Design Middle East - September 2020

HOW COVID-19 WILL CHANGE THE DESIGNS OF SPAS AND SALONS

WORKING AT PUSHING BOUNDARIES

Dimitri Papakonstantinouu, managing director at Al Shafar Interiors, talks about building a strong company culture, brand's new offerings, and how technology is driving the fit-out business

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September 2020

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Contents SEP TEMBER 2020

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IN THIS ISSUE‌ Cover Story 22 Dimitri Papakonstantinouu, managing director at ASI, on valuing human assets, projects, and technology

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18

OP-ED

20

Project

28

Interiors

32

Feature

Paolo Rossi from Pace, shares some innovative designs for education spaces

'Apple Sanlitun' store in Beijing designed

by Foster + Partners

Designer Liza De Luna gives tour of a freshlydesigned apartment at Bvlgari Residences

How spas and salons would look and feel like in the post-COVID world

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Contents SEP TEMBER 2020

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REGULARS 5

Editor’s Note

12 Newsmakers

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September 2020

35 Tips & Tricks 36 Pick of the Month

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Give good hygiene a hand The fastest most energy efficient HEPA-filtered hand dryer1

User friendly Tested to withstand real washroom scenarios, the durable design uses ‘time of flight’ sensors that accurately detect hands in 0.25 seconds to activate air and reduce waiting time.

It is also our quietest Airblade to date.2

HEPA filter Fleece-lined glass fiber HEPA filter captures 99.95% of particles,6 including bacteria and viruses, from the washroom air.

10 second dry time7 Ergonomic drying angle and Curved Blade™ design follow the curves of your hands to remove water quickly, for fast, comfortable hand drying.

1

Dry time and energy consumption calculated for Max mode.

Dry time was determined using Dyson test method 769 based on NSF P335 to a measurement of 0.1g residual moisture.

2

Average loudness (measured in sones) compared to Dyson Airblade™ hand dryers.

3

Compared with other Dyson airblade models.

4

Measured in Eco mode.

5

Average electricity price US$ 0.1/kWh for the US market, as of May 2019. For calculations visit www.dyson.ae/calcs.

6

HEPA filter tested to EN1822-5, by an independent testing laboratory, under prescribed test conditions.

7

Dry time determined for Max mode using Dyson test method 769 based on NSF P335 to a measurement of 0.1g residual moisture.

Sustainable design Straight line configuration allows for simpler air flow paths, meaning less energy consumption3. And efficient aerodynamics means the Dyson digital motor draws up to 87% less energy 4 than a warm air hand dryer.

Lowering costs to just $19/ year to run in Eco mode.5

Dyson digital motor V4 Using digital pulse technology, the Dyson digital motor V4 spins up to 75,000 times a minute in Max mode.

Find out more 04 350 7877 dysonprofessionalmea@dyson.com www.Dyson.ae

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 The September issue is graced by Dimitri Papakonstantinou, managing director at Al Shafar Interiors, who values the human asset more than anything and it was my pleasure to hear him as he talked at length about his leadership styles and plans for the future.

Do catch up with his inspiring story in this month's edition.

Moving on, with the rest of the issue, this month we have covered a stunning apartment at Bvlgari Residences, Dubai designed by Liza De Luna. The nautical vibes transport you to another world of paradise and calm. Also, we have covered a new ‘Apple Sanlitun’ store in Beijing designed by Foster + Partners. Apple Sanlitun is all about being open and inviting space that connects the inside and the outside.

We have also taken the expert opinion on how the salons and spas would look in the postCOVID world. Most wellness facilities have started focussing more than before on hygiene and creating dedicated areas for sanitisation. It's amazing to see how the design industry is rethinking and inventing innovative ways to do up the spaces . Plus, catch all the other exciting reads and happenings.

Roma Arora Editor

Aaron Joshua aj@bncpublishing.net

Digital Media Producer Ahmad Khader ahmad@bncpublishing.net

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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.

Images used in Design Middle East are credited when necessary.

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

I am impressed by the 3D peeland-stick tiles by The Tile Society.

Easy and simple way to spruce up your space for a lazy soul like me.

Read more about them in the 'Pick of the Month' section.

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

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// September 2020

Newsmakers

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Zayed Centre for Research in London by Stanton Williams is a new urban beacon of science and design A sense of openness and generosity dissolves the ‘clinical experience’ within

Dedicated to delivering worldclass research together with new treatments and therapies, the Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children for Great Ormond Street Hospital Foundation Trust, University College London and Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity is the world’s first purpose-built centre dedicated to paediatric research into rare diseases.

