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OCTOBER 2020
Interiors and Architecture from the Gulf, Levant and Beyond
Challenge accepted UNESCO launches an international competition to rebuild a global icon in Iraq
Architects and designers invited to reimagine
Mosul’s historic Al-Nouri Complex
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COVER STORY
CHALLENGE ACCEPTED Architects and designers invited to reimagine Mosul’s historic Al-Nouri Complex
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INTERVIEW BUILDING EMOTIONAL CONNECTIONS
INTERVIEW AHEAD OF THE CURVE
OP-ED MOVING TOWARDS A NEW SOCIETY
Aala Qahtani, founder of Saudi-Arabia based Aala Qahtani Architects, talks about inspirations, her newly-developed futuristic prototype, and current projects she’s working on
28 INTERVIEW THE CHANGEMAKERS George Arvanitis, director of masterplanning & urbanism and Mohamed Ali, associate director, at RMJM talk about their favourite projects, current commissions, and architecture post-COVID-19
Boran Agoston, design director at Studio International Engineering Consultants (SIEC), on his inspirations, exciting projects he’s currently working on, and his dream commission
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IMAGE © UNESCO / MOAMIN AL-OBAID
OCTOBER 2020
Contents
Tadao Kamei, President and CEO at NIKKEN SEKKEI, on applying the Japanese idea of “coexistence with nature” in design to unlock the doors to a new society
Fata Morgana by Hozan Zangana The installation will be staged at the centre of Dubai Design District (d3) during Dubai Design Week
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Contents
40 PROJECT
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A seamless blend Dubai-based VSHD Design shares the glimpses of their first U.S. residential project
36 REVIEW
THINK BIG Print easy with the new HP DesignJet Studio Series
44 FEATURE
FOCAL POINT Kitchen design trends are shifting quickly in the post Covid world
48 EVENT PREVIEW
TUTTOFOOD MILANO 2021 Global and innovative, TUTTOFOOD is a B2B exhibition for the agri-food ecosystem
60 LIGHTING
HOW VERY... ILLUMINATING Nulty completes the efficient lighting scheme for Festival Plaza in Dubai
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Editor's Note
Business development director Rabih Naderi rabih.naderi@bncpublishing.net +966 50 328 9818 Editor Roma Arora roma@ bncpublishing.net Creative Lead Odette Kahwagi Editorial Design Christian Harb Marketing Executive Aaron Joshua aj@bncpublishing.net
post-COVID-19. We have invited experts to share industry insights and how this segment would be changed forever. Plus, we have interviews, project coverage, opinion pieces, and Wish List for your spaces all covered in this brand new issue. Happy Reading! Roma Arora Editor roma@bncpublishing.net
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Group publishing director Joaquim D’Costa jo@bncpublishing.net +971 50 440 2706
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Director Rabih Najm rabih@bncpublishing.net
am very excited about our October issue. This is a different issue with a new and fresh layout. I know the world is going digital in every sense, but there's something special about the hard copies of the magazines, the touch and feel, it takes me back to my childhood when the biggest entertainment was freshly-printed magazines on the stands. I hope you enjoy the new and bold look. The October cover talks about UNESCO's international competition to rebuild a global icon in Iraq— architects and designers invited to reimagine Mosul’s historic Al-Nouri Complex. Mosul’s history and heritage seem to have been relegated to the background on account of the damage and destruction the city has undergone, but that looks set to change now thanks to a new project being spearheaded by UNESCO, in collaboration with the governments of Iraq and the United Arab Emirates. Read in-depth about this exciting project in our October issue. Moving on, the feature of this month highlights the modern and must-have requirements in the kitchen design
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CEO Wissam Younane wissam@bncpublishing.net
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Digital Media Producer Ahmad Khader ahmad@bncpublishing.net
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News
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OCTOBER 2020
The new Hilton Garden Inn Kuwait opens its doors to the public Now the lockdown in Kuwait has eased, the new Hilton Garden Inn Kuwait is welcoming guests again. Strategically located, adjacent to The Avenues – Kuwait, the hotel is popular with business travellers and families alike. Mabanee Company, a leading Kuwaiti real estate developer, commissioned Gensler for the architectural design and Godwin Austen Johnson (GAJ) for the interior design. Havelock One was responsible for the interior implementation for most public areas and 385 spacious guest rooms and suites. Blurring the boundary between the external and the internal environment, the design for this hotel is natural, fluid and welcoming, evoking a feeling of being surrounded by a contemporary interpretation of a garden. The unique interiors are designed to channel a sense of place with traditional Middle
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Eastern influences through the use of locally inspired colours, textures and materials. A flood of natural daylight from a fully glazed double-height wall highlight the palette of soft browns, golden yellows and vibrant green hues that bring the spirit of the city and the desert into the hotel. There is a natural fluidity in the public spaces where the lobby, garden lounge and all-day dining flow into each other yet still retain their own distinct zones. The guestrooms and suites have a contemporary feel with clean lines and fresh interiors complemented by comprehensive state of the art technology. To make GAJ’s design vision a reality, Havelock One combined its expertise in
interior contracting and manufacturing for the fast-track project. While the factory in Bahrain supplied juice bar counters, banquet seating and guest room millworks, as well as the ceiling panelling, a pattern that is repeated across different public areas, the local fit-out team provided the finishing works, including regular and acoustic ceilings, corridor wall cladding, painting, screeding, wallpapers, tiling, carpets, glass, and movable partition works.
Hilton Garden Inn Kuwait Carefully selected artwork throughout the property captures beautiful and interesting elements of the local flora and fauna
Ithmaar Development Company (IDC) has awarded the design and supervision contract of the Dilmunia Mosque to MSCEB Architects & Engineers. The mosque will enhance Dilmunia’s growing sense of community, as spirituality lies at the heart of Bahrain’s culture. The Mosque will include a prayer hall with a capacity for 200 worshippers, segregated male and female worship areas, a multi-use community hall, and a library /reading hall, as well as a car park. Located on the western side of Dilmunia and strategically positioned at the island’s gateway with a 55-meter water frontage the Dilmunia Mosque will stand-out as a building that is visible and accessible from the adjacent access highway, and is set to a design that is simultaneously breathtaking and functional.
AECOM has been appointed to design transport and utilities backbone infrastructure for NEOM, a new model for urbanisation and sustainability located in the Northwest region of Saudi Arabia. “We are excited to be playing such a pivotal part in delivering one of the world’s largest and most complex infrastructure projects,” said Lara Poloni, AECOM’s president. “As the centerpiece of Saudi Vision 2030, NEOM will become one of the world’s leading destinations to attract talent and investment and drive economic change in the Kingdom. Our global multi-disciplinary team of experts will bring together a diverse set of skills to deliver a sustainable project that will connect communities and create thousands of jobs across Saudi Arabia.” NEOM will support an economy that is oriented to the future. Providing a new model for urbanisation and sustainability, it will include hyper-connected towns and cities, ports and enterprise zones, entertainment venues and tourist destinations. Digital will play a key role in delivering the core scope of services within the program requirements, as well as achieving the vision for technological advancement. The delivery team will adopt a data-led process, providing information-rich 3D models and geospatial data. The digital delivery processes will also enable collaboration across global teams and provide them with the tools to efficiently design for construction.
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Dilmunia Mosque contract awarded to MSCEB Architects & Engineers
AECOM secures backbone infrastructure design role for Saudi Arabia’s NEOM
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Neom project in the Tabuk Province of northwestern Saudi Arabia The 26,500 square kilometre site will contain towns and cities, ports and enterprise zones, research centres, sports venues, entertainment sites and tourist destinations
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News
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Iraqi designer Hozan Zangana wins Abwab commission Responding to Dubai Design Week’s theme of redefining and reimagining the way we live and interact with public spaces under the new realities, this year’s Abwab commission has been awarded to Iraqi designer Hozan Zangana for his proposal ‘Fata Morgana’. ‘Fata Morgana’ presents a conceptual framework for a modern-day city through an open-plan arrangement of seating components around a central origin point and with pillars symbolic for each of the seven Emirates, adapting to today’s requirement for physical distancing, while offering strong research on regionally contextual materials and production processes. The functionality of the concept aims to amplify the necessity to cross each other’s paths by presenting a pivotal intersection, demanding for interaction between people and reactivating the connection with each other on a social level. As a nod to historical construction methods used across the Middle East, a rammed earth technique is used in the build the different elements of the pavilion, (re)connecting culture, history and people in a public space.
