers and shakers in the industry—their goals, aspirations, and desires to bring impactful changes in design and architecture.

Moving on, we are unveiling the shortlist in this edition and there are some of the most amazing people, projects, and companies fighting for the top spot. There’s another interesting feature on paints and coatings and how the industry is changing with the changing times as experts share their opinions on trends, challenges, and their expansion plans.

rabih.naderi@bncpublishing.net +966 50 328 9818

Editor

See you at the awards & happy reading!

Roma Arora

Roma Arora roma@ bncpublishing.net

Art director Aaron Sutton aaron@bncpublishing.net

This time, I am all heart for the sustainable lights

by Maiori featured in the Pick of the Month section.

Marketing Executive Vince Celestial vince@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

delphene@bncpublishing.net

T +971 55 9910706 All rights reserved © 2019.

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.

Images used in Design Middle East are credited when necessary.

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

FOLLOW US ON www.design-middleeast.com /designmideast /designmiddleeast /designmiddleeast @designmiddleeast

Printed by UPP

October 2019

|5

// October 2019

Newsmakers

www.design-middleeast.com /designmideast /designmiddleeast

Arches on the walls are lit with ground recessed amber coloured LED spotlights placed into niches

ZKLD uses dramatic lighting effect for an F&B project in Istanbul Loco de Pera is located on the ground floor of Passage de Petit Champs which is a mixed-use passage built in the 19th-century in Istanbul’s Pera district. Space was redesigned by Tabanlıoğlu Architects in accordance with the restaurant/bar function. The main purpose of the renovation was to create a modern, remarkable, and inspiring atmosphere whilst preserving the spirit of the space.

The striking bar covered with satin gold stainless steel and other modern interior design elements allowed integration of historical texture with the modern times.

10 |

October 2019

With the contribution of the lighting design by ZKLD Studio; Loco de Pera offers a warm and elegant atmosphere yet blending new and old.

The main objective of Loco de Pera’s lighting design concept was to create stunning and inviting visuals that blends with the architectural characteristics of the space. The first decision was related to light colour temperatures. For all effect lightings, colour temperature was selected as 2200K to highlight the natural red brick material of the space and also to create a serene and cosy ambience.

Firstly; for general lighting, the main design parameter was to be able to serve proper light to two integrated functions of the space: dining/lounge. For these functions, there are different requirements in terms of the quantity and quality of light. Therefore lighting design was intended to be controllable to make the dimmed or dramatically lit atmospheres possible. According to this, general lighting had been constituted with controllable custom made luminaries with two adjustable spotlights.

For the effect lighting; the first architectural element that

took into consideration was the arched ceiling. To emphasise the arched natural brick material of the ceiling, linear luminaires with aluminium profiles were placed on the custom made trays added above the ventilation channels passing through the right and left axes of the space.

Satin gold stainless steel covered bar was the other architectural element that ZKLD focussed on. To emphasise the bar without any undesired glare effects, indirect lighting was used just like in every other lighting detail of the bar area.

www.design-middleeast.com

NEWSMAKERS

This campus in Turkey by Era Architects is inspired by natural topography

Garanti BBVA Bank Technology Campus , Turkey Photo credit: Cemal Emden

Located between major highways of Istanbul, D-100 and TEM, in the proximity of Sabiha Gökçen Airport in Pendik, Istanbul, the project transforms an old industrial chemical factory land into a technology company campus for one of the most dynamic Turkish banks. Garanti BBVA Bank Technology Campus

by Era Architects is inspired by the natural topography around the site.

The goal of creating a clear contrast to the surroundings’ unorganised urban fabric, a crystal volume as the main working environment is lying gently over several artificial

hills sheltering various functions such as two 600 and 200 seat auditoriums, educational meeting spaces, cafeterias, lounges on bridges, data centre and many other functions. With approximately 142,000sqm total built area and 51,000sqm site are, the campus programme is configured into three major sections: a 53,500sqm open offices, a 16,000sqm auditorium, educational spaces and cafeterias, a 72,500sqm for parking, a Tier 4 data centre, a sports centre, common spaces, archives, and service areas.

The horizontal floating volume

connects the two plots of the site by the introduction of hanging bridges and glazed screen walls over 30 meters spans. The buildings’ main structure is a flat slab concrete system at the offices and exposed frame structure at the lower levels. Along the outer skin, office spaces have been freed out of columns by 4.5 to 11m deep cantilevers. All four office levels are similar. The widest cantilevering areas are supported by large composite beams placed on the roof. The four levels office block stands partially on a transfer structure to enable the widespan volume for the auditorium

located within one of the hills.

Flexibility and maximising the daylight is one of the major criteria for the working spaces, the accessibility to the office spaces has been organised through a set of elevated open courtyards where the users circulate and also have the ability to rest and socialise at lounges placed on bridges allowing many surprising views and vistas. The transparency is used to integrate the working spaces with the city, allowing the users to interact and to create different experiences throughout the year.

October 2019

| 11

NEWSMAKERS

Silestone announces a new advertising campaign featuring Cindy Crawford

The SUPERCAR CAPSULE is dedicated to showcasing the luxury car in a space designed just for it

Who needs a boring garage? SUPERCAR CAPSULE is here SUPERFUTUREDESIGN* creates the SUPERCAR CAPSULE, a unique concept that gives your expensive toys a centrestage to captivate the audience.

Developed by a team of architects and designer for a taste of bespoke luxury, which includes supercars. Their passion for spectacular supercars has led them to create a distinct spatial design that enhances the car’s features.

After all, your luxury car should get just as much attention as your home.

The SUPERCAR CAPSULE a new concept by SUPERFUTUREDESIGN*, so you can add that to the portfolio in addition to their awardwinning architecture and design work. The SUPERCAR CAPSULE is a palette of unique ports that keep the automobile in a closed space, allowing owners’ supercars to emerge as if from a dedicated showroom. It’s an exclusive design service to transform your garage into your private showroom, so now you can feel like a millionaire from a superhero movie. This unique space will encourage visitors, guests, and the owner to appreciate its qualities. As a result, your supercar contributes to a distinct aesthetic experience at home, even when it’s not on the roads.

SUPERCAR CAPSULE is the brainchild of Italian consultancy firm ASZarchitetti Group, comprising ASZarchitetti and SUPERFUTUREDESIGN*.

Combined, the design collective has completed well over 400 projects across the residential, commercial, and luxury retail sectors throughout

12 |

October 2019

Europe, Asia, Saudi Arabia, and of course, the Middle East, During its 20 years of operation, the ASZ Group has excelled at proposing novel design solutions for demanding clients. Spectators and audiences can understand more about their impressive ‘winning streak’ of successful projects through press publications and awards.

Each SUPERCAR CAPSULE can go beyond the limit in terms of individuality and customisation.

This is because they’re custom-made in every new setting, so you see the construction develop from the ground up. You can choose from a plethora of custom options to make sure your SUPERCAR CAPSULE aligns with your needs, style, property, villa type, and car park size. Nonetheless, to maintain steady efficacy in each project, the design is based on a range of predefined configurations. These are used as a pinboard for every customised project.

You can select a captivating SUPERCAR CAPSULE based on your space requirements and how you would like to display your car. One of the models involves creating a new capsule to merge with the home’s interior. This will incorporate the garage with existing rooms, in which a simple wall will transform into a bespoke exhibition for your statement piece.

It allows guests and visitors to appreciate and admire your supercar without having to take them to the garage – your car becomes a part of the interior décor.