Designed by award-winning architectural practice Stanton William, the public-facing research facility in the heart of London’s

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Knowledge Quarter is conceived as a holistic space where science, city and human lives come together.

Inside, the Zayed Centre for Research is organised around two connected ‘hearts’, an outpatient zone and a research zone, each planned as layered volumes around a daylit atrium. Across eight storeys the building provides academic research workspace, seminar and meeting spaces, specialist laboratories, and outpatient clinics for children and young people.

With its prominent presence next to Coram’s Fields – the former

site of the Foundling Hospital and a living symbol of children’s welfare for over 250 years – the Zayed Centre for Research is a new urban beacon of science and healthcare.

Gavin Henderson, principal director at Stanton Williams, said: “The opportunity to work with Great Ormond Street Hospital, UCL and GOSH Charity to make a building that was about science and medical care in the heart of the city on such a public and symbolic site opposite Coram’s Fields seemed very powerful. We felt very strongly that we wanted to give public visibility

to science and allow people in the public realm to understand what the building was about and give a sense of the life-changing activities taking place inside.”

At the base of the building is a 600sqm double-height principal laboratory, visible from all sides within the Zayed Centre for Research as well as from the street outside. A shared single entrance bridge, which passes above these laboratories, welcomes both research staff and patients, drawing them into a central atrium, flooded with light.

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NEWSMAKERS

SSH delivers new pearl shell-inspired National Bank of Kuwait HQ SSH acted as lead consultant for construction supervision in association with Foster + Partner, and BuroHappold

The new iconic National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) Headquarters building in the heart of Kuwait City and the growing financial district, is now nearing completion and occupation.

Standing a colossal 300 m tall and covering a total floor area of 127,000sqm, the tower boasts a

distinctive presence among other high-rise buildings in Sharq, adding significantly to the city’s skyline.

The tower design concept originated from a pearl shell, an object highly symbolic in Kuwait’s history and heritage, culture and economy. The main construction

comprises composite concrete and steel, while the cladding on the fins and glass façades is predominantly glass-reinforced concrete. The tower has been built with an intentional lean to compensate for its designed offset centre of gravity.

“We are extremely proud to have

completed and delivered this project to our established client – not only because the end result is of such high quality, but also because it reflects SSH’s professionalism, expertise and commitment toward client gratification,” said Mohammad Iqbal, senior resident engineer at SSH, Kuwait.

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NEWSMAKERS

‘ICD Brookfield Place’ tower becomes the tallest and largest LEED Platinum-certified office building in EMEA region

During construction over 87% of waste was recycled to reduce waste to landfill

ICD Brookfield announced that its newest commercial office development, ICD Brookfield Place, has achieved the prestigious LEED Platinum (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, the highest rating awarded by the US Green Building Council for green building design, construction, operations and performance. In accomplishing LEED Platinum, ICD Brookfield Place, located in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), becomes the tallest and largest office building in the EMEA region to achieve the rating and takes its place among the top 20 of the world’s largest

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LEED Platinum projects.

Designed by Foster + Partners, ICD Brookfield Place is a 1.1 million square foot, state-of-the-art office and retail complex offering 990,000 square feet of highly efficient and flexible workspace alongside 160,000 square feet of curated retail and dining offerings. The development and management of the property are overseen by Brookfield Properties, one of the world’s leading real estate services companies.

“We are very proud to be one of the most environmentally and occupant conscious buildings globally,” said Rob Devereux, CEO

of ICD Brookfield. “Our leadership approach to sustainability creates value for our tenants while focusing on what’s right for our planet.

By reducing our impact on the environment, we are setting a new benchmark for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving buildings in the region.”

A number of sustainable, environmentally conscious, carbon footprint reducing features as well as occupant wellbeing principles have been incorporated at ICD Brookfield Place to achieve the world’s most widely used green building rating system.

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NEWSMAKERS

H2R Design delivers a minimal yet playful burger joint— Surround in Riyadh Diners will discover quirky doodles playing on the school for kids’ nostalgic references

H2R Design created a fun and playful space called Surround in Riyadh with sophistication for the foodies of Riyadh to gather, have great food, and to celebrate life together. Primarily a chic burger joint, with other indulgent quality foods, the interior design of Surround is colourful, vibrant and an engaging space full of quirky design features which displays the character of the space.

H2R Design worked closely with the client to execute their vision for Surround which resulted in the minimal yet playful restaurant inspiring the sense of community.