Nadim Choufi wins Art Jameel’s special commission for digital art Artist Nadim Choufi has been awarded Art Jameel Commissions: Digital for his winning proposal that embraces the theme of smart cities and the time cycles that govern its foundations. Choufi’s winning project, titled The Sky Oscillates Between Eternity and Its Immediate Consequences, digitally renders environments of a space colony on Earth, where two narrators attempt to unbound the perpetually promised possibilities in imagining the future and creating a space of multiple presents to question the clock running the planet through their lived experiences. The work will debut online and be accessible via Art Jameel’s websites.
Fata Morgana by Hozan Zangana The installation will be staged at the centre of Dubai Design District (d3) during Dubai Design Week, 9-14 November design-middleeast.com
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Cover story
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OCTOBER 2020
Challenge accepted UNESCO launches an international competition to rebuild a global icon in Iraq
Architects and designers invited to reimagine Mosul’s historic Al-Nouri Complex WORDS ABY SAM THOMAS
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AL-NOURI COMPLEX IMAGES © UNESCO / MOAMIN AL-OBAID
t was once described by 10th century Arab geographer Al-Muqaddasi as “the metropolis of this region,” but that is almost certainly not the impression one may have of the city of Mosul in Iraq today. Given the troubles and turmoil it has faced over the last couple of years, Mosul’s history and heritage seem to have been relegated to the background on account of the damage and destruction the city has undergone, but that looks set to change now thanks to a new project being spearheaded by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), in collaboration with the governments of Iraq and the United Arab Emirates.
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To understand the relevance of this particular initiative, a look at Mosul’s past is necessary. While history records the establishment of Mosul’s Old City to have happened in the seventh century B.C., the city rose in prominence around the 12th century A.D., when it was under the rule of the Zangid dynasty. Founded by Imad Ad-Din Zangi, the Zangi dynasty ruled over Mosul for 130 years, which has since been referred to as “the golden years” of the city. One of the highlights of this period was the construction of the grand mosque of Mosul, the Al-Nouri Mosque, situated at the geographical heart of Mosul, with one of its many claims to fame included its leaning minaret, which led to it becoming known as the Al-Hadba (Arabic for “hunchback”) Minaret. The area of the mosque, which, in following years, included a prayer hall, a madrasa, and other buildings, has since been referred to as Al-Nouri Complex, and it became a hallmark of
the Old City, which also included the churches of Al-Sa’a and Al-Tahira, both of which were iconic structures in their own right. With it being a place where people of diverse cultures and faiths peacefully coexisted with each other, it’s easy to see why this city -whose name translates to “the linking point” in Arabic- came to be a definite source of pride for and representative of the diversity of the Moslawi people, a population that includes Arabs, Kurds, Tukens, Armenians, Assyrians, Yazidis, Shabahkis, Mandeans, Kawliyans, Circassians, and several other ethnic groups. It is this symbol of the historic city of Mosul that was severely damaged in the summer of 2017, when the terrorist forces of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, or Da’esh), which had occupied the city in 2014, was defeated and forced to leave by a coalition led by the Iraq government and its international allies. Amid their retreat from Mosul, ISIL left a series
of explosives in the Al-Nouri Complex, which, besides destroying the mosque and its minaret, left the location mostly covered in rubble and thus inaccessible as well. With the monument being emblematic of Mosul, ISIL’s destruction of the Complex was described by the then Prime Minister of Iraq Haider Al-Abadi as the militant group’s “declaration of defeat,” but it’s safe to say that its loss also weighed heavily on the minds of the country’s people. Indeed, this is the impression I got when I talked with Dr. Hassan Nadhem, the current Minister of Culture of Iraq, on the relevance of this landmark to not just his country, but to the entire Middle East region as well. “Its importance stems from the fact that it represents two images,” Dr. Nadhem said. “The first one shows the depth and the multitude of the Iraqi legacy, especially given that this area includes the churches of Al-Sa’a and Al-Tahira in the Old City, in addition to the many traditional buildings near the Mosque. The second image represents a painful picture of the modern age, embodied by ISIL in the most horrific way, as they tried to murder the identity and history of Iraq.” Dr. Nadhem’s response is essentially an explainer of why UNESCO launched the “Revive the Spirit of Mosul” initiative in 2018. This project, whose goal was declared to be “to foster reconciliation and social cohesion in Mosul and its Old City,” aimed to both restore and reconstruct its iconic landmarks, which includes the Al-Nouri Mosque and its Al-Hadhba minaret, as well as the churches of Al-Sa’a and Al Tahira. While UNESCO led this project in collaboration with the Government of Iraq, “Revive the Spirit of Mosul” also had the backing of the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as well, with it pledging more than US$50 million to this endeavor. In order to understand the UAE’s interest in and support for
as opposed to the negative hues it is often painted with in the larger global landscape. “The city of Mosul has, for thousands of years, been a commercial and cultural link between the north, south, east and west,” Al Kaabi explained. “One of the world’s most ancient cities, its origins date back to seventh or sixth century BC. As such, the legacy of the city is primarily defined in terms of its centuries of pluralism and cultural coexistence.
“Al-Nouri Complex, after reconstruction, will be a cultural, humanistic memorial of the war that Iraq waged for the sake of humanity.” Dr. Hassan Nadhem, Iraq Minister of Culture
The Al-Nouri Mosque has been a significant landmark for the Old City of Mosul, and a symbol of its cultural identity, since the 12th century A.D. Therefore, its importance has to be seen, both in terms of the city’s architectural history and cultural history. Although it underwent many renovations over the years, it was destroyed only when Da’esh captured the city. Rebuilding it and restoring it to its original glory is an act of resistance to terrorism. It is particularly relevant in the context of the Middle East, as it sends out a clear message that the mayhem spread in the region by extremists and terrorists will not only be defeated militarily, but the destruction they cause will be undone, and the divisive ideas they propagate will be countered.”>>
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and Al-Nouri Complex used as a vibrant community space for worship, education, and connection will serve as a strong example of hope, resilience, and coexistence for Iraq, the region, and the world.” Al Kaabi also noted how rebuilding Mosul in the model of the culturally diverse ideals that’s embedded in its history sends out a clear message in terms of the positive principles that the Middle East stands for,
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this initiative, I spoke with H.E. Noura Al Kaabi, UAE Minister of Culture and Youth, who pointed out to me that this particular project’s importance is tied not just to Iraq, but the Middle East and the world as a whole as well. “Iraq’s culture and history have played a key role in our collective history, and the destruction of the Al-Nouri Mosque is an attack on our shared cultural heritage,” she explained. “To see the project completed,
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Located in the north-eastern sector of the Old City, with an area of approximately 11.050 sq., Al-Nouri Complex includes main landmarks, such as the Al-Hadba Minaret and Al-Nouri Prayer Hall, a number of secondary buildings and an extensive open area.
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“The destruction of the Al-Nouri Mosque is an attack on our shared cultural heritage.”
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H.E. Noura Al Kaabi, UAE Minister of Culture and Youth
This idea of getting people to come together for the greater good of not just Iraq, but the world as a whole, seems to be a definite undercurrent with UNESCO’s latest undertaking as part of the “Revive the Spirit of Mosul” initiative. It has just launched a global competition (see more details on https://unes.co/mosulcompetition) that is inviting architects, engineers, companies, or joint ventures from all design-middleeast.com
around the world to come up with a design for the new Al-Nouri Complex. According to Ernesto Ottone R., the Assistant Director General for Culture at UNESCO, the contest, which will be accepting submissions until spring of next year, seeks to rehabilitate the Complex in a manner that’s reflective of Mosul’s storied heritage, while making use of new and modern techniques to weave it into the city’s current
fabric. “One of UNESCO’s missions is to protect culture in emergency situations, and build on its power to promote peace-building, recovery, and reconciliation,” Ottone said. “Such action is fundamental to achieving sustainable development and fostering security. It was therefore natural for our organization to be at the bedside of the Moslawi, and support them in their efforts to rebuild this Al-Nouri Complex, without which they could not recover totally from the trauma of the destruction. It should also be added that one of our guiding principles is to facilitate a consultative approach to ensure that all steps taken towards the rebuilding is in line with the expectations of the local communities and authorities. This is why the decision to organize an international architectural competition was taken and agreed upon in April 2020 by the project’s steering committee in which local authorities, community representatives, and religious leaders are represented.”