Cindy Crawford

The global leader in quartz countertops, Silestone by Cosentino, is delighted to announce its new global advertising campaign, “Tops on Top 2019”, starring the supermodel and entrepreneur, Cindy Crawford. Success, ambition and leadership link Crawford and Silestone, with “Tops on Top 2019” bringing together two of the “top” players in their respective fields.

The new advertising campaign is a celebration of beauty and elegance, and of the success achieved through effort, hard work and perseverance, qualities that both the American supermodel and the Spanish brand know a great deal about and can be proud of. They are the true stars of the new advertisement, which aims to showcase the natural partnership due to their joint ethos and values. In the ad, we see a stunning Cindy Crawford with a spectacular Silestone countertop in the new colour Eternal Noir, which gleams like a jewel while offering an innovative surface with the best and most advanced technical features.

www.design-middleeast.com

NEWSMAKERS

Inspired by Chinese culture, LW gives contemporary look to the Raffles Hotel in Shenzhen

Project Chaiwala, Media City, Dubai

Maja Kozels’ Project Chaiwala embraces sustainable design elements Maja Kozel’s latest commission—Project Chaiwala at Media City Dubai is an inviting and colourful space that exudes a homely and cosy feel because of the sustainable materials used in the process. The material palette includes sustainable choices such as timber, black steel, and locally-sourced terrazzo.

Dutch interior designer Marwa El Nory collaborated with Kozel on the project, providing finishing touches to space. Just like in traditional chai shops, the focus of Project Chaiwala’s design is on the main attraction i.e. the ‘chaiwala’ working his magic at his station, as well as the customer’s comfort. The ‘chai-making’ station captivates the audience with its traditional elements as soon as they enter, with its bright turquoise colour and shutter framing the chaiwala as he pours tea with finesse. Kozel wanted to modernise cultural elements, which explains material selections like black steel and timber, along with indirect lighting, as a means to focus on the counter. Its turquoise shutter with the Project Chaiwala logo, which gives an urban street vibe, will even intrigue people passing by the entrance. Behind the shutter are shelves stocked with different speciality teas, while the exposed Kashmiri tea pink-coloured ceiling gives an uplifting atmosphere.

Space features extra storage as part of the design – reclaimed shelves act as a backdrop against a concrete wall, displaying functionality without compromising on innovation. Maja selected custom-made planters with included storage for the booth seating and the Chaiwala station as a way to divide the space without restrictive barriers, while still adding the aspect of privacy.

LW Dubai team has completed a stunning interior scheme for the new Raffles Hotel in Shenzhen, China. Raffles, One Shenzhen Bay, is an iconic tower that reflects the pace of growth and modernisation of Shenzhen and stands proud as a new beacon in opulent living.

The hotel, which features 168 spacious guest rooms and suites, occupies the top floors of an 80-storey tower in the One Shenzhen Bay development.

The LW design team, headed up by Pia Sen, was tasked with creating a contemporary interior that pays respect to the Chinese culture in which it is set. Evident throughout is the connection between the spectacular views over the bay and the design.

Everywhere you look, the panoramas dominate. “We were challenged to work around the views, we wanted to integrate them into the design rather than block them out,” says Sen. Visitors are transported from the double volume ground floor entrance straight up to the Sky Lobby on the 34th floor. Here, the majesty of the Pearl River Delta and the rich décor blend seamlessly with the feeling of coming home. On the Banqueting Floor, recessed high ceilings cleverly disguise lighting that sets a perfect scene for the flexible event spaces. From distinguished meeting rooms to the grandiose ballroom, each area reflects meticulous standards.

The 168 rooms and suites, inclusive of a 465sqm presidential suite, are accessed by corridors that showcase interesting artefacts.

Once inside the rooms, the interiors are based on neutral shades, with pops of nature-inspired colour featured in the loose rugs, cushions, and quilts.

On the ground floor, a cake shop has been designed as a light, bright replica of a bespoke jewellery store, down to the glass display cases and amethyst-inspired lights. Further up, on level 34, the Lobby leads into a 500sqm all-day dining restaurant that follows a gently Chinese theme. The Raffles signature Writer’s Bar is contemporary with a masculine theme. Through hidden library doors, the guest is led to a small leather-clad bar. A built-in fireplace divides the bar area from the lounge.

In the Japanese signature restaurant, the contemporary design uses dark materials, such black marble floors and walls, black timber screens and rose-gold toned metalwork. Black marble counters run along the show kitchen wall, which is clad in rose-gold toned metal with an embossed cherry blossom motif.

October 2019

| 13

Op-ed

Is co-working space fad or the future?

Cynthia Helena Rif, co-founder, Witwork, tells us why co-working is by no means a trend that will fade out and is something that we will only see more of in the years to come

T

he co-working space concept originated in 2005, when groups of entrepreneurs would meet at a communal space, possibly a friend's house, or a larger venue such as a library and work together. Even in its infancy, individuals saw in it the benefit of a union of great minds in one space, feeding each other’s professional energy.

Soon enough, this way of working then

14 |

October 2019

started to become a trend with a structured and more civilised approach. At first, people would meet at their favourite coffee places and enjoy refreshments and high-speed internet whilst they worked. Then and more so in recent years, the co-working concept became an official alternative to work and the idea was elevated to a business model where office spaces are developed solely for the purpose of co-working: that trend did not

stop only at individuals or freelancers, as many smaller companies adopted this process and saw a leaner way of starting up that saved a lot on their overheads.

Co-working is definitely here to stay, as it is the more flexible approach to the working week. Even some of the largest organizations adopt a regular out of office day and take advantage of these pleasant working environments. Flexibility and work culture are

www.design-middleeast.com

Op-Ed

hot topics within the employment landscape nowadays as we see more businesses offer flexibility by allowing their employees to work one day out of the office, in order to avoid work burnout. It is also their chance to tap into the minds of the young start-ups that bring new blood and loads of idea to the heavy vehicle that is a corporate entity.

In Dubai for example, the region’s main business hub, many brands would appreciate the co-working space concept that would enable an easier and leaner expansion into the region in their early months of operation.

A trench that we shouldn’t forget and that benefits a lot from a co-working offering, the teleworkers; those individuals that work between cities and would appreciate working

from a networking area, that will cut some travelling costs for them.

Working within these communal spaces is a networking opportunity in itself. Coworking also ensures access to a host of other businesses at your fingertips, and in turn, a platform from which to promote your own business.

A co-working space is far from the formal air of an office environment, yet equally ensures a more structured working day as opposed to working from home. The amenities on offer are often more bespoke than your kettle and standard instant coffee too. Furthermore, separating work from home compliments the strive for work-life balance.

Having a confirmed office address for your

business will remain a goal for many or even most businesses. The kudos and identity of your own front door is still at the forefront for many business owners.

Co-working spaces are a platform to spring from, a starting block and a cost-effective way of running many businesses, at least on a short run, before the shift to a permanent set-up.

Will they ever replace the formal office?

Maybe the future will witness the rise of a morphed model that combines the trendiness, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness of co-working with the structured set-up of that cubicle and “box” office. A model where both corporates and individuals, i.e. start-ups freelancers and digital nomads, share spaces and much more.

October 2019

| 15

Interview

The future of light Albi Serfaty, founder and creative director at Aqua Creations, talks about stackable ToTeM lighting collection

Tell us something about yourself?

I am in love with Aqua Creations studio and it is an honour to design for this company. Aqua Creations has a history of 27 years of creating iconic designs combined with cutting-edge technologies.

How would you describe the lighting design you’ve created — ToTeM for Aqua Creation? Which areas are best suited for it?