“We focussed on making Surround a spirited ‘playground’ for adults, whilst retaining the elegant side. This can be seen in the wall grid, taking us back to school graph paper, with quirky sketches and ‘doodles’ that create a nostalgic language. As there is so much boldness on the higher level of the space with pink taking prominence, we wanted to

keep it quite cool and neutral as we worked our way down”, explained Hasan Roomi, co-founder of H2R Design.

The interior design features distinct use of materials and unusual amalgamations. For example, concrete micro topping was incorporated as a neutral canvas, and the space was built up with different tiles, marble and white, cut in different shapes and angles. Brave colours in the furniture on the higher level form the sense of boldness and fun, while the use of wood and rattan add a bit of temperateness.

The bold colours were influenced by the original branding, in pinks and greens. H2R Design aimed to develop the identity of Surround holistically between the brand identity and the location. The space encourages each visitor to use it differently, as if it were an adult ‘recess’ area where guests can sit in a big group, as a pair or as an individual.

LOTTE delivers The Hassan II Mosque in Morocco

The Hassan II Mosque is the largest functioning mosque in Casablanca, Morocco. The mosque’s architecture draws inspiration from the traditional Moorish typology, while at the same time integrating 20th-century innovation and equipment. Staron was selected as a surface solution for the mosque’s hammam. The hammam at the mosque was rehabilitated and upgraded and was opened to the public and visitors in May 2020.

It is among the largest Staron projects. The hammam is a piece of art. The tiles and arabesque colour used at the hammam is neutral and it represents the country’s landscape merged harmonically with the Moroccan traditional column patterns.

The design and performance benefits of Staron also allowed for no open joints, a non-porous nature of the surface is perfect for wet area and mould resistance.

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NEWSMAKERS

Christie’s to launch a charity auction supporting Beirut’s art community

The initiative will include approximately 40 to 50 pieces of international and regional art, jewellery, watches, and more

Christie’s will offer its support for the art community in Lebanon and stage a charity auction to benefit the efforts to rebuild the cultural scene in Beirut under the title: WE ARE ALL BEIRUT – Art for Beirut: A Charity Auction.

The online auction will be held late October to the first half of November 2020.

Guillaume Cerutti, CEO at Christie’s, commented: “We are committed to help and hope that many of our international clients, friends and collectors will follow our call to action. Seeing the images of devastation on

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Tuesday 4 August will always remain in all our collective memory and our thoughts are with all families, friends and artists who have lost so much. We hope to raise enough funds with this initiative to make a significant difference. My deepest thank you to all who have already committed or inquired about Christie's plans to help rebuild the artistic community of Beirut.”

Michael Jeha, chairman, Christie’s Middle East, said: “‘Lebanese art has been at the heart of our Middle Eastern auctions since 2006 and

Christie’s feels a deep sense of responsibility to be part of the global efforts to help rebuild Beirut, a city so rich in culture. We have been so affected by the solidarity shown and the sincere wishes to help that Christie’s has received in the past week.”

Christie’s first charity sale in the Middle East was the “Camel Caravan Charity auction” in 2004. The most recent was conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Culture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in June 2019, entitled “Art for Al Balad”.

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NEWSMAKERS

ATI’s new office perfectly blends biophilic and origamiinspired concepts Private pods have been used throughout to symbolise small buildings, a design feature that pays homage to the nature of the practice

ATI Consultants, Architects, & Engineers have recently moved into a new head office in the heart of Downtown Dubai, UAE. In addition to moving, ATI is also celebrating 40 years in business and more than 700 completed projects worldwide, delivered by its teams in Dubai, Sharjah, Istanbul, Tokyo, Kiev, Almaty, and Moscow.

“In celebration of our 40th anniversary, we decided to relocate our architecture and design team to a newer, larger space that better reflects our history, as well as our new brand vision, approach to design and creative work we do,” says Altug Ajun, executive director at ATI. “I’m so grateful that we had this opportunity to rethink our own workspace that now truly represents who we are, allowing us to work to both concentrate to collaborate and together as a team.”

Spanning 500sqm, ATI’s design team was tasked to create a new home base that would feel both millennial-friendly, catering to their

younger staff members and timeless, celebrating its rich history.

Divided into three zones – public, semi-public and private, the office includes permanent and flexible workplaces, creative zones and relaxation spaces.

The use of natural light throughout the space has been thoughtfully considered, alongside the adoption of natural and sustainable materials.

From the recycled wood flooring to the extensive use of biophilic design concepts, a calm, peaceful vibe has been achieved for deep concentration and research.

“Geometric shapes and diagonal cuts were applied to align with our new brand identity,” comments Dilara Ajun, ATI’s creative director.