Ernesto Ottone R., the Assistant Director General for Culture at UNESCO
“We hope that architects and designers will see the opportunity to offer an integrated design inspired by such a unique and rich architecture of Mosul’s Old City.” memorial of the war that Iraq waged for the sake of humanity. In addition, this Complex is for the citizens of the city who are conscious about the legacy and the inveterate history of
their city.” The UAE’s Al Kaabi agreed with this statement from her Iraqi counterpart, saying, “The Al-Nouri Mosque was used by Da’esh to announce their ‘caliphate’ in 2014, and destroyed by them three years later before they were pushed out of Mosul. These actions cast a shadow on a mosque that for 800 years had stood as a symbol of coexistence and inclusion, in a city where the sound of church bells and the call to prayer were often heard at the same time. It is especially important during these times when we see all around us divisive narrative intent on pitting groups of people against each other, to counter this narrative with a stronger, louder message of resilience, hope, and peace.”>>
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the heritage environment, and convey a sense of peace and tranquility for worshipers. Of course, we also advocate for an environmentally friendly design that prioritize local constructive cultures and local artisans’ know-how.” This sentiment is echoed in Nadhem’s vision for what he believes the people of Iraq would want the Al-Nouri Complex to signify with respect to its redesign. “Iraq’s interest in reconstructing Al-Nouri Complex has two reasons,” he said. “The first reason is related to Iraq’s interest in preserving its legacy, which can be considered to be both a national and an international one. The second reason is related to Iraq’s war against terrorism that has caused the death of many brave Iraqi people. This war was not only to maintain the safety and security of the country, but it was also a triumph of peace, culture, and coexistence of society and life with all its meanings. Al-Nouri Complex, after reconstruction, will be a cultural, humanistic
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Ottone went on to explain the factors that will govern how UNESCO and its partners will determine the winners of this contest. “The competition will be guided by a set of clear values that UNESCO and our Iraqi counterparts would like to see reflected in the design,” he said. “Situated at the heart of the old city, Al-Nouri Complex is surrounded by beautiful 18 and 19th century late Ottoman buildings. Thus, we hope that architects and designers will see the opportunity to offer an integrated design inspired by such a unique and rich architecture of Mosul’s Old City. Moreover, and most importantly, the project should harmoniously fuse the old –the remains of the complex’s own historical buildings- with its newly designed ones, and all together with the landscaping design. We also hope that the architectural proposals will provide a space for the community, which is a place of sharing knowledge, and hosting cultural and religious manifestations. We would like to see designs that that respect
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An independent, international jury will determine the winners of this competition, with Ottone saying that it will be composed of experts in the key domains relating to this initiative, and selected by UNESCO and the Government of Iraq. According to him, the jury will look at “the extent to which the proposal accomplished an almost seamless integration with the design-middleeast.com
rich architecture of Mosul’s Old City, the capacity to which it achieved the integration of its own remaining and reconstructed buildings with its newly designed ones as well as the landscaping of the entire complex, the potential of the design to create an oasis of peace and tranquility for worshipers and a vibrant vital center for the community, and the capacity of the project to envision an environmentally conscious design.” Meanwhile, Al Kaabi noted how an international competition of this nature would allow for innovative and creative ideas from all corners of the globe to participate in the rebuilding of the AlNouri Complex, while also increasing global awareness on the themes of cultural preservation and restoration, the impact of terrorism on our culture, and the importance of international cooperation in the cultural sphere.
“As for the values and ideas we hope the participants to bear in mind, it is imperative to focus on retaining all the traditional elements of the original structure, including use of the remains of the historic landmark,” Al Kaabi added. “The participants should consider using traditional materials and modern techniques, to allow for harmonious integration between the Old City’s architecture and the new design. The new buildings will make use of colors and materials in accordance with those used in the Old City of Mosul. In short, we expect traditional architectural typologies with subtle modern re-interpretations. There are other functional aspects we invite the participants to pay attention to, such as accessibility for people with disabilities.” From Nadhem’s standpoint, he reiterated the importance of the Al-Nouri Complex to the people
“To see the project completed, and Al-Nouri Complex used as a vibrant community space for worship, education, and connection will serve as a strong example of hope, resilience, and coexistence for Iraq, the region, and the world.” of Iraq, and how its design and development needs to be done keeping that aspect firmly in mind. “In the many meetings we had with UNESCO, we have set the plan for the reconstruction of the Al-Nouri Complex,” he said. “We have confirmed two important basic points, which relate to preserving the inherent traditional countenance and the architectural, cultural identity of the structure, and setting a clear time frame for plan for the reconstruction plan.”
With the UNESCO competition now getting underway and open for entries, one waits with bated breath for what hopes will be a slew of innovative, inspiring ideas that bring back to life one of Mosul’s most loved landmarks. And it’s not just about Iraq- as Al Kaabi points out, the UAE’s involvement in this UNESCO project is testament to the significance this initiative has for the wider Middle East, and, of course, the world in its entirety. “The UAE pledged to join the
initiative not only because of UNESCO’s international credibility in the cultural field, but because the proposal was about more than rebuilding cultural sites,” Al-Kaabi said.
“It put Moslawis at the center, and aimed at reviving the identity, spirit, heart, and soul of the community... The project fully aligns with our vision for a moderate, harmonious social fabric for our region, and is reflective of not only our fraternal ties with Iraq, but also of our cooperation with international organizations, and the importance we place on preserving humanity’s shared heritage.”
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Aby Sam Thomas is the Editor in Chief of Entrepreneur Middle East. He’s been working in journalism since 2011, prior to which he was an analyst programmer with Accenture, where he worked with J. P. Morgan Chase's investment banking arm at offices in Mumbai, London, and New York. He holds a Master's Degree in Journalism from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in New York. design-middleeast.com
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Interview
Building emotional Qahtani, founder of Saudi-Arabia based connections Aala Aala Qahtani Architects, talks about inspirations, her newly-developed futuristic prototype, and current projects she’s working on
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What is your guiding design principle?
My vision is to create profound experiences. Both the inside and outside of buildings, should grab your attention and spark interest as you are walking or driving by. I want people to feel an emotional connection with the buildings I design; a strong connection that stays with them and draws them back.
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So much of your work is based in Saudi Arabia. Architecturally, what emotions does this country stir in you?
I have a deep love for my home, Saudi Arabia, and I am inspired by the traditional architecture of each of the main regions: the North, South, and East, which border the Arabian Gulf; and the Hijazi (West) and Najdi (Middle) regions. Even today, many people do not understand the rich history of Saudi Arabia. Every successful international architect’s design ethos is formed in their homeland, and Saudi Arabia’s unique and historic architecture is a continuous source of inspiration for me. I feel it’s my mission to take the beautiful Najdi architecture to the next level and modernise it through the effective use of technology.
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Could you tell us about the futuristic 'plug and play' prototype— X Villa. What are your primary goals with this?
What is the next project you're slated to work on?
We’re particularly excited about designing another prototype for the Ministry of Housing. The building will help the government solve a lack of affordable housing. The land is very expensive, and house prices have not fallen, even following the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. With this project, I’m changing the fixed mind-set around what materials can be used to construct houses. We need to move away from using only reinforced concrete, in favour of using recycled
materials. For example, this project uses corrugated iron sheets. It’s a contemporary house that has five sections which you can mix and match, which gives the homeowner both creative and practical, personalized options to suit their lifestyle. What do you hope to accomplish in the next 10 years?
Over the next decade, I will push the boundaries of architecture, regionally and internationally. I have huge ambitions to create buildings that are recognised around the world for their ability to inspire people toward new realms and narratives and to transcend traditional expectations about architecture.
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By using the latest software, we can simulate reality as much as possible. This is so that we can feel the effect that our designs will have on people. BIM software helps us coordinate and collaborate amongst our teams, especially when we are working on big projects, which we often do. Lately, I’ve become very interested in how artificial intelligence can enhance our designs and help us create more
sustainable cities. In many of the buildings we design, we try to use recyclable materials. We all must play our part for our planet.
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How does technology help you deal with design challenges and meet sustainability goals?