The ToTeM collection will become Aqua Creations long-term basic lighting line. There is a need for such affordable light options that are perfect for home and commercial design. I see the collection best suitable for public spaces such as school entrances or restaurants. I also love to seem them hanging near staircases as long hang "earrings."

16 |

October 2019

Since the To, Te, and M models are different in size and shape, they are suitable for both low and high ceilings. The versatility makes them great for every kind of project.

Where is the ToTem available in the Middle East and other GCC Countries?

The ToTeM collection is available in the UAE via Aqua Creations, Caspaiou Design & Interiors, and Debbas. It is also available for purchase in Turkey via Tepta Lighting in Istanbul

How do you arrive at your design choices? What influences have there been and what practical considerations?

My preferred way to design is to solve a puzzle

that is placed in front of me. The ToTeM collection is the first collection we designed to fit a client's very specific needs. We created a lamp that would function in various modern spaces, with very good light in CRI and light power, that was LED-powered and that would be present in a space, but not dominate it. The ToTeM collection became that answer.

What do interior designers and architects tend to overlook when thinking about lighting for their projects?

Interior designers tend to overlook the impact of lighting in projects. Light is magical and lighting in a project needs to produce great light, but at the same time be pleasant to look at it. Secondly, it’s the pricing. Designers have to fit

www.design-middleeast.com

Interview

lobby and bar ambience. I believe computerised lamps are the future of lighting.

What are the biggest trends in lighting design right now?

The latest trend was called technical lighting, but now I see a movement to lighting design that can do so much more for us. We need and should get so much more from our lights rather than on and off, dim, and high CRI. Lighting should be as a hi-fi speaker that is able to play any kind of music. At the moment, most lamps are “playing” only one light. This must change for health reasons and because we can use the updated technology of computers and RGB LED. This is our focus during the last three years. This is the future of lighting.

great lighting with a specific budget. The third is matching. Designers always have a conceptual design for space and the lighting should add to it. The fourth aspect is that lighting should be with LED-bulbs that are dimmable. All these considerations reflect good taste in design.

ToTeM stacked pendant light at Chang & Co: photography: Raquel Lang

Can you tell us about a recent project/products you’ve been really pleased with, and why?

Aqua Creations just finished designing and building a 35m long lamp in a youth hostel lobby led by my pattern and project manager. I was so happy with the technology. 13 VAL (video art lamp) panels are featured and blend with a black-metal finish. The LED panels are controlled by a dedicated app that we created. I love the way the lamp changes and dominates the hostel

October 2019

| 17

Cover Story

THE NEWSMAKERS The design industry is full of talented people bursting with creativity and energy.

They want to explore and try different things to realise their dreams and goals. In conversation with five supremely gifted movers and shakers in the industry who’ve recently turned to new opportunities and are pushing the boundaries of design— aiming for something fresh and challenging

Left to right: Michael Lewis; Catalina Ruiz Urquiola; Vaida Buchrotaite; Julie Blondeel; and Roy Posey

18 |

October 2019

www.design-middleeast.com

Cover Story

Roy Posey, design director Wilson Associates, Dubai Studio

Roy Posey began his career in interior design conceiving restaurant and bar interiors, as well as designing interiors for high-end residential projects. He has worked for interior design firms such as Keane, where he was head of design; as well as a number of years with Hirsch Bedner Associates, and The Honest Group.

Tell us something about your current role at Wilson Associates?

Roy Posey is currently working on Marsa Al Arab project

As design director in Wilson Associates’ Dubai studio, I will oversee the studio’s design initiatives, projects, conceptualisation, and staffing—serving as a vital mentor to the growing Middle East-based design team. I am confident that with such a talented design team here in the studio, there will be lots of opportunities for our team to carry out the most creative projects in the region. Bringing with me over 15 years of design experience, I am grateful to have joined this renowned firm, and I look forward to growing our presence further in this constantly changing market.

Are you concerned about environmental and social sustainability in your buildings?

Honestly, it’s a tricky balance. We must take responsibility to ensure that the impact of our work results in a positive outcome for the environment. Traditionally, what has been considered “luxury” in material terms, lies with an abundance of expensive, exotic finishes, which typically come with a decent-sized carbon footprint. Whilst this material layer will likely remain the expectation of many consumers, social changes are driving a new perception of what is a luxury is. The population is getting more vocal, and as designers, we must keep up and aim to bring new innovative ideas and endeavour to guide our clients into making the right choices to reduce our carbon footprint.

measure, as much of it is driven by emotion. We must be prepared for the differing of opinions could we have we done something better? Are there things we missed including? Were there certain features you wanted to add but didn’t have the budget? Awards tend to stand for the recognition of great design and, of course, we can measure the profitability of a project as well. Let us not forget the mechanics involved in getting to the end result—what the team learned along the way, and for me as an individual designer, striving to achieve my own goals while moving from project to project. If we allow ourselves to grow and develop as designers, the above rewards will come as a result. The goal is not to be recognised based on the amount of hardware we receive for the office trophy case, but instead for our work ethic and meticulousness of the work we deliver.

What is your ultimate goal when it comes to your work?

What is the next project you're slated to work on?

The success of our work can be difficult to truly

Currently, I am working on a number of hospitality

projects with my team including the Westin Resort & Hotel Ras Al Khaimah; the refurbishment of one of Dubai’s most well-known foodie destinations, Pai Thai at the Al Qasr Hotel; as well as the Marsa Al Arab project.

Do you have any thoughts on the future of design?

Technological development has so much to say in the future of our work. And frankly, we need it. We now have the ability to 3D print an entire building, a chair, or whatever we want.

In my opinion, it’s the work touched and made by hand that will keep us grounded. We see it in exquisite rugs, leather goods, and ceramics, just to name a few. It’s important that as designers, we take technology and shape it to our own traditions to stay relevant, however, doing so in keeping with the diversity and individuality wherever we can as it these elements that often define a success story we are trying to tell in our design.

October 2019

| 19

Cover Story

Vaida Buchrotaite, design manager Swiss Bureau Interior Design

Before moving to Swiss Bureau Interior Design, Vaida Buchrotaite was with Perkins+Will for over four years as a senior interior designer and later a project manager, working on projects with major developers and hotel chains like Marriott, Chedi, Kempinski, Shaza, Emaar Hospitality Group, and Ellington to name a few.

Tell us about your current role.

In 2015, Vaida Buchrotaite worked on Marriott Diplomatic Quarter project in Riyadh

The year 2019, has been very rewarding. I joined the Swiss Bureau family and found myself surrounded by like-minded individuals: hardworking, strong-willed, and passionate. I was tasked with launching the Swiss Bureau’s Hospitality & Residential Department, which has been met with great success so far. During the process, I’ve also thoroughly enjoyed concentrating more on business development, branding, and marketing aspects of the business.

Are you concerned about environmental and social sustainability in your buildings?

We have a number of in-house policies aiming to reduce waste as a company as well as pushing strongly for sustainable and resilient designs in all of our projects. I am LEED and RELi accredited and working towards Well certification to ensure that we have the most up to date knowledge and solutions for our projects.

What do you find most challenging working in this region?

Given the challenging market environment, programme deadlines are getting tighter and budgets are under pressure. It is more important than ever to have efficient and effective strategies in place and to manage time and resources wisely.

What is your ultimate goal when it comes to your work?

To create meaningful and impactful designs that stand the test of time and brings satisfaction to end-users, whilst also enjoying the process and creative journey along the way.

20 |

October 2019

Buchrotaite is also working on a private luxury residence at Swiss Bureau

What is the next project you're slated to work on?

Do you have any thoughts on the future of design?