“The overall concept was inspired by the use of origami and paper, so often used and symbolised with the architecture practice. “The red colour can be quite aggressive, so we only used accents of red to complement the overall colour palette.”

World’s tallest ferris wheel—Ain Dubai gets its first capsule

Ain Dubai by Meraas is shaping up well and has successfully installed its first capsule onto the wheel. Over the coming period, the remaining 47 capsules are scheduled for gradual installation. When complete, Ain Dubai will be the tallest observation wheel in the world, standing more than 250m above the Bluewaters Island. It is located off the popular Jumeirah Beach Residences (JBR) beachfront and is set to offer 360-degree views of the Dubai skyline.

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OP-ED

THE FUTURE OF CLASSROOM DESIGNS

Paolo Rossi, associate director of architecture at Pace, talks about the education spaces in a post-COVID-19 world 18 |

September 2020

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OP-ED

Future Schools of Kuwait

When considering the future and how our lives changed in the short space of time since COVID-19, it is indeed obvious that the provision of quality education presents a key challenge for governments across the world.

When launching a new project, it is important to ensure that those involved in the design process have a profound understanding of the future that is held with the knowledge of the past.

For educational projects, taking into account the historical background of the methods of learning and how they have changed over the years provides a more profound insight into how to propose a positive change for the future.

Certainly, the world is rapidly moving away from traditional teaching methods where teachers and classrooms are the epicentres of the school – COVID-19 has accelerated a more focused learning method for students – an approach that is led by technology and experimental learning. The boundaries of educational experiences have extended outside of the classroom and the spaces in-between are becoming more and more essential every day. Learning no longer requires being inside the classroom, or stuck in one classroom layout, rather, it can be extended to spaces such as corridors, staircases or outdoor areas, primarily

because research has proven that outdoors is our native learning environment.

New informal and larger learning spaces are also being created and can be modified to accommodate additional activities that support extended learning. Spaces such as cafeterias and libraries are starting to take on new dimensions and multiple purposes. Pace’s designers are bringing this flexibility to educational establishments to support schools in preparing for the future of learning, as well as to embrace the challenges of social distancing and provide healthy and hygienic environments for students and staff alike.

To suggest an architectural response, our designs will be based on a school’s layout built on a large external space with an abundance of green spaces, thereby generating new outdoor learning environments and providing natural light and efficient natural ventilation to enhance air quality. An outdoor environment for learning encourages students to be more engaged with their surroundings, reduces stress and creates an opportunity for a happier and healthier learning environment. Security and visual connection are also fundamental as more open and transparent designs play a significant role in rendering any environment safe and secure. In addition,

eliminating “dead areas” that are hidden help create a safer and more controlled environment for students.

All classrooms should have sufficient areas to provide the required distances between students as well as good natural ventilation through façade windows and internal visual panels.

As far as interiors go, portable and flexible furniture that can be easily moved and rearranged is what we consider the most convenient option, along with utilizing plexiglass shields in a more playful way. We might also take advantage of colour and design in creating wall and floor patterns that promote social distancing in a functional and engaging fashion, such as directing staff and students to follow a clockwise movement to avoid crossings.

In the context of COVID-19, school clinics require extra attention when it comes to its design as they should include isolation spaces that are warm and therapeutic.

Technology continues to play a vital role in the response to the pandemic, therefore, classrooms can be equipped with the most high-tech devices as interactive teaching walls. Technology can also support a plethora of smart building management systems to monitor security, access control and building automation.

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PROJECT

The store is protected by a large overhanging roof providing shelter from the heavy rain and intense summer sun

Apple Sanlitun has a porous building envelope that opens out onto all four sides and connects to the multi-layered circulation network

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September 2020

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PROJECT

FOSTER + PARTNERS DESIGNS AN OPEN AND INVITING SPACE FOR THE NEW ‘APPLE SANLITUN’ STORE The new ‘Apple Sanlitun’ showroom in design is the result of a close collaboration between Apple’s teams and the integrated engineering and design teams at Foster + Partners

Additional energy-saving measures include advanced façade design, optimised air conditioning, and efficient lighting systems

Sanlitun is a vibrant urban quarter in Beijing, home to Apple’s first store in China built in 2008. Relocating to a more prominent site adjacent to the previous, Apple Sanlitun seeks to create a new dialogue with the surrounding pedestrian streets, addressing the large open square that is a social focus for the district.

Stefan Behling, Head of Studio, Foster + Partners said: “Apple Sanlitun is all about being open and inviting – visually, physically and metaphorically. The store is a grand place that connects the inside and the outside.”