X Villa interior - living room
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We were asked by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Housing to create a design prototype. I took inspiration from the traditional architecture of the Najdi region and built on the ‘lifestyle’ around it to design X Villa. The architectural design has been stripped back to its most contemporary form. It solves a problem that many Saudi families face while living in urban settings that have grid planning – a lack of privacy. Everything, from the techniques to the materials we used were carefully considered. This prototype can be purchased online. The construction uses a low cost and durable materials, which makes it a far more accessible option for families who wish to build their own house.
Inspired by the historical Najdi architecture, the contemporary X Villa concept contrasts privacy from the outside world with an open and communal interior design. The interior is centered around the rear courtyardcreating a calming atmosphere that’s connected with nature. Left: X Villa main façade
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Interview
The changemakers George Arvanitis, director of masterplanning & urbanism and Mohamed Ali, associate director, at RMJM talk about their favourite projects, current commissions, and architecture post-COVID-19
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IN CONVERSATION WITH GEORGE ARVANITIS "Architecture should be considered as part of an eco-system within the built environment and should, in turn, deliver an uplifting responsible design."
Take us on a journey – what was your career path before joining RMJM? What is the most rewarding aspect of your job at RMJM?
Having previously lived and studied in the USA before working in Europe, I have found a home in Dubai, a truly enriched global crossroads. I often draw upon the diversity of cultures and places that I’ve experienced for inspiration. Our studio staff at RMJM are our most invaluable asset and we shape projects together through discourse and collaboration. I also find that testing new ideas and concepts is something that inspires and energises me. What is your favourite project you’ve worked on at RMJM?
There are a series of projects I’ve worked on while at RMJM and each has their own special place. From new visionary masterplans for growing cities such as Makkah to urban design regeneration in Baghdad and Cairo, architecture and cultural projects within heritage landscapes, my favourite projects are those that deliver people-centred design and express integrity of materiality, function, and form. How do you consider architecture’s role in achieving environmental sustainability?
Architecture should be considered as part of an eco-system within the built environment and should in turn, deliver an uplifting responsible design. Therefore, the selection of materials, systems, and forms all play a part, in the well-being of its users and its neighbours, creating an enduring building design. design-middleeast.com
29 How will COVID-19 change the architecture?
We have reflected on the value of design in our immediate surroundings, understood the significance of integrating nature, ensuring indoor air quality, and providing suitable lighting for our well-being and health. For cities, this places greater emphasis on our pedestrian connectivity and outdoor space.Architecture will need to prioritise, in its conception, the end-user and deliver a holistic setting that is emotive, flexible, and adaptable to our everyday needs and also cater to an agile working and living environment.
Can you tell us a little bit about the projects you’re currently working on?
From new cities to the smaller scale office developments we are undertaking in Masdar City, and new heritage hospitality projects on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi we have been drawing on inspiration from the site, our clients and our young designers to deliver thoughtful meaningful designs.
Briefly describe your professional journey and role at RMJM?
I joined RMJM in 2013, with a background in residential, retail, and hospitality. I managed a number of high-end projects in the MENA region from the early design stages until the hand-over to our construction team. I thrived in this position and eventually made my way to associate director. RMJM has a great environment for encouraging talent and creativity which really creates a space where we can design and deliver remarkable projects, which is my main passion! For me, design is a team endeavour were every member matter, every piece of data adds its own mark.
Technology enables us to sculpture all these opinions and views and coordinate thoughts and emotions to give every project a unique persona. What have been the most fulfilling projects you have worked on and why?
Dubai Creek Harbour Tower, Emaar: Our challenging role was to build an electronic version of the tower to resemble the real construction on site. E-construction is a new role for the modern architecture industry where deliverables go beyond the submission of a creative design to the digital transformation of the building.
Masdar M10B: The innovative concept of this futuristic boutique office focused on high sustainability standards. We embraced energy generation and saving through exciting technological integrations including a “Smart Home” style Internet of Things, vertical farming, and many others. What are you working on currently, and what is in the future for architects?
Masdar M10B: It is the Office 2.0. We designed the ‘feel and experience’ of the future of workplace. The office space allows more networking and collaboration, built to promote creativity and
How is COVID-19 impacting the architecture? Architecture is all about the space experience, COVID-19 is a great opportunity to grant a human-scale distancing for work, leisure, and living. Pigeon-hole style apartments are not healthy from a mental and medical point of view. ‘Working from home’ should convert to better homes, less commuting, and less pollution. Future cities need to be more human and definitely much cleaner and sustainable; this is the proper social distancing that can cure COVID-19 and protect our society from getting any new pandemic.
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innovation, with a low carbonfoot-print and environmentally responsible approach. The design incorporates future drone deliveries and even produces its own crops in-house.
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"Architecture is all about the space experience, COVID-19 is a great opportunity to grant a human-scale distancing for work, leisure, and living. Pigeon-hole style apartments are not healthy from a mental and medical point of view."
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IN CONVERSATION WITH MOHAMED ALI
What are some of your favourite technologies to work in your field?
Generative design is catching my interest as an integral part of our BIM workflow as the technology would offer new design possibilities especially if applied with AI. 3D Printing is also interesting, especially in the time of COVID 19, where we need to generate more prefabricated buildings to protect workers at the site. design-middleeast.com
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Gallery | RMJM RMJM is one of the largest architecture, interior design, engineering, and urban planning networks in the world. Left: Grand Mosque, Gate Avenue, DIFC, Dubai, UAE
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Below: Innovation Hub, Dubai, UAE
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31 Top to bottom: Mixed-use project in Baghdad for Hewa Group Gate Avenue, DIFC, Dubai, UAE
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W Hotel and Alef Residences, Dubai, UAE
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Interview
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"For me, the idea of simplicity and efficiency is important. I can be inspired by culture, nature, history, climate and local architecture for my new ideas that are modern but still connected to the past and surrounding."
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Ahead of the curve Boran Agoston, design director at Studio International Engineering Consultants (SIEC), on his inspirations, exciting projects he’s currently working on, and his dream commission
What were some of the key influences that inspire your design? For me, the idea of simplicity and efficiency is important. I can be inspired by culture, nature, history, climate and local architecture for my new ideas that are modern but still connected to the past and surrounding. Once I capture my inspiration, it is a question of what to do with it and how I translate that into something meaningful. What trends do you feel are important in architecture/design? Historically, architecture and design were at the forefront of mankind’s progress. I see a huge, almost tectonic shift toward renewable materials, sustainability, automation, and new technologies that architects and designers are actively promoting. Design philosophy should be based on sustainability with an emphasis on innovative low-carbon buildings with unique structures, challenging the current norms of designing quality buildings. Reduction of fossil fuel dependence in the
What would be your dream commission? To live with indigenous people on a small Pacific Island, where I would like to design a sustainable resort using local materials and
What could be the next 10 years hold for design and architecture especially if we talk about the region? I believe that the next 10 years will bring very exciting progress, especially in the architectural field. New opportunities will arise due to generational changes, through legislation and education. In this constantly changing world, I am particularly excited about the Middle East, where we are witnessing the creation of mega projects in KSA, investment and renewable energies in UAE, and new trade deals with other regions. All these will have a positive impact and will create a new construction cycle engaging architects and designers to meet new challenges.
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Tell us about your recent projects. And the one you are most proud of? Our clients are located predominantly in the UAE where we have completed several large projects. Our design was recognised by industry leaders and SIEC was awarded the prestigious ‘Architectural Firm of the Year’ while my design SZ 21 was awarded as ‘Innovation in Design’, 1st runner-up by Design Middle East Awards in 2019. Currently, our main projects are in KSA where we have been commissioned to develop some large-scale projects such as a mixed-use Staff Village and airport development. The Staff Village has been designed as a small town for 15,000 people and includes all supporting elements necessary for a lifestyle that is conducive to a healthy and happy community. With the remoteness of the site, the client aspires to create a residential community that retains its staff from the housekeeping team all the way to hotel managers and provide them with all day to day facilities and amenities. For the airport project, we are the main consultant in charge of all ancillary buildings and the main terminal building engineering. We are now living in very challenging times during the COVID-19 pandemic, so my time goes out to all of our projects no matter how big or small they are because the company’s success and survival depend on solid leadership and teamwork.
construction techniques only. I have always been interested in learning new building techniques coupled with traditional materials and craftsmanship. That would be a great ‘synergy experiment’ between tradition and technology of the modern world.