I have a few amazing projects in the pipeline that cannot be disclosed yet but are currently wrapping up packages for a super yacht and an exciting boutique restaurant in Switzerland.

Working on diverse and eclectic projects is very important to any team’s morale and growth potential. We strive to ensure that the projects we deliver convey purposeful and inspiring design.

User experience has always been an important driver in design. Recent trends in experiential travel, 8-second pitches, “Instagram moments”, wellness, and constantly evolving technology continue to blur the lines between, hospitality, healthcare workspace, and F&B. These factors will continue to evolve and influence the industry.

www.design-middleeast.com

Cover Story

Michael Lewis, group design director Brewer Smith Brewer Group (BSBG)

Michael Lewis was the director at Benoy Architects for 16 years, before taking on the role of senior design director with Dubai developer Meraas. Some of his previous projects include The Beach, La Mer, City Walk, Nikki Beach, Bluewater Wharf, the Yas Island Masterplan, leading to Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

Tell us about your current role.

Michael Lewis' recent project— JA Lake View Hotel

At BSBG, we’ve built a reputation for design, which is founded on our understanding of how people use space, how they react to it and the connection they feel to carefully designed architecture that pays attention to the details. My role as group design director is to expand our design studio (+studio), cultivate the talent we already have within the team, and to ensure that passion and flair for design are directed in the right way to enable us to create buildings that people enjoy and feel a real emotive connection with.

Are you concerned about environmental and social sustainability in your buildings?

I think every design architect has a concern for environmental and social sustainability in his or her work. We know we’re not delivering a solution for a singular point in time; we are sculpting space, which must provide value long after it’s delivered. We design for the life cycle, knowing that the building use may evolve with time, and facilitating that process with a flexible design approach. Environmentally, we will always seek to use sustainably-sourced materials and will endeavour through nuances of design to minimise the environmental impacts of our buildings to the largest possible extent.

What do you find most challenging working in this region?

There are no challenges greater than those we exact upon ourselves. We have extremely high standards and we strive to deliver the best design and the best value to our clients, which bring a set of unique challenges. But we have a depth of understanding of this region (having been here for 43 years), as

well as further afield through our design teams in London and Asia. We are adding a new dimension to the design of buildings here – creating aesthetically stunning architecture, but with a real sense of purpose, and based on the correct foundations for the experience of the space.

What is the next project you're slated to work on?

We have numerous ongoing projects, the majority of which are currently subject to confidentiality because of the early stage they’re at. However, many of our new design projects focus upon wellness, the flow of spaces, creating a connection with the environment, and the overall human experience. These focal points are visible in our design of JA Lake View Hotel, which opened recently, and throughout our design of Banyan Tree Residences – Hillside Dubai, due to be delivered shortly.

What is your ultimate goal when it comes to your work?

I have been extremely fortunate to lead the

design of some very successful public realm projects, such as The Beach, La Mer & Citywalk, and when you’re able to visit these places and see how your project has been received, you really start to understand how these projects become a catalyst for urban-led experiences and the foundation of positive change.

Do you have any thoughts on the future of architecture and design?

Design trends come and go, but the constant in architecture is beautifully detailed buildings and public realms that add to their environment.

We are seeing a movement in more ‘natural’ design responses and a shift from the design of buildings to the design of wellness experiences within all areas of architecture. Creating places for people and focussing on a legacy and valuedriven approach that ensures a lasting change for the better. We must drive for investing in a design that adds to our environment, a design that sets a sustainable example and design that is aligned to people who live and work within the framework that we create.

October 2019

| 21

Cover Story

Catalina Ruiz Urquiola, executive director Super Studio

Catalina Ruiz Urquiola has come from a family of architects and designers and has been exposed to design since her childhood. She has worked for brands in both design and fashion industry.

Tell us about your current role.

I have recently joined Super Studio as a partner and executive director. Mohsin Jawaheri founded super Studio in 2012, with just a few brands including Magis, Moooi, and Tom Dixon.

Since then, we have expanded to represent almost 40 world-class design brands for the GCC including Agape Casa, ClassiCon, Giopato & Coombes, Kettal, Lee Broom, and Moroso.

Giopato & Coombes lighting brand is available at Super Studio

How major lighting brands are accepting the concept of sustainability?

We see more and more requests for sustainability in the region and have started to understand more in-depth what our brands are doing to address this matter. We are also always on the hunt for new sustainable brands. DeVorm, a Dutch brand we have partnered with, use PET felt that comes from recycled plastic bottles to manufacture their furniture. The increased demand for this brand marks a trend, even if it doesn’t always translate into sales.

What do you find most challenging working in this region?

One of the most challenging things in this market is the short deadline for projects, especially in the procurement stages. Unfortunately, this is something difficult for us to address as the products and brands we carry are manufactured by skilled craftsman under strict production processes that cannot be rushed. The other challenge we face in this region is the acceptance of copies despite the difference in quality and warranty. The brands are addressing this individually; both Moooi and Agape Casa have RFID tags in their products and an app where you can verify the authenticity

22 |

October 2019

by serial number as well as the warranty.

What is the next project you're slated to work on?

We are opening a new showroom in Al Quoz where we will feature a lifestyle display of furniture and lighting. We aim to highlight the uniqueness of our brands and increase brand awareness, as well as expand our retail business.

What is your ultimate goal when it comes to your work?

We don’t consider Super Studio to be a classic

furniture showroom but more of a platform for inspiration and creation. We are working in collaboration with all our brands as well as local designers to create projects that stand out.

Do you have any thoughts on the future of design?

This region is constantly evolving and so are the aesthetic demands. The speed at which trends move never ceases to surprise us and keeps us on the constant hunt for new products to meet the design challenges of our clients and designers.

www.design-middleeast.com

Cover Story

Julie Blondeel, interior designer Stickman Tribe

Before joining the boutique firm Stickman Tribe, Julie Blondeel was active as an intern at Wilson Associates. Besides, she completed two internships during her university at Creneau International and SUPERFUTUREDESIGN*.

What do you find most challenging working in this region?

The fast pace in the region is one of the most challenging parts for me as a young designer. Despite the tight deadlines, you cannot lose track of the importance of details and the finishing off of the project. It is key to be organized, efficient, and focussed.

What is your ultimate goal when it comes to your work?

My ultimate goal is to positively influence the community that I am serving. Being passionate about design, I intend to represent this in the projects I work on and the people I meet in the field.

The outdoor view of the labour accommodation, Julie Blondeel redesigned for her senior project—Deconstruct, a labour accommodation for male individuals to improve their well-being

Tell us about your current role.

After moving to Dubai four years ago, I graduated from the American University in Dubai in May 2019. Having studied in Dubai and Europe offers me the opportunity to bring my creativity to a new level – combining the multi-cultural environment and freshness of the city Dubai with the rich history and rootedness of Europe.

Recently, I have joined the Stickman Tribe team with the position of an interior designer. I am excited to take on the position considering I am being given the chance to hands-on experience and absorb what being a designer defines.

Are you concerned about environmental and social sustainability in your buildings?

Yes, I am, and I think every designer is and should be nowadays. Today, I believe designers are being given plenty of helpful tools such as environment-friendly manufacturingprocesses, materials, and technologies that play part in improving environmental and social sustainability in our buildings. It is the role of the designer to substantially make use of the specific factors, connect them, and bring the different elements to the next level.

What is the next project you're slated to work on?

I will be collaborating on different highend and large-scale hospitality projects. I am very excited to play a part on this with the Stickman Tribe team. Further, I aim to design a labour accommodation in real-life as it would make an essential difference to the occupants in terms of their well-being.