The principal glazed façade facing the central square floods the display areas inside

with natural light. Two monumental stone staircases on either side of the store lead up to the Genius Grove on the upper level. Lined with trees that add greenery to the perimeter, the glazed façade to the rear allows light into space and dematerialises the boundary between the inside and the outside. The Forum, situated within the grand upper level, forms an animated backdrop to space, which steps down with integrated upholstered leather seating forming a viewing gallery for the lively square outside.

390sqm of integrated rooftop photovoltaic panels partially offset the energy consumption

of the store and a bespoke integrated ceiling system seamlessly houses ventilation, cooling, fire protection equipment and lighting equipment.

Apple Sanlitun also features a unique structural system that has been used for the first time in China – a Special Truss Moment Frame is designed to effectively resist seismic forces while allowing large column-free interior spaces. Tuned mass dampers reduce excessive vibration in the cantilevered upper level and Buckling Restrained Braced Frames minimise the structural impact on the existing basement.

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COVER STORY

THINKING FORWARD : Dimitri Papakonstantinou, managing director at ASI 22 |

September 2020

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COVER STORY

THE RIGHT FIT Dimitri Papakonstantinou, managing director at Al Shafar Interiors, on why he puts people first, the role of disruptive technology in the fit-out business model, and his leadership style in the COVID-19 crisis

By Roma Arora Photography by Ahmad Khader He considers the organisation’s peoples as its greatest asset. His focus has always been building a strong culture ever since he joined as a managing director of Al Shafar Interiors (ASI), one of the leading fit-out firms in the region. Meet Dimitri Papakonstantinou who joined ASI in October 2018, and has taken the business to another level of success.

Papakonstantinou wears many hats and he loves every bit of it— from being a boss to mentor, leader, friend and guide—he does it all with perfection. He is called people’s person because that’s the kind of emotions and values he is made up of. “I have a wonderful team and I do everything in my capacity to inspire and motivate them. From my side, I ensure that everyone in the company is aware of what we want to achieve and how we’re doing. There is full transparency and constant communication with the entire team.”

Papakonstantinou wants to take ASI, a subsidiary of ASGC Construction to the numero uno position and he knows what all

it takes and that’s why he calls ‘people as his power’. He explains: “To get there we had to focus on our strategy, our clients, the sectors, the region, and our competition. We then put the right people in the right places and that’s my mantra. The overarching focus on all of the above however is building our culture.

It’s ensuring that we are the best at what we do all the time, especially when someone is not looking over our shoulder. I am fortunate to have an amazing team around me that is committed to ASI and our values. More than ever, this was demonstrated during the lockdown due to COVID-19 when part of the team had to work from home.”

As the COVID-19 outbreak has shaken and jolted every possible business in the world at an alarming rate, there is no industry which is spared by its adverse effects. The coronavirus crisis is unlike any previous crisis and has made the business leaders take a different course of action. Due to this pandemic, Expo 2020 has been postponed to the next year.

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COVER STORY

One Central 25 Hours Hotel

Both ASGC and ASI are also doing various pavilions for the mega event. How has this crisis affected the staff members, workflow, and overall business? Papakonstantinou answers: “When the COVID-19 restrictions were in place, we assisted our office teams such as the estimation department, finance, and technical departments to get set-up at home and work from there. Obviously, this was something we had never done before and we were apprehensive as to how effective it would be. Surprisingly, we realised that we were in a much better position than we

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September 2020

thought and adapted quickly to support the other functions of the organisations.”

Talking about the business, Papakonstantinou further elaborates: “We’ve set out a five-year plan with regards to our growth and expansion which we keep circling back to every year to tweak and adjust. This year I think everyone had to relook at their plans and adjust their expectations. Nonetheless, we’re fortunate to still have had very positive growth year on year despite the effects of COVID-19.”

Papakonstantinou is a firm believer of ‘looking ahead of the curve’ and has key

targets and milestones in the five-year plan are: maximise ASI’s presence in Expo 2020 projects, focus on hospitality projects—new and refurbishments, digitising the processes in the factory, start a new trading division of materials from Europe and Asia and ultimately regional expansion beyond the UAE. Despite the current situation, ASI is on track with several projects across Expo 2020 and hope to continue to remain involved until the event is held next year. Papakonstantinou updates: “We’re involved in the turnkey construction of several pavilions such as

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COVER STORY

Dimitri Papakonstantinou believes in team spirit Australia, Ukraine, Egypt, and Azerbaijan to name a few. This has been an amazing experience for our teams as these projects involve much more than just our usual scope of works as a fit-out contractor so the learning curve has been fantastic. With regards to our projects underway at Expo 2020, the majority of our clients decided to push ahead with the construction of the pavilions so we faced little interruption of our workload.”