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near future will unleash a totally different architectural design and style. This shift will be facilitated with quality contemporary thinking and education for the new generation of architects.
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Briefly describe your professional journey and your role in SIEC? My international career has spanned almost four decades, of which 14 years I have spent living in the Middle East. It’s been an exciting architectural experience and a worldwide journey through different cultures in Europe, USA, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. I have been with SIEC since its establishment in 2014, as design director, where my global exposure brought skills required to lead the design and delivery of significant, high-quality designs and developments ranging across all major sectors of the industry. Under my leadership, the company’s design portfolio has grown from local projects to international projects spanning from UAE to MENA Region.
As someone in the leadership position, how would you take yourself and others through this COVID-19 crisis at SIEC? Also, what have been your learnings from this pandemic? This unprecedented pandemic has caught the world by surprise. It took considerable time for society to organise itself to fight back this disease. Our rapid response in SIEC was to raise staff awareness and to create a working condition that immediately embraced new realities. SIEC has introduced flexible working hours and work from home scheme. Interestingly, we noticed that our productivity rose in this period due to less meetings and travel restrictions. The main lesson learned from this pandemic is to see how quickly we, as architects, could rise and adapt to the new challenges. design-middleeast.com
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Gallery | SIEC
Studio International Engineering (SIEC) Consultants was established in Dubai in November 2014, as a boutique design studio comprised of architects, planners, and project and development managers with vast experience in the region and industry. Left: SZ 21
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Below: Science Museum Cultural Village
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Below, top to bottom: Mudon Views Saadiyat Island Dubai Metro
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Left: SZR Tower
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36 Review
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als, whether minimalist offices or bare-brick loft spaces, to reflect their aesthetic ethos and design-led skills. Indeed, the growing prominence of disciplines such as design-led thinking makes it even more important certain for design professionals to live up to their customers’ aesthetic expectations. It’s a matter of branding and brand advertising. The HP DesignJet Studio Printer Series are the world’s first large-format plotters which combine industry-leading performance, precision and quality with a high-concept design and a high-tech look. Available in two models — 24- and 36-inch — the new printer series is compact by design, so models easily fit into smaller offices and home offices. Able to print an A1 page in as little as 25 seconds, the new printers are also the first carbon-neutral large-format plotters from HP.
THINK BIG
Print easy with the new HP DesignJet Studio Series
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ith the world becoming increasingly more innovative, it is essential that designers and architects recognize the importance of implementing new innovative technologies within their businesses. To cater to this, HP has released its new innovative DesignJet Studio Printer Series that stands out with high-speed & high quality printing. For those who aim for the highest standards of design, HP DesignJet Studio
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Printer Series is your perfect partner. These printers are the world’s first large-format plotters which combine industry-leading performance, precision and quality with a high-concept design and a high-tech look. Their design simplicity extends to the user experience with a uniquely streamlined and intuitive print process. Easy-to-use, HP DesignJet Studio Printer Series is ideal for creative firms where practitioners are often working on the move, between the studio, work sites, clients, and other locations.
AESTHETICS Is your office a design-led space? Design thinking is now a respected philosophy and a problem-solving approach. It involves taking the principles of design — solving problems with reference to the challenge, the user experience and the available materials, then iterating your way to a solution — and applying them to a whole range of challenges in different areas of life. Most clients today arguably expect the workspaces of their creative agencies and profession-
Intelligent Workflow Is there really one part of the design workflow you can’t streamline? You can batch-process design files, automate manual tasks, switch to additive technologies for prototyping and use AI to simulate stress testing — but what about printing? Increasingly, the best CAD design tools have built-in artificial intelligence which helps designers, engineers and architects find the best forms for their intended purpose, helping shortcut the design cycle. This is just one way in which design professionals are finding new and innovative ways to streamline their work, cut out unnecessary iterations and get to the result the client needs, faster.
SUSTAINABILITY So, what can design professionals do to make their businesses more sustainable? In the first two months of the COVID-19 pandemic, just one video conferencing app saw its usage rise by 574%. Over the last few months, businesses in every sector — including designers, architects, civil engineers and other design engineers — have grown used to doing everything from internal meetings to business pitches through video. And this growth in video conferencing has a potentially huge impact on reducing business-related carbon emissions. According video conferencing platform Zoom, the average business trip produces 168 times the carbon emissions of the same meeting carried out by video conferencing. Another way to make your studio or prac-
tice more sustainable is to look at processes, such as printing, which consume energy and some form of raw material, such as ink or toner. If you can find a way to produce the same quality output while using less energy and raw materials, this can have a significant impact on how sustainable your business is to run. To meet this demand from creative professionals for a new generation of more environmentally sustainable large-format printers, HP has released the new HP DesignJet T200, T600 and Studio Printer series. All three new product ranges are made with a high proportion of recycled plastic and are designed to be more sustainable across their entire lifecycle than other comparable products. Ways in which the new large-format printers are more sustainable than the competition include: • consisting of up to 30% recycled plastic • emitting up to 7.3 tons less carbon a year than comparable large-format printers • using up to 95% less ink for routine maintenance than comparable large-format printers The world’s easiest plotter Designed to fit the way you live, this plotter provides design that performs, in technology that stands out in the first net carbon neutral HP DesignJet plotter.
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Simplicity that integrates seamlessly into your work routine One of the most effective, and deceptively simple workflow optimisations on the new models is simplified multi-size printing. Without manually switching the media source, you can print files at any size from A0 to A3, at the click of a mouse. Print submission have also been simplified overall, allowing you to print multiple files
with a single click. And print times for multiple files are up to 2 times faster than they are for comparable printers from competitors. Another key innovation is the ability to print from any connected device, anywhere. Not only does this allow your staff to print from on site or when they’re in transit, it makes it easy for partners and clients to print files, either remotely or when they are visiting your offices.
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Whether it’s 3D printing for faster prototyping, gathering data on designs in their environment with augmented reality or using BIM to turn schematics into ever-evolving datascapes, designers are constantly finding new ways to make their work more efficient and intelligent. In reality, improving the speed at which the physical parts of the print engine — the latest HP DesignJet plotters print an A1-size design in as little as 30 seconds — is just one aspect of making printing for designers faster, and more integrated into their workflow. To overcome these challenges and meet customers’ evolving needs, HP has released the new DesignJet T200, T600 and Studio Printer series. All three new product ranges are built specifically to help design professionals accelerate their workflows and eliminate unnecessary production overheads.
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Extreme simplicity Bring your master plan to life in moments and multitask with ease. Print multi-size A3/B, A1/D or A0/E, without manual intervention to switch the media source, with HP Click software. Fits the way you work Your office is wherever you say it is. With the HP Smart App you can print virtually from anywhere with your smartphone or tablet. With design that performs and technology that stands out, the world’s easiest large-format plotters1 fit the way you live and work. Print multi-size projects automatically. Avoid waiting with high-speed printing as fast as 25 sec per A1/D plot.
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Op-ed
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Moving towards a new society Applying the Japanese idea of “coexistence with nature� in design to unlock the doors to a new society
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WORDS TADAO KAMEI, PRESIDENT AND CEO AT NIKKEN SEKKEI
edical professionals around the world have fought hard to sustain society amid the perils of COVID-19. Now, based on all that we have been through, I believe it is our mission as those engaged in urban and architectural design to create proposals for a safer and more sustainable urban environment. Here, I would like to talk about the thoughts I had while our activities were restricted.
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Shift from high-density concentrations to a balanced distribution The high-density integration of urban functions is efficient and is thought to act as a source of innovation resulting from a mix of interactions. However, I have learned that an excessive level of concentration can be an obstacle to the continuity of business activities when the movements of people, goods, and services are restricted because of a virus. Going forward, we must be able to properly maintain a remote environment with business, residential and commercial zones
Accommodating flexible architectural spaces Standards and regulations for buildings and rooms are legally set according to their respective uses. However, in this pandemic, general hospital beds are being converted for use for infectious diseases, and homes and hotels are being used as rooms for people who only show minor symptoms to recuperate. Many residences have also become offices for people working remotely from home. With this in mind, I believe preparing for the creative, flexible use of spaces in the future for both normal times and during disasters will lead to the resilience of society with due consideration paid to legal compliance, without the need for excess investment. These spaces are also reminiscent of the simple, but highly flexible housing culture in Japan that has been adapted for multiple purposes, such
Breathable architecture and cities Semi-outdoor spaces, such as verandas, can be found throughout Japanese architecture. If you open up windows and control the amount of sunlight that filters in using eaves and fittings, pleasant breezes will flow through structures. Light gardens in traditional machiya townhouses are narrow spaces that offer a point of contact with nature. Ventilation has been pointed out as a priority item in measures to combat infectious viral diseases, and if this concept in Japanese architecture is applied to existing buildings and cities in a completely new way, it may help with measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and also save energy.