Do you have any thoughts on the future of design?

I believe design and architecture will become more of a common good. It will be seen as a necessity and a basic right that is accessible to everyone. For now, designers have to create awareness around their unique skill set that can positively impact an individual’s life.

October 2019

| 23

awards SHORTLIST

Middle East

Presented by

Shortlist unveiled for Design Middle East Awards 2019 We would like to thank each one of you who have shown interest in Design Middle East Awards 2019, presented by du. This year, we have received 300 plus nominations and we are super-thrilled. These awards are all about the celebration of the creative best and foremost from the region’s design industry. The awards will honour the best of designers, architects, projects, design, and architectural companies. The ceremony with various categories will strive to recognise the individual excellence, company strengths, and project success, and the leading design experts are a part of our jury. Design Middle East Awards will take place at Sofitel The Palm, Dubai on October 23, 2019.

Here’s the much-awaited shortlist!

Company Awards Individual Awards Project Awards

26 |

October 2019

Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

www.design-middleeast.com

AWARDS SHORTLIST

Architectural Firm of the Year • SIEC • TABANLIOGLU ARCHITECTS • U+A

• JT+ PARTNERS • AEDAS • STUDIO COSTA ARCHITECTURE

Company Awards

• NORR GROUP • RMJM • RSP

Norr Group

RMJM

RSP

SIEC

Tabanlioglu Architects

U+A

JT + Partners

Aedas

Studio Costa Architecture October 2019

| 27

Awards SHORTLIST

Interior Design Firm of the Year • SWISS BUREAU INTERIOR DESIGN • GEO_ID • BISHOP DESIGN

• VSDS DESIGN STUDIO • DWP • KCA INTERNATIONAL

• LW • GODWIN AUSTEN JOHNSON • KORUS INTERIORS

Swiss Bureau Interior Design

Korus Interiors

Bishop Design

VSDS Design Studio

dwp

KCA International

LW

Godwin Austen Johnson

Geo_ID

28 |

October 2019

www.design-middleeast.com

AWARDS SHORTLIST

Fit-Out Firm of the Year A&T GROUP INTERIORS DESIGN INFINITY ALEC FITOUT BOND INTERIORS

• • • •

DEPA INTERIORS EMKAY SUMMERTOWN INTERIORS HAVELOCK ONE

• GDM INTERIORS • Innerspace

A&T Group Interiors

Design Infinity

GDM Interiors

Bond Interiors

DEPA Interiors

Emkay

Summertown Interiors

Innerspace

Havelock One

Alec Fitout

Company Awards

• • • •

October 2019

| 29

Awards SHORTLIST

Boutique Firm of the Year • • • •

RABIH GEHA ARCHITECTS MMAC DESIGN ASSOCIATES BRAND CREATIVE BROADWAY INTERIORS

• • • •

STUDIO BRUNO GUELAFF TANGRAM GULF STUDIO EM IRD DESIGN

• 4SPACE • ROAR • H2R DESIGN

Rabih Geha Architects

MMAC Design Associates

Brand Creative

Broadway Interiors

Studio Bruno Guelaff

Tangram Gulf

Studio Em

IRD Design

Roar

H2R DESIGN

30 |

October 2019

4Space www.design-middleeast.com

AWARDS SHORTLIST

Decor Retailer of the Year AURA 2XL FURNITURE & HOME DECOR CHATTELS & MORE KARE

Aura

Chattels & More

2XL Furniture & Home Decor

Kare

Company Awards

• • • •

Specialised Manufacturer of the Year • MIRODEC • STYLE LIBRARY • PRECIOSA

Mirodec

Style Library

Preciosa

October 2019

| 31

Awards SHORTLIST

Interior Designer of the Year • RABIH GEHA—RABIH GEHA ARCHITECTS • BRUNO GUELAFF—STUDIO BRUNO GUELAFF • DELVENE LEE—NORR GROUP

• PAUL BISHOP—BISHOP DESIGN • PALLAVI DEAN—ROAR • LAILA AL-YOUSUF—SAY STUDIO

• EMMA STINSON—STUDIO EM • CHRIS BARNES, BROADWAY INTERIORS • JACINDA RANIOLO—GODWIN AUSTEN JOHNSON

Rabih Geha

Bruno Guelaff

Delvene Lee

Paul Bishop

Pallavi Dean

Laila Al-Yousuf

Emma Stinson

Chris Barnes

Jacinda Raniolo

32 |

October 2019

www.design-middleeast.com

AWARDS SHORTLIST

Architect of the Year • BASSEL OMARA—DORSCH GRUPPE • NACHIKET GARGE—KILLA DESIGN • ROBERT EL HABRE—NORR GROUP

Bassel Omara

• MOHAMED ALI—RMJM • MICHAEL MAGILL—RSP • ABDELKADER SAADI—JT+ PARTNERS

Nachiket Garge

Robert El Habre

Abdelkader Saadi

Mohamed Ali

Ignacio Gomez

• IGNACIO GOMEZ—AEDAS • ARASH G TEHRANI—ARASH G TEHRANI DESIGN STUDIO

Michael Magill

Arash G Tehrani October 2019

| 33

Awards SHORTLIST

Lifetime Achievement Award • MUSTAFA KHAMASH—KART GROUP • SHAUN KILLA—KILLA DESIGN • BORAN AGOSTON—SIEC

Mustafa Khamash

Brian Johnson 34 |

October 2019

• HAMDI MAHMOUD—TANGRAM GULF • CARLO COLOMBO—A++ • BRIAN JOHNSON—GODWIN AUSTEN JOHNSON

• JESPER GODSK—LW • JOE TABET—JT+ PARTNERS

Shaun Killa

Boran Agostan

Hamdi Mahmoud

Carlo Colombo

Jesper Godsk

Joe Tabet www.design-middleeast.com

AWARDS SHORTLIST

Young Talent of the Year • MENA AL KHATEEB—SWISS BUREAU INTERIOR DESIGN • YAHYA KADDOURA—ATKINS • NEDA SALMANPOUR—BINCHY AND BINCHY

ARCHITECTURE • ROSHA EHSAN—CRENEAU INTERNATIONAL • NICOLA FAHY—STUDIO EM • DREW GILBERT—CROQUIS DESIGN STUDIO

Mena Al Khateeb

Rosha Ehsan

SARA ALSHARIF—DWP MIROLJUB ANASTOSOV—AEDAS ABDALLAH GAD—GODWIN AUSTEN JOHNSON LAURA DIANU—KILLA DESIGN

Neda Salmanpour

Nicola Fahy

Sara Alsharif

Abdallah Gad

• • • •

Drew Gilbert

Yahya Kaddoura

Miroljub Anastosov

Laura Dianu October 2019

| 35

Awards SHORTLIST

Best Retail Project of the Year

Project Awards

• IMAGES D’ORIENT—RABIH GEHA ARCHITECTS • RAMI JABALI SALON—STUDIO BRUNO GUELAFF • 1004 GOURMET—STUDIO EM

• THE SEVEN GYM PROJECT—EDGE ARCHITECTS • ROSE POUDRE—H2R • CRANK—BROADWAY INTERIORS

Images D'Orient

Rami Jabali Salon

Rose Poudre

Crank

The Seven Gym Project

Virgin Mega Store

36 |

October 2019

• VIRGIN MEGA STORE, DUBAI MALL—SCHWITZKE AND PARTNER • MAUZAN—BRAND CREATIVE

1004 Gourmet

Mauzan www.design-middleeast.com

P resented by

O cto b er 2 3 , 2 0 1 9 Sofitel the palm , D u b ai

Registration Now open • What ’ s next in fit- out technology ?