It takes a village to run a business and Papakonstantinou is well aware of the fact that without the hard work and dedication

of the team members, the business probably wouldn't be where it is today. He is proud of his incredibly dedicated team and for his team and doesn’t shy away from admitting it all over again. He tells: “I couldn’t possibly find enough praise for our site teams for their immense support during the pandemic and continued to work, ensuring our projects are delivered whilst protecting everyone as much as humanly possible. At the same time, our office staff got the set-up as quickly as possible at home and managed to support the site teams despite the obvious

challenges. I believe it demonstrated the spirit and culture of the company which we can all be proud of.”

Papakonstantinou has made of a long to-do list and one of the most important priorities for him is to make sure that technology is adopted and people are made comfortable enough with technology to push for transformative changes in all the areas of the company. He feels that the important thing is to rethink what our real challenges are as fitout contractors and designers and see if there is a technology to offer a solution.

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COVER STORY

Aloft Hotel & Serviced Apartments Al Raffa

Papakonstantinou says: “Starting from the design stage BIM is making things easier however I don’t believe, it’s the end of all coordination issues. VR is certainly a technology which can be used more to provide a more realistic image to all stakeholders and potentially reduce redesign at a later stage. In the factory, we’re now in the implementation stage of CAD+T software for the design and cutting list preparation as well as barcoding and digitising the entire process. This allows the production team to have live information on the status of production of each item, productivity of each person, and utilisation of all machines. This has taken almost a year of preparation, so we’re very excited to see this

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September 2020

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COVER STORY

One Central 25 Hours Hotel

Aloft Hotel & Service Apartment Al Garhoud

to go live now.”

Papakonstantinou knows the reality and admits that there are multiple challenges onsite for the contractors. From coordinating between several contractors and suppliers to getting feedback from internal departments, to ensuring that quality and productivity is measured and captured. “We are currently looking at developing software that can help us centralise this information and data to make the site teams every function more seamless. We’re working towards having this ready by the end of this year as several stages of implementations are required. It’s easy to sideline these projects as we all get busy with day-to-day responsibilities, which is why

we’ve set up a department focussing only on transformation. The team aims to carry out specific projects across all departments to either adopt new technologies where possible or simplify processes.”

With the hospitality projects, ASI is currently involved in six hotel projects which are in various stages of completion— Address Dubai Creek Harbour, H2B, Aloft Hotels Garhoud and Al Riffa, and now soon-to- start Marsa Al Arab project. This will be a new landmark hotel next to the Burj al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel.

All the uncertainty due to coronavirus poses a tremendous challenge for strategy making. But this has not dampened the

spirits of a visionary in Papakonstantinou.

“Even though ASI’s work is mainly focussed on hospitality lately, we have a very broad portfolio of previous projects ranging from residential to commercial projects. I’ve never seen the reason to limit our offerings to a smaller segment of the market but rather to expand our know-how and presence.”

Papakonstantinou signs off with a goal in his mind. He states: “I want to focus on our reputation as a fit-out contractor and build our relationships. We are looking to diversify our offerings with the introduction of bespoke construction materials which we will be starting soon and eventually grow our presence in the region.”

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INTERIORS

The master bedroom is more formal with large grey tinted mirrors lit with Lasvit pendants framing a Statuario marble panel and a grand Fendi tan leather bed

THE NAUTICAL CRUSH

Liza De Luna, head designer at Liza De Luna Interiors, takes us inside her latest project— a gorgeous apartment at the Bvlgari Residences, Dubai 28 |

September 2020

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INTERIORS

In the living area, Liza transformed the urban space into a peaceful oasis with a muted linen sofa with jade Trussardi cushions

Liza De Luna Interiors headed by designer Liza De Luna has spent a decade designing in the UAE and has built an impressive portfolio of design projects in the region. An alumnus of Parsons School of Design, Lisa’ latest project— an apartment at Bvlgari Residences in Dubai is classy and cheerful at the same time. The inspiration for the interiors came from a vintage silk scarf. Liza was commissioned to design the apartment in March 2020, just as COVID-19 pandemic was taking over – it was a difficult time for a designer to get into a relaxed frame of mind to be able to create a beautiful home.

But inspiration can come from the most unexpected places. “It was a Friday afternoon, and I was sorting through my scarf collection, and this vintage scarf with a nautical print with a quirky border of lemons, immediately struck me,” said Liza. “It reminded me of the stunning marina views from the apartment and I was drawn to create a muted palette but punctuated with bursts of jade and lemon yellow. It was just the inspiration I needed to bring this beautiful space to life.”