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as for bedrooms and dining rooms, where rooms can be changed by opening and closing fusuma (paper sliding doors) to tailor them to the user.
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distributed at appropriate densities. In normal times, this distribution will increase the number of choices available for both work and living spaces, and in the event of a disaster, will ensure a minimum level of functionality. However, this is not the only change. In our future, I believe that society will emerge that incorporates not only spaces, but the concepts of virtual reality and time, where completely new cities, buildings, and spaces must be created. Today, we have started to take up this challenge in preparation for that time.
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Business Continuity Planning (BCP) and resilience based on the concept of complex disasters Disaster responses must not be forgotten in the context of creating resilient cities. Throughout its past, Japan has experienced a multitude of natural disasters. We have a keen sense of the importance of promoting disaster preparation plans and urban development for earthquakes, typhoons, river flooding caused by torrential rainfall, and power outages occurring simultaneously with a pandemic based on simulations in normal times. design-middleeast.com
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Project
A seamless blend Dubai-based VSHD Design shares the glimpses of their first U.S. residential project Photographer: Koen Van Damme
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SHD Design unveils a luxurious residential design within the Four Seasons Orlando Resort in Florida, United States. “From the onset, we realised that we were facing numerous challenges with this project,” says Rania Hamed, interior architect and founder of VSHD Design. “In addition to strict regional building and environmental codes, there were requirements imposed by Four Seasons Resorts to ensure that the residence blended stylistically with its neighbouring properties.”
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into the home’s interior to align with the client’s vision. While Tuscan architecture in its purest form embraces natural, rustic elements, VSHD Design avoided abundant use of materials such as brick and wrought iron in lieu of a modern interpretation. Grey brick overhangs positioned above the external façade’s windows and passages pay homage to Tuscan influences. Black frames of expansive French windows, certified to hurricane standards, provide contemporary contrasts to the façade’s white walls, culminating in a modern Mediterranean style that adheres to the Four Seasons aesthetic requirements. >>
Rania Hamed, interior architect and founder of VSHD Design
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In approaching the external Tuscan theme exhibited by homes within the exclusive development, the challenge was to maintain some existing structural elements, while delivering on the client’s vision of a modern home that would be luxurious, yet warm, comfortable, and ideal for entertaining guests. The client envisioned a sort of boutique-style hotel environment that would provide family and friends with privacy and luxurious amenities, even in the absence of its owners. To achieve that challenging balance, Hamed embarked on a mission to modernise the external Tuscan façade, while infusing contemporary luxury
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Project
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To complement the structural design, the design firm developed all of the home’s outdoor spaces, beginning with its swimming pool. European limestone tiles, stylistic planters, and luxurious sunbeds provide the exterior spaces with an authentic Mediterranean look and feel. While the exterior exudes modern interpretations of mandated styles and standards, VSHD Design approached the interior of the house as somewhat of a blank canvas. Working with a timber structure, as opposed to concrete columns and beams, was a new experience, however, Hamed found inspiration in the challenge. “I saw beauty in some of the original structural elements and I wanted to maintain as many of them as possible,” Hamed explains. “I decided to leave some of the exposed beams intact, as opposed to hiding them behind a layer of gypsum.”
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Exposed wooden beams reflecting the original structure’s integrity were maintained, with layers of dark stain and black metal trim added to provide a more industrial feel. Hamed also focussed on ensuring seamless continuity between the home’s interior and exterior spaces. Upon entering the house, Carrara marble flooring carries the influences inward, where Tuscan-style arches define the separation of the home’s interior spaces, reinforced by clean, modern, and slightly protruding architraves. The main floor houses the master bedroom, highlighted by a luxurious contemporary décor and direct access to the adjacent pool area and outdoor shower, designed as part of VSHD’s vision of an indoor/outdoor lifestyle. The master bedroom’s spa-inspired adjoining spaces include a freestanding bathtub as the centrepiece of a spacious bathroom that also features an individual toilet and shower cubicles. “The client’s brief focused on a concept where each room should have a completely different, yet thoroughly modern theme,” shares Hamed. “We incorporated Chinese, Spanish, and multiple other influences to provide each suite with its own distinct character and mood.” To tie the interior spaces together, the design team embarked on an ambitious plan to develop a new patio space at the centre of the house to create stimulating visual links between multiple areas of the house. To separate the pool area from the patio, and to connect the master bedroom to the living spaces, the design team built an enclosed lanai with four expansive French windows on each side, which infuse the passage with natural light. “By blending traditional elements with a modern contemporary mix, we succeeded in achieving a contrast that works well,” tells Hamed. “We didn’t want that contrast to be too soft, so the use of black and white, with Carrera marble flooring, provides the home with a strong modern-vintage look.”
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Exposed wooden beams reflecting the original structure’s integrity were maintained, with layers of dark stain and black metal trim added to provide a more industrial feel
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Feature
Focal point
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Kitchen design trends are shifting quickly in the post Covid world
Drawer and internal accessories for modern kitchens by Arclinea
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Ranavaya says: “Depending on the age of the children, an island unit with a breakfast bar allows them to interact with parents whilst they are cooking and also acts as a useful homework or homeschooling area. If a little younger, consider a drop-down table
The focal point of the space is the Convivium island with doors in bronze PVD stainless steel, worktop with recessed area in gold Calacatta marble. Craftsmanship and attention to detail in the use of wood: NTF smoked oak for the Era built-in table and for the boiserie containment wall, with two equipped compartments, hidden by retractable doors of the New Pocket System by Arclinea
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Gaby Koudsi, managing partner and owner at Studio 971
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multi-functional space which encourage interaction. Areas for a home office, children’s play, homework and/or craft storage areas, Family TV space are all valid requests. Elements such as ‘Folding door systems’ and ‘Pocket Doors’ can easily reveal or conceal such areas for an overall clean aesthetic feel.” The choice to stay safe at home and only venture to restaurants and malls for essentials has also led to entertaining more at home both in our indoor and outdoor kitchen areas. Samir Ranavaya, CEO, Innerspace, echoes the same thoughts: “With so many of us working from home, it’s increasingly popular to incorporate office space into the kitchen. Ideally, any dedicated work area should be away from the cooking zone, sink and main thoroughfare - a breakfast area or island is usually a good space to choose. If space allows, extending the kitchen wall cabinetry into the dining area gives continuity and can create additional space to work.” Innerspace offers a range of modern kitchen furniture from Hacker.
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he outbreak of COVID-19 all across the globe has forced the designers to think outof-the-box. For obvious reasons, the trend is moving towards safer choices. With the kitchen being used as a living space, workspace, and even a teaching space, there is a major need to rethink our kitchen designs. Historically people have always considered the kitchen as an essential part of their home but with the recent and ongoing experience of the COVID-19 pandemic, people are regarding their kitchen as much more than just a space in which to cook, it has become the focus and highlight of the daily lives. Gaby Koudsi, managing partner and owner at Studio 971, explains: “With a large number of people working from home and children being schooled remotely, an increasing number of our client’s recent requirements are for kitchen designs which incorporate both cooking and living functions in one unified
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Feature
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Innerspace opened the new Hacker Kitchens showroom on Sheikh Zayed Road
Arclinea Italia's stainless steel folding door
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for them in the same material connected to the island or the peninsular. If space allows, a dedicated cabinet just for their belongings is a great touch to get them feeling involved.� Another thing to understand here is that people have become more health-conscious and aware of the materials that they bring into the home. Consumers are selecting everything from surfaces to the kitchen furniture by doing a lot of research. Like, Silestone is the original quartz worktop and the only brand that contains a unique bacteriostatic formula using silver ions to prevent the propagation of bacteria, offering added protection. Also, Hacker makes the world’s only tropicalised kitchen. Specifically designed for the Middle East, these kitchens can withstand the extreme heat and humidity, which the region is known for. They also use a sealant that expands and stretches with temperature. This allows them to withstand the extreme heat and humidity, making them durable and long-lasting.