• CEO’ s in Con versation : E m b racing disruption and preparing for the digital future • Can a good design solve all the pro b lems ?

• A loo k into R eal E state and Propert y I nv estments in the M iddle East and Ab road?

Platinum Partner

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Sponsorship

Category Ally

Transportation Ally

Speaking

JOAQUIM D’COSTA

Delphene Fletcher

Kasun Illankoon

MOBILE: +971 50 440 2706 DIRECT: +971 4 420 0506 JO@BNCPUBLISHING.NET

MOBILE: +971 55 991 0706 DIRECT: +971 4 420 0506 DELPHENE@BNCPUBLISHING.NET

DIRECT: +971 4 420 0506

GROUP Publishing DIRECTOR

Commercial Director

EDITOR

KASUN@BNCPUBLISHING.NET

Awards SHORTLIST

Commercial Project of the Year

EPA Office

Cundall Dubai Office

Ministry of Cabinet Affairs Office

Evoteq

Revonic

Property Finder Office

38 |

October 2019

www.design-middleeast.com

AWARDS SHORTLIST

• REVONIC—SWISS BUREAU INTERIOR DESIGN • PROPERTY FINDER OFFICE—SWISS BUREAU INTERIOR DESIGN • DHA OFFICE—DESIGN INFINITY • ESAG DESIGN HUB—SCHWITZKE AND PARTNER

• • • •

DEWA AUDITORIUM—IRD DESIGN WOW SALES CENTRE—BISHOP DESIGN NORR OFFICE—NORR GROUP RAKHA AL KHALEEJ INTERNATIONAL HQ (RAI)— INNERSPACE

c

Project Awards

• EPA OFFICE—MAJA KOZEL • CUNDALL OFFICE—SAY STUDIO • MINISTRY OF CABINET AFFAIRS OFFICE—KART GROUP • EVOTEQ—ROAR

ESAG Design Hub

Rakha Al Khaleej International HQ (RAI)

DHA Office

DEWA Auditorium

WOW Sales Centre

Norr Office

October 2019

| 39

Awards SHORLIST

Innovation in Design Award • AL FAYA LODGE—DESERT INK • SZ21—SIEC

Al Faya Lodge

• INFINITY BOX—PARSONS • ORA, NURSERY OF THE FUTURE—ROAR

Infinity Box

SZ21

Ora, Nursery of the Future

• ARABIAN RADIO NETWORK OFFICE— INNERSPACE

Arabian Radio Network Office

Healthcare Project of the Year • SPECIALIZED REHABILITATION HOSPITAL—HLM ARCHITECTS • THUMBAY HOSPITAL

Specialized Rehabilitation Hospital

40 |

October 2019

• KING’S COLLEGE HOSPITAL, DUBAI HILLS—PERKINS+WILL

Thumbay Hospital

King's College Hospital www.design-middleeast.com

AWARDS SHORTLIST

Lighting Project of the Year

Crystal Towers

• CRYSTAL TOWERS—ZKLD STUDIO • ATTURAIF LIVING MUSEUM—BORIS MICKA ASSOCIATES • JUMEIRAH AT SAADIYAT ISLAND RESORT, ABU DHABI— PRECIOSA

Fashion Avenue

Rakha Al Khaleej International HQ (RAI)

• AL BAIT SHARJAH, GODWIN AUSTEN JOHNSON • RAKHA AL KHALEEJ INTERNATIONAL HQ (RAI)— INNERSPACE

Al Bait Sharjah

Project Awards

• CANOPY OF LIGHT AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL JUMEIRA—PRECIOSA • FASHION AVENUE, DUBAI MALL—CD+M LIGHTING DESIGN GROUP

Canopy of Light at Mandarin oriental Jumeira

Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi

Atturaif Living Museum October 2019

| 41

Awards SHORTLIST

Residential Project of the Year

Villa Lumiere

Villa D

Aban House

Private Beach House

Serena

Private Villa, Emirates Hills V

42 |

October 2019

www.design-middleeast.com

AWARDS SHORTLIST

VILLA LUMIERE—STUDIO BRUNO GUELAFF VILLA D—ROAR ABAN HOUSE—USE STUDIO PRIVATE BEACH HOUSE—KART GROUP SERENA—PARSONS

• PRIVATE VILLA, EMIRATES HILL V—XBD COLLECTIVE • “THE RESIDENCES” AT CAESARS PALACE BLUEWATERS DUBAI—KCA INTERNATIONAL • HEART OF THE PEARL—BISHOP DESIGN • PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL CHALET AT FAQRA,

LEBANON—FNA & PARTNERS • TAL AL RUMMAN RESIDENCE—URAIQAT ARCHITECTS • BELGRAVIA II—ELLINGTON PROPERTIES • MAG 318—INTERMASS

The Residences at Caesar's Palace

Heart of the Pearl

Private Residential Chalet at Faqra

Tal Al Rumman Residence

Belgravia II

MAG 318

Project Awards

• • • • •

October 2019

| 43

Awards SHORTLIST

Landscape Project of the Year • DUBAI HILLS VILLA—URBAN LANDSCAPE • AL FAYA LODGE—DESERT INK • VILLA AT DISTRICT ONE, MBR CITY—FIONA ENVIRONS

• INFINITY BOX—PARSONS • AL WATHBA DESERT RESORT & SPA, ABU DHABI—VERO STUDIO

• THE FOUNDER’S MEMORIAL, ABU DHABI—WAHO LANDSCAPE

Dubai Hills Villa

Al Faya Lodge

Villa at District One, MBR City

Infinity Box

Al Wathba Desert Resort & Spa

The Founder's Memorial

44 |

October 2019

www.design-middleeast.com

AWARDS SHORTLIST

Interior Fit-Out Project of the Year • TECOM GROUP MANAGEMENT OFFICE—EMKAY • PATEL VILLA—FINASI • PRIVATE PENTHOUSE AT ACHRAFIEH, BEIRUT—FNA & PARTNERS

DEWA Training Centre

Jumeirah Beach Hotel

Patel Villa

TECOM Group Management Office

Private Penthouse at Achrafieh

Project Awards

• DEWA TRAINING CENTRE—DESIGN INFINITY • CENTRAL PARK DUPLEX 4033—FINASI • JUMEIRAH BEACH HOTEL—BOND INTERIORS

Central Park Duplex 4033 October 2019

| 45

Awards SHORTLIST

Design Education of the Year • THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF CHOUEIFAT, UMM AL QUWAIN—ATI CONSULTANTS • AL KARAMAH SCHOOL—HLM ARCHITECTS

• ORA, NURSERY OF THE FUTURE—ROAR • AKOYA NURSERY, DAMAC HILLS—STUDIO COSTA ARCHITECTURE

The International School of Choueifat

Al Karamah School

Ora, Nursery of the Future

Akoya Nursery, Damac Hills

Sustainable Project of the Year

• CUNDALL OFFICE, DUBAI—CUNDALL

Cundall Office, Dubai 46 |

October 2019

• BRITISH BUSINESS GROUP DUBAI OFFICE—BROADWAY INTERIORS

British Business Group Dubai Office www.design-middleeast.com

AWARDS SHORTLIST

Hospitality Project Design (Hotels) • W DUBAI, THE PALM—DWP • ROVE AT THE PARK—H2R DESIGN • CAESARS PALACE BLUEWATERS DUBAI—KCA