For the entry area of the apartment, Liza used quarter cut oak cladding with earthy straw

grass wallpaper, with Japanese style slats and niches to showcase pieces of her client’s pottery collection. For the living room, the design and colours are a homage to iconic Italian seaside towns, creating a harmony with the stunning harbour views. In the living room, She added a punch of yellow in the Fendi lounge chair and balancing it all together with a huge slab of wave marble on the TV wall installation.

“The home is the heart and soul of a family, and it’s important to me that each space in the home tells a unique story and has its own personality.” This philosophy comes to life in

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INTERIORS

The focal point on the wall of the guest bedroom is a large gold sculpture that resembles a fishing net

Liza De Luna

the guest bedroom where Liza used her love of art and pattern as the main theme. In the guest room, the bedding is a very light jade colour with a Japanese themed print, the bed itself is Meridiani linen with an oak Meridiani chair that overlooks the beautiful yacht club, creating a harmonious flow with the external environment.

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Liza continued with the hint of colour with the dusty blue on the pillows and on the reading lounge to create a relaxing, intimate mood – a quiet escape from busy city living.

Lifestyles have dramatically changed the last few months, and living spaces need to adapt and be flexible to accommodate working from home, while

still being in harmony with the home. Liza created a beautiful home office which is an extension of the overall aesthetic of the home. Combining oak and grey paints with linen wallpaper, the desk is bespoke for the size of the office with a beautiful grey leather chair with a view of the harbour creating the most inspired workspace.

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FEATURE

WELLNESS TRENDS POST COVID-19 Experts on how spas, salons, and other wellness centres would look in the postCOVID-19 world

En-suite treatment rooms by The Wellness

The post-COVID-19 world would see major changes in the designs and structures of various spaces. One of the most popular aspects of the retail sector is the salons and salons which would witness some major design overhaul. Along with the design changes, there would be strict sanitisation process in place. In the hospitality sector, most wellness facilities have started focussing more than before on hygiene and creating dedicated areas for sanitisation.

Mohammed Ibrahim, CEO at The Wellness, one of the leading companies in providing spa and pools consultancy services in the region, shares: “As the wellness specialists we always put hygiene as

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one of the most vital considerations that influence our design. However, this now gained additional importance due to the current situation and the pandemic that we are living. There would be dedicated areas focusing on sanitisation. Reference to such requirements can be found in medical facilities, of course, these requirements for a wellness facility will never be as extreme as a clinic, however, it provides clear directions for the future spa design in general.”

Ibrahim further explains: “Moreover, a design approach to fit the current situation is to create more of an independent room (en-suite solutions)

including most of the facilities needed for individuals, to ensure proper social distancing is kept, however the space availability and the revenue generation spaces will be quite challenging. Additionally, we have been researching with various companies to find new wellness experiences, which could be done as self-service, by the use of technology. I can see private wellness concepts will see a spike, where people will be having their own private spa, gym, pool, and kids’ concepts in their private homes.”

Good design has always been the marriage between aesthetic and functionality but it’s now more important than ever to create spaces that

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FEATURE

8th Element Spa in Radisson Blue, Media City

Mihir Sanganee, Design Smith

are safe and reliable apart from being stunningly designed. Mihir Sanganee, design director at Design Smith, says: “This is an exceptional challenge for a multitude of industries like retail and hospitality where spaces have conventionally been planned to capture and cajole all senses of the consumer – touch is as important as, if not more, than sight.

For the wellness sector, I believe there is a ‘pent-up’ demand among consumers to book themselves a massage or aromatherapy session. However, safety and hygiene will be the key success factors for spas and salons to survive and thrive in this day and age.”

Front of such spaces should be de-cluttered to

offer a stress-free check-in and check-out experience – this does translate to the exclusion of lounging areas used between appointments to avoid unnecessary exposure to other visitors. Extending the appointment of sessions completely online will also help minimise human contact between staff members and customers. Now more than ever, spas and wellness centres need to showcase their hygiene practices to their clients – wiping down surfaces, sanitising tools and purifying the air have moved from ‘back-office’ functions to consumerfacing protocols. Consequently, spaces need to be designed that showcase this safe environment

without looking too clinical or sterile.

“The lack of human touch or interaction shouldn’t make the trip to the spa any less indulgent or impersonal – it won’t be about the specific details of the treatment or the breath of your services. It will be about your brand’s story you’re bringing to life and who is behind these experiences that are safely being offered,” adds Sanganee.