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Innerspace CEO Samir Ranavaya
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Ranavaya further elaborates how technology is changing kitchen spaces for good. He states: “We are also seeing technical innovations with sound and light which set the atmosphere to match your mood - important when you are spending so much more time at home. Lighting can transform a kitchen and there are many modern innovations which can add brightness and vibrancy to the room. Glass splashbacks amplify reflections, and light worktops reflect spotlights. Plinth lights are very popular as are Halo lights. The light emphasises the appliances and cabinets and turns them into real design features.”
Innerspace Project: Hacker Kitchen designed by Bruno Guelaff
Smart integrated kitchen cooling and cooking appliances such as coffee machines, vacuum-sealing drawers, steam ovens, large Fridge Freezers, beverage coolers and instant filtered chilled & boiling water mixer taps are upgrades that are highly desired. Koudsi shares how customers are demanding for ergonomic solutions. “Many of our clients are also exploring finishes that are not only aesthetic and design-orientated but functional and durable. Ergonomic storage solutions are at the forefront of people’s
minds. Drawers and internal accessories help with space organisation and work surfaces are clutter-free, small appliances being hidden.” Power connectivity in various locations of the kitchen is essential requirements. “As the post-COVID-19 period is beginning to take shape, we are all adapting and becoming more aware of the importance of sharing quality time with our loved ones in an environment that inspires and invites the kitchen to shine as the centerpiece of the home,” signs off Koudsi.
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Event preview
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Moreover, TUTTOFOOD 2021 will be an effective knowledge-sharing platform. Evolution Plaza, the core of the TUTTODIGITAL area, will focus on next-generation digital transformation solutions, while the Innovation Area will present the new TUTTOFOOD contest dedicated to innovation. Also, making a return is the Retail Plaza, the meeting place for trends on Retail and large-scale retailers.
TUTTOFOOD Milano 2021 Global and innovative, TUTTOFOOD is a B2B exhibition for the agri-food ecosystem, and a national and international point of reference for sector development. Taking place from May 17-21, 2021, here we interview Exhibition Manager Paola Sarco for a close look at the fair. trends and engage in effective networking. It also offers an unparalleled programme of events, thanks to a number of partnerships with major associations and organisations. Initiatives in progress include scouting activity to increase the number of hosted buyers and planning strategies to involve more bloggers, influencers, and trendsetters.
What differentiates TUTTOFOOD Milano from other industry, B2B food fairs? TUTTOFOOD is the most internationalised food exhibition in Italy. It features a unique mix of Italian and international household names with niche SMEs representing the best Made in Italy products, and more. Therefore, it’s a real international agrifood hub to discover new products, explore design-middleeast.com
Tell us a bit more about the upcoming TUTTOFOOD. We’re building a lot on innovation. We launched the new Fiera Milano Platform, an innovative, integrated system which focuses even more on networking by simplifying interactions between buyers and companies. An ecosystem of services, from websites and social media to a synergy between in-person and digital meetings, and redesigned catalogues will be on offer.
What gives the fair its ‘international feel’ and what does it focus on? The growing internationalisation is underlined by both visitors and exhibitors. To date, more than 550 brands have confirmed attendance from countries including Belgium, Germany, Greece, Ireland, The Netherlands, Peru, Portugal, Romania, Spain, the United States, Switzerland, and Taiwan, as well as Italy. In the 2019 edition, 3,079 brands were present, 16% of them international from 43 countries, while attendance reached 82,551 professionals, 23% of whom were from abroad, from a total of 143 countries. What are some of this year’s most important food categories and products, and why? We treasure all our sectors, especially the ones which have been the most successful such as Dairy, Meat, Sweets and Grocery. In 2021, a new feature is TUTTOFRUIT, an area dedicated to fresh fruits and vegetables, and innovation in the IV and V ranges, which house fruit and vegetable products with high quality and service standards. The next edition also focuses on the organic development of the latest sectors launched – TUTTOHEALTH will see the development of TUTTOWINE and a boost for TUTTODIGITAL. Are there any trends that you consider of utmost importance to the GCC market now? We look at the GCC market with great interest. An example of that is a webinar we have recently organised, live from Dubai, where industry experts presented the most interesting trends to our stakeholders.
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“IT’S A REAL INTERNATIONAL AGRI-FOOD HUB TO DISCOVER NEW PRODUCTS, EXPLORE TRENDS AND ENGAGE IN EFFECTIVE NETWORKING. IT ALSO OFFERS AN UNPARALLELED PROGRAMME OF EVENTS, THANKS TO A NUMBER OF PARTNERSHIPS WITH MAJOR ASSOCIATIONS AND ORGANISATIONS.”
OCTOBER 2020
Fine dining versus delivery – which one’s the winner under current circumstances? With the forced closure of bars and restaurants, lockdowns in several countries put food delivery in the limelight. Our data has shown that a substantial percentage of new customers who discovered it during the pandemic, will continue to use it.
On the other end, restaurateurs that wouldn’t use delivery before, have started proposing it to their customers. However, after the reopening, we’ve also seen that people were eager to go back to dining out. We think that mixed formats and concepts will be the most viable solutions for the foreseeable future. The ‘dark kitchen’ phenomenon is a good example of that.
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What are some of the biggest challenges you’re facing in the wake of COVID-19 as the organiser; what obstacles is the industry facing? How do you plan on overcoming them? Fieramilano is one of the largest and most modern exhibition venues in Europe and we’ve already held several successful trade fairs in a safe and secure environment since the reopening. We’re confident that the global situation will
have improved by May 2021. In any case, we’re ready to host a safe TUTTOFOOD thanks to technology and the commitment of our teams. Within the context of the Fiera Milano Platform, a digital map of the exhibition will allow for remote, virtual visits, as well as direct, real-time negotiations. The event becomes ‘phygital’, or hybrid, with the creation of new formats which are simultaneously digital and accessible to a live audience.
DESIGN MIDDLE EAST
High-end restaurant chains and hotel restaurants have been historically strong in Gulf countries. Our experts think this is set to continue in the upcoming years, but with a shift towards even more personalised luxury on one hand, and a new focus on nature, proximity and territory on the other. The trade between Europe and the area is already promising, but we think there are still growth margins for quality foods.
design-middleeast.com
EXPERIENCED PLAYER. NEW SUIT. Over the coming weeks you’ll be meeting a whole new fleet of delivery drivers and riders. Whether you’re receiving your favourite meal, your bank card, the latest i-gadget, or that little black dress, a person wearing this jacket will greet you at the door.
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What you won’t see is the orchestra of advanced technologies and innovations that led to you receiving what you wanted when you wanted it. Lyve makes this possible with the vision that an always-on connected world is a better world.
#golyve
Go Lyve Today
BEYOND DELIVERY
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Pick of the month
For most, one-third of your life is spent at work, so making a mark on your desk space can make a big difference to your overall happiness! Whether you are working from home, working from the office or stay at home one item that is guaranteed to uplift, inspire and make us feel homely is your very own charming mug, filled with your favourite hot drink. Prickly Pear has recently added to their range of already popular mugs and they are beaming with character and style! Availability: pricklypear.me
DESIGN MIDDLE EAST
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OCTOBER 2020
Mug & Me
Tips: Cole & Son shares inspiring wallpaper ideas From long-forgotten ceilings and woodwork to textured tapestries and bathrooms with impact. Carley Bean, design director from Cole & Son guides us to explore the most inspiring and workable interior tips and trends for the upcoming seasons.