INTERNATIONAL • BEBEK HOTEL—GEO_ID • AL SEEF HERITAGE HOTEL—GODWIN AUSTEN JOHNSON

Hotel Indigo

Al Manara Hotel

Zabeel House

W Dubai, The Palm

Caesar's Palace Bluewaters Dubai

Rove at the Park

Bebek Hotel

Project Awards

• AL MANARA HOTEL, JORDAN—MMAC DESIGN ASSOCIATES • ZABEEL HOUSE—LW • HOTEL INDIGO—NORR GROUP

Al Seef Heritage Hotel October 2019

| 47

Awards SHORTLIST

Hospitality Project Design (Includes restaurants, bars and clubs)

Ena Restaurant

Bebemos

Marco's New York Italian 48 |

October 2019

Nar Social

White + The Bear

Huqqa Dubai

Lah Lah at Zabeel House

www.design-middleeast.com

AWARDS SHORTLIST

ENA RESTAURANT—LAX NAR SOCIAL—BRAND CREATIVE BEBEMOS—BROADWAY INTERIORS WHITE +THE BEAR—SNEHA DIVIAS MARCO’S NEW YORK ITALIAN—STUDIO EM HUQQA DUBAI—GEO_ID

• • • • • •

LAH LAH AT ZABEEL HOUSE—LW TORNO SUBITO—BISHOP DESIGN FALLA—BISHOP DESIGN CASSETTE—H2R DESIGN GIFTO’S OF LONDON—VSDS DESIGN STUDIO ZHEN WEI—KCA INTERNATIONAL

Torno Subito

Falla

Gifto's of London

Hamilton's Gastro Pub

Zhen Wei

Bau

• HAMILTON’S GASTRO PUB, SAADIYAT ROTANA RESORT & VILLAS—KCA INTERNATIONAL • BAU—RABIH GEHA ARCHITECTS • BREW 92, RIYADH—LIQUI GROUP

Cassette

Brew 92

Project Awards

• • • • • •

October 2019

| 49

Feature

Paint it Here’s what the leading experts have to say about the paints industry and what lies in the future

50 |

October 2019

www.design-middleeast.com

Feature

T

he paints and coating industry is everevolving and dynamic. Talking about this region, on a macro level recent price-hikes in raw materials have meant that costs of production for paint manufactures have increased across the board. This has lead to increases in retail prices for most popular paint products in the market. Yahya Ilyas, sales manager from Benjamin Moore Middle East, explains: “To add to this, sluggish construction growth and restricted project budgets have forced paint brands to release new ‘economylines’, which are competitive in terms of price but compromise on standard features such as hiding and durability. Moving to the microlevel consumers continue to become more educated on the paint products they purchase and apply in their homes. This has translated to a growth in sales of environmentally friendly paints and higher quality paints that are more washable and durable than standard offerings.”

Viero by Al Gurg Paints

Middle East's inclement conditions The regional manufacturing sector in the Middle East has its unique set of opportunities and challenges. On the positive side, it is still a relatively low-cost proposition to manufacture regionally compared to Europe, in addition to good availability of human resources. Challenges are usually linked to the prevailing climatic conditions in the Middle East, as they have a significant impact on the way products are manufactured and shipped (either for import or for shipping from manufacturing location to the customer).

Jasbir Gill, AkzoNobel regional director Middle East & Africa, says: “Temperature control is a very important factor for performance coatings. Lack of temperature control during transportation and manufacturing can make product non-usable. AkzoNobel tackles this challenge through very strict protocols for storage and transportation for temperaturesensitive products.

Comprehensive temperature-sensitive material storage and handling process was developed by AkzoNobel and all the relevant personnel are trained in the process.”

Most high-quality exterior paints manufactured by a reputable brand should be able to withstand the inclement weather conditions of the Middle East. The metrics to

October 2019

| 51

Feature

Beautiful walls by Benjamin Moore

\\

judge exterior paint are resistance to colour fading and blistering.

Aldar HQ, Abu Dhabi project by AzkoNobel

The high demand for green paints With an increasing awareness of eco-friendly paints, there’s a great demand for green low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) paints. VOC are harmful gasses that are emitted during painting and up to three weeks after painting has been completed.

Vinayak Kumar, general manager, Al Gurg Paints, says: “We are going green, by not only focussing on what goes in the can such as promoting low VOC products but also taking a more holistic view on our manufacturing processes by using recycled solvents because sustainability is at the core of our operations.

Since paint is a chemical-based product and

52 |

October 2019

www.design-middleeast.com

Feature

cannot be completely green we are educating our customers to switch from solvent-based to water-based low VOC paints.”

Ilyas stresses: “Green paints do come with a higher price tag, but more than make-up for it with superior features such as high washability, durability, and mildew resistance.”

The hardships!

Gill feels that the outlook for our ME Paints and Coatings markets is positive in both the short and medium-term. He further adds: “This follows some challenging months when infrastructure spending had been curtailed, consumer confidence was reduced, and we faced double-digit inflation for some of our key raw materials. As a company, we were very agile in adapting to these challenges and are

October 2019

| 53

Feature

now well placed across all segments to benefit from the market upturn.”

The paint industry is undergoing a transformation. Kumar comments: “There have been players who came early and acquired the market share. Besides, a lot of international and local players are eyeing the same slice of the market share. For a developing brand like Oasis, the competition creates barriers due to its huge presence in the market.”

Ilyas further feels: “Lack of liquidity in the construction market has meant most painting contractors are apprehensive when taking on large-scale projects. Downward pressure on rates contractors can charge in current conditions means reduced workmanship, which reflects poorly on the paint as well.”

New launches A recent trend in the paint industry is limebased products, however, very few paint companies offer this range. Kumar shares: “In order to be at the forefront, we recently partnered with Viero to provide our clients with exclusive, Italian based designer textures, suitable for feature walls. Viero products are lime-based, highly functional and sustainable which makes it an excellent fit for many architectural and contemporary design visions. Giorgio Armani himself selected specially designed Viero products for the Armani Residencies at Burj Khalifa.”

From Benjamin Moore brand, two new products from are available—Scuff-X: a paint that is immune to scuff marks, and NOTABLE: a long-lasting dry erase paint that can convert any surface into a writeable one.

Promising projects Benjamin Moore is focussed on the UAE’s luxury hospitality segment as the moment.

The upcoming Expo 2020 means that most premium hotels will be operating near full capacity through to 2021. “We are helping hotels upgrade the paints and coatings they use to more durable products, while simultaneously helping them reduce their maintenance costs. This is important in a time when future increases in ADR (Average Daily Rates) are still uncertain. We are also currently working on a couple of towers coming up in

54 |

October 2019

the Opera District, Downtown Dubai. Another exciting project we are involved in is SeaWorld Abu Dhabi,” tells Ilyas.

Al Gurg Paints is presently focussing on the GCC region, specifically Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, KSA, and Iraq. Africa is very much on their radar for further expansion. Kumar says: “Some of our recent projects is the Royal Atlantis Hotel, Palm Tower, Central H2B Hotel and four buildings with FNC, for which we supplied Oasis paints. Viero has already received acceptance amongst the residential

market in the UAE and now the brand’s demand is growing in our B2B segment.”