COVID-19 has brought about transformational changes beyond human imagination. Like anything new and at a large scale, the virus’ roots have run deep into modern society. It has affected the understanding of social interaction, the economy,

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FEATURE

Nisreen Kayyali from Nisreen Kayyali Consulting Engineer

Treatment room by The Wellness

and is now pivoting the way industries operate.

Nisreen Kayyali, managing partner and lead architect at Nisreen Kayyali Consulting Engineers, says: “Wellness centres of tomorrow will need to incorporate health and hygiene as a key tenet of their blueprint. Form and function will meet with the incorporation of easy-to-clean materials like glass and metal, as opposed to traditional soft and porous materials like wallpaper, dry walls, acoustic ceiling tiles, carpets, and bricks. Walls will have a hygienic coating that makes them resistant to changes in temperature and insensitive to cleaning

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Mohammed Ibrahim, The Wellness

chemicals. Hygienic paint contains an antimicrobial treatment, which reduces the risk of space growing mold and fungus.”

A traditionally calming design feature at spas and wellness centres, water features like static ponds will become less common, given their tendency to become a breeding ground for disease-causing mosquitoes and insects.

“Technology and nature will collaborate for human health and happiness, in the near future.

Touch and voice-activated technology will eliminate the need to come into contact with public door

handles, elevator buttons, and more,” tells Kayyali.

In the post-pandemic world, the consumer universe will have to focus on being strikingly visual – this doesn’t translate to using an overwhelming palette of colours, patterns, and textures. Ibrahim concludes: “It means using methods like VR, branding and in-store spatial flows to create boundaryless channel integrations. Another aspect I foresee changing is wayfinding. Signage will now innately include social-distance markers, one-way flows, and health regulatory guidelines.”

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TIPS & TRICKS

EASY WAYS TO UPDATE AND STYLE YOUR HOME Monica Arango, co-founder of C’est ici, share some tips to update your home during these challenging times to make your perfect sanctuary at home.

MAKING SPACE Everything has become a trend during COVID-19.

We have seen home build gyms, home-offices, and spaces that we never thought of contemplating bringing home. A house isn’t just a place to sleep any more, it’s your office, your social space, your exercise space, and more – and people will be looking to create a home that reflects this. We’ll start to see the incorporation of desks and workspaces into bedrooms and living rooms as part of the norm.

We advise making smart spaces by decluttering and moving around the existing.

BUY LOCAL Buying local and online has become one of the norms within this time. Time has become of essence and waiting is not an option. Therefore, people are showing a greater tendency to buy locally.

solutions for indoor greenery.

THE IMPORTANCE OF FUNCTION AND FORM During our extended time at home, we’ve placed more importance than ever on the interior spaces of our homes from how they function to what they look like. While the style and aesthetic of your home play a crucial role, the functionality of things plays even a more important role than before. Stop the compulsory shopping and buy smart for your space.

BRING THE INDOORS IN Windows and natural light have been valued and appreciated like never before.We recommend to make use of the light at home and place beautiful greenery indoors. The Garden Center and local suppliers at Al Warsan have endless

YOUR DNA We are very much focussed on the DNA and uniqueness of every home. Stop comparing your home to your neighbours and start the makeover of your home on things that work for you and your family. Always inject a pinch of your origins on your interiors and create the unexpected.

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PICK OF THE MONTH

Revolutionary 3D peel-and-stick tiles are here A modern solution for outdated spaces, The Tile Society, a new e-commerce shop for home improvement introduces 3D peel-and-stick tiles to the UAE to revolutionise the interior design landscape. Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, or to add some personality to other various surfaces, this DIY-friendly alternative makes it easy to achieve a fresh, contemporary look while eliminating the need for a full renovation that comes with days or weeks of labour, heavy-duty tools and a royal mess! This ‘to your doorstep’ concept makes home improvement easy and exciting rather than exhausting, time-consuming, and expensive for the modern resident.

The perfect solution for homeowners, tenants, realtors, Air BnBs, offices, and even the hospitality industry, 3D peel-and-stick tiles make achieving contemporary spaces seen on Pinterest, magazines, and television screens a reality with a simple ‘peel and stick’! These tiles are easy to use, and eliminate the stress, cost, construction and hassle of going into a full-fledged home renovation. They are light-weight, easy to cut for precision and fit, and can last up to 10 years without losing colour, cracking, or peeling. Despite the strong adhesive that helps it stick to the surface, it is easy to remove (up to 20 times) before firmly setting it in place for a final finish.

Availability: www.the-tile-society.com

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