For the Expo 2020 Al Wasl Plaza project, AkzoNobel will provide primer (Interzinc 52), mid-coat (Interzone 954), and finish coat (Interfine 979) for the dome to ensure that the structure, which will be lit up resplendently at night, will maintain the same aesthetic appeal and shimmer throughout the period of the Expo and beyond. AkzoNobel also provided heat-reflective super durable powder coating for the Dubai Solar innovation Centre.

www.design-middleeast.com

伀䘀䘀䤀䌀䤀䄀䰀 匀倀伀一匀伀刀㨀

吀䠀䔀 㔀琀栀 䐀䔀匀䤀䜀一匀 ☀ 䄀刀䌀䠀䤀吀䔀䌀吀唀刀䄀䰀 䤀一一伀嘀䄀吀䤀伀一匀 匀䠀伀圀

㄀猀琀 ጠ ㌀爀搀 一漀瘀攀洀戀攀爀 ㈀ ㄀㤀 䐀唀匀䤀吀 吀䠀䄀一䤀 䠀伀吀䔀䰀 ጠ 一䔀圀 䌀䄀䤀刀伀 ጠ 䔀䜀夀倀吀

䘀䄀䌀䔀䈀伀伀䬀 ⼀ 䤀一匀吀䄀䜀刀䄀䴀

琀栀攀搀攀猀椀最渀猀栀漀眀攀最

䴀䄀䤀一 匀倀伀一匀伀刀匀 㨀 伀䘀䘀䤀䌀䤀䄀䰀 䐀䔀匀䤀䜀一 䌀伀一匀唀䰀吀䄀一吀 㨀

倀䰀䄀吀䤀一唀䴀 匀倀伀一匀伀刀㨀

Event review

ROUND-UP!

35,000 Visitors attended the Middle East Design and Hospitality Week

T

he first edition of Middle East Design and Hospitality Week (MEDHW) 2019 welcomed over 35,000 visitors from over 110 countries at Dubai World Trade Centre from 17th to 19th September. The Hotel Show Dubai, The Leisure Show, INDEX, Workspace, Surface Design Middle East, FIM, INDEX Home and FM Expo came together to form MEDHW. The design and hospitality-focused event offered a compelling platform for companies and industry leaders from the respective sectors to showcase products, services, latest innovations,

56 |

October 2019

share knowledge, discuss and forecast trends, and celebrate the industry’s ‘best in class’ over the three days.

Here are the major highlights of the event: The Chefs Table Competition Eleven teams participated in the second edition of The Chefs Table competition that took place during the Hotel Show Dubai. Each team, comprising seven participants, were judged on hygiene, kitchen skills, creativity, cooking skills, and taste while recreating the complete experience that a diner has from the moment

he or she steps into a restaurant.

The competition had four gold and seven silver medal winners. “We had a fantastic competition this year. The four gold medal winners were only a point and a half apart from each other and overall the teams this year were neck and neck”, says Chef Uwe Micheel, President of the Emirates Culinary Guild.

In the gold category, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek emerged Overall Champion, Best Kitchen was claimed by Voco Dubai, JW Mariott Marquis won Best Service and Best Bar was secured by Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai.

www.design-middleeast.com

Event review

Al Manzil Downtown Hotel took home the ‘Best Housekeeping Team’ title 46 housekeeping teams battled it out for the Best Housekeeping Team title at the third Middle East Housekeepers League of Champions, sponsored by Restonic, at the Hotel Show Dubai. Al Manzil Downtown Hotel team claimed first place in the competition this year followed by Address Dubai Mall in second place and the Westin Mina Seyahi came in third.

Godwin Austen Johnson won the Hotel Room Set Design Challenge Three of UAE’s leading interior designers and fit out contractors each created a conceptual hotel room at the Hotel Show based upon the theme Dubai: A World of Possibility, A Lifetime of Stories. Visitors at the event voted for their favourite hotel room design; Godwin Austen Johnson secured over 50% of the votes. The other two contenders were Gensler and STYLIS NSG. The best alcohol-free speciality drinks ICCA Dubai in collaboration with Alembic-Liquid Education Experience presented an exciting competition that put the showmanship and mixing skills of participating bar professionals to test, in a brand new feature at The Hotel Show.

The bartenders received a mystery box and three minutes to prepare three ‘alcohol-free’ speciality drinks that would woo the judges’ palates. Roman Tanasiev from the Cave at Conrad Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai secured first place in the ‘Outdoor Pool & Garden’ category, Cedrick Anthony from Luigia at Rixos JBR bagged first in the ‘Aperitif’ category and Rich Mar Mostar of KIM'S Singapore Seafood claimed the top spot in the ‘Food Friendly’ category.

Interior Design Awards won by Bishop Design, A2Q Group and Sharon Jutla On the INDEX side of MEDHW, GCC’s leading interior design event along with Danube Home presented three key awards to Bishop Design, A2Q Group and Sharon Jutla for Best Commercial Project, Best Residential Project, and Interior Designer of the Year respectively.

October 2019

| 57

Events

The Month Ahead

Trade fair dates for your diary…

EVENT IN FOCUS Amman Design Week

October 4-12, 2019 Amman, Jordan Amman Design Week is an immersive experience in local and regional design and culture, supported by Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah. Focussed on creating a forum for learning, exchange and collaboration, this platform empowers designers through its comprehensive program of large-scale curated exhibitions, student and community programs, workshops, talks, competitions, and cultural events. Over the past two years, the event has brought local, regional, and international designers and innovators to Amman.

Dubai Design Week

November 11-16, 2019 Dubai, UAE Held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chairperson of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority. Dubai Design Week is the largest creative festival in the Middle East, reflecting Dubai’s position as the regional capital of design. The six-day program covers a range of design disciplines including architecture, product design, interiors, multimedia and graphic design, with the majority of events being free to attend and accessible for both industry and public.

Nashville Design Week

November 4-8, 2019 Nashville, USA Nashville Design Week is a platform for bold collaborations and conversations that promote idea sharing, engage and educate the public and strengthen our city’s design culture and impact. Through panel discussions, tours, workshops, and installations, the event provides access to designers who are shaping Nashville’s future — from architecture and interiors to graphic, industrial, and fashion design.

58 |

October 2019

Belfast Design Week November 4-10, 2019 Belfast, UK

Belfast Design Week is an annual design festival celebrating local and international design in venues across the city. It features talks, workshops, tours, exhibitions, pop-ups and more and is curated by local designers and design enthusiasts. The areas of design covered range from digital and UX to graphic, product, and architecture.

www.design-middleeast.com

The perfect ambience.

Health and wellbeing, nature and sustainability form the basis of the keynote theme ATMYSPHERE at the world’s leading trade fair for floor coverings in 2020.

Discover the latest product trends and interior design solutions. Be inspired.

Make contacts among leading manufacturers from all over the world.

10 – 13 January 2020 Hannover ▪ Germany domotex.de

s g talk n i r u t rs Fea ed tou d i u g ral and itectu h c r a on topics

The World of Flooring

Deutsch-Emiratische IHK · Tel. +9714 4470 580 · info@hf-uae.com

Pick of the month

Sustainable lighting At Maison et Objet September 2019, Maiori, the dynamic French furniture and lighting brand, presented three new hybrid lights featuring Sunbrella’s world-renowned performance fabrics. The two revolutionary brands that share a passion for innovation, design, function, and sustainability, making the brands a perfect collaboration for adding uniquely stunning lighting to any outdoor or indoor space. Maiori’s commitment to environmental sustainability through its manufacturing practices and its extensive range of solar and LED-powered lighting is reflected in Sunbrella’s own environmentally aware manufacturing approach, alongside forward-thinking initiatives such as the Renaissance Yarn program and the Recycle My Sunbrella initiative. Sunbrella fabrics are featured on three new lamp models launched at Maison & Objet: La Lampe Padère, La Lampe Pose 5, and La Lampe Popup 2.

Availability: www.maiori.com and www.sunbrella.com

60 |

October 2019

Your window to expand.

Introducing Business POS for cashless payments with better transaction rates. du.ae/business-pos

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