WOODWORK THAT WOWS Much like its overhead neighbour the ceiling, interior doors and architraves have long suffered the same torturous fate, doomed to a life of all matching white paint. But this approach misses a huge opportunity for a dramatic statement. ‘Use your wallpaper to create a palette of key shades,’ says Bean. ‘From there you can pick a complementary or contrasting colour to use on woodwork, panelling, doors and trims. It’s something so simple but can elevate an interior setting.’ BATHROOM FUN It’s often the place people feel most comfortable experimenting with colour and pattern, and 2020 is no exception. ‘Bathrooms are a great place to experiment and have fun with colour, materials and wallpaper. We just hope that once
design-middleeast.com
home decorators see the impact it can have in such a small space, they have the confidence to continue it throughout the house,’ says Bean. STATEMENT CEILINGS The ceiling is finally getting the attention it deserves and reclaiming its position centre stage in a room. After years, and years and years of being painted ‘just white’ things are finally ‘looking up’ for this long-forgotten fifth wall. ‘It fills me with glee to see interior designers and home decorators alike seizing the immense opportunity the ceiling has to offer,’ says Bean. TAPESTRY TEXTURES Tapestry-like designs are a perfect focal point for a room. Often inspired by idyllic landscapes, they bring the beautiful colours of the outdoors inside of the home.
54 Whishlist
Imagineering
Form meets function JUST LIKE PARADISE Bring home this poster bed for the fairy-tale look and feel
DESIGN MIDDLE EAST
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OCTOBER 2020
Availability: marinahomeinteriors.com
WHIMSICAL Candyland seating collection by designer Esti Barnes is playful and practical
LET THERE BE LIGHT The Ernest table lamp is sure to steal the show at every occasion Availability: Across all aura stores in the UAE & KSA
design-middleeast.com
Availability: Share your requests at info@formitura.com
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I HAVE A DREAM Honice chandelier by designer Oriano Favaretto is a lighting gem
DESIGN MIDDLE EAST
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OCTOBER 2020
Availability: masierogroup.com
design-middleeast.com
56 Whishlist
PRIM N PROPER This classy dinnerware set is perfect for hosting a refined and sophisticated gathering
DESIGN MIDDLE EAST
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OCTOBER 2020
Availability: crateandbarrel.me
design-middleeast.com
GET INSPIRED Dami from Natuzzi is a lamp which takes inspiration from the shape of glass demijohns traditionally used in Apulia for the fermentation of wine Availability: Across all Natuzzi stores in the UAE
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CLASS APART The Tanjun collection of lighting draws inspiration from Japanese culture while maintaining the aesthetics of the contemporary, minimalist design
DESIGN MIDDLE EAST
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OCTOBER 2020
Availability: moon-moth.com
design-middleeast.com
58 Whishlist
FUN IS HERE Take design cues for fabrics, wallpapers, and cushions influenced by the varying worlds of art, design, fashion, and creativity from Poodle & Blonde
DESIGN MIDDLE EAST
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OCTOBER 2020
Availability: poodleandblonde.com
NEED OF THE HOUR Portable ergonomic laptop stand to prevent improper sitting postures Availability: neckdoctor.store
RELAXED VIBES Amp up your outdoor space and transform it into a place to share, gather, and unwind with this cool Cocoon Love chair Availability: Across all ACE stores in the UAE
design-middleeast.com
Give good hygiene a hand Give good hygiene a hand
The fastest most energy efficient HEPA-filtered hand dryer1 The fastest most energy efficient HEPA-filtered hand dryer1
Sustainable design Sustainable design Straight line configuration Straight line configuration allows for simpler allows for simpler air air flowflow paths, meaning less energy paths, meaning less energy 3 3 . And efficient consumption . And efficient consumption aerodynamics means thethe aerodynamics means Dyson digital motor draws Dyson digital motor draws 4 4 upup to to 87% lessless energy than 87% energy than a warm airair hand dryer. a warm hand dryer. Lowering costs to just $19/ Lowering costs to just $19/ 5 year to to runrun in Eco mode. year in Eco mode.5
User friendly User friendly Tested withstand realwashroom washroom Tested to to withstand real scenarios, durable designuses uses scenarios, thethe durable design ‘time of flight’ sensors thataccurately accurately ‘time of flight’ sensors that detect hands 0.25 secondstoto detect hands in in 0.25 seconds activate and reducewaiting waitingtime. time. activate airair and reduce is also quietest Airbladetotodate. date.22 It isItalso ourour quietest Airblade
HEPA filter
HEPA filter Fleece-lined glass fiber Fleece-lined glass fiber HEPA filter captures 99.95% 6 HEPA filter captures 99.95% of particles, including 6 ofbacteria particles, including and viruses, bacteria and viruses, air. from the washroom from the washroom air. 10 second dry time7 10 Ergonomic second drydrying time7 angle and Curved Blade™ Ergonomic dryingdesign angle follow and the curves of your hands to Curved Blade™ design follow remove water quickly, for the curves of your hands to fast, comfortable hand drying.
Dyson digital motor V4 Dyson digital motor V4 Using digital pulse technology, thepulse Dyson Using digital digital motor V4 technology, thespins Dyson up to 75,000 a digital motortimes V4 spins minute in Max mode. up to 75,000 times a
minute in Max mode.
remove water quickly, for fast, comfortable hand drying. 1
1
Dry time and energy consumption calculated for Max mode. Dry time was determined using Dyson test method 769 based on NSF P335 to a measurement of 0.1g residual moisture.
Dry 2time and loudness energy consumption for Maxtomode. Average (measured incalculated sones) compared Dyson Airblade™ hand dryers. Dry 3time was determined using Dyson test method 769 based Compared with other Dyson airblade models. on NSF P335 to a measurement of 0.1g residual moisture. 4
Measured in Eco mode.
5
Average electricity price US$ 0.1/kWh for the US market, as of May 2019. For calculations visit www.dyson.ae/calcs.
2
Average loudness (measured in sones) compared to Dyson Airblade™ hand dryers.
3
Compared with other Dyson airblade models. 6
4 5
HEPA filter tested to EN1822-5, by an independent testing laboratory, under prescribed test conditions.
Measured in Eco mode. 7
Dry time determined for Max mode using Dyson test method 769 based
Average electricity price US$ 0.1/kWh for the US market, as of May 2019. For calculations visit www.dyson.ae/calcs. on NSF P335 to a measurement of 0.1g residual moisture.
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
Find out more 04 350 7877 Find out more dysonprofessionalmea@dyson.com 04 350 7877 www.Dyson.ae
dysonprofessionalmea@dyson.com www.Dyson.ae
on NSF P335 to a measurement of 0.1g residual moisture. Dyson_Airblade_9kJ_275x205.indd 1
Dyson_Airblade_9kJ_275x205.indd 1
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11/13/19 4:49 PM
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Lighting
DESIGN MIDDLE EAST
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OCTOBER 2020
The façade of the mall boasts an angular design which has been highlighted with careful application of wall-washing and discreet luminaires
How very...
Illuminating
NULTY COMPLETES THE EFFICIENT LIGHTING SCHEME FOR FESTIVAL PLAZA IN DUBAI
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ighting design consultancy Nulty has completed the lighting scheme for the interior and exterior sections of Festival Plaza in Dubai. Nulty delivered a high-quality and efficient lighting scheme in partnership with architect BSBG and focussed on a design solution that provides a sense of intimacy, vibrancy, and comfort. Horizontal and vertical surfaces are emphasised to give more volume to space, whilst a combination of spotlighting and surface wash-lighting emphasises the scale of the high ceilings. All of the interior spaces utilise colour rendering light fixtures in order to provide as much lustre as possible. A variety of layers of light creates a visual hierarchy by creating contrast and improved composition. The primary lighting layer evokes general uniform illumination, perfect for functionality and wayfinding, via a combination of linear lights, downlights, and wall-washers.
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The lighting is controlled to ensure that light only falls where and when required in order to provide an energy-efficient solution
The second layer of lighting provides the vertical illumination, highlighting the walls and grazing the façade fins. A third and final layer of light creates an additional feature within the curved ceilings, creating a dramatic and vibrant effect. Nulty specified a DALI based lighting control system to provide flexibility and ensure that the artificial lighting is balanced with the daylight that pours through the windows. Sustainable lighting design has been achieved through a combination of considered selections of efficient luminaires and making use of new low-energy lamp technology. Diffused general lighting combined with accent lighting in specific areas, highlights dramatic finishes, particularly surrounding the outside space. The main focus for Nulty’s work on the façade was to display the variation in architectural elements and tie them all together through the lighting. This has resulted in an impressive canvas which entices visitors and encourages them to spend time at the mall. Ahmed Saliem, project director at Nulty Dubai, comments: “It was a pleasure working on this project and we are so proud of the result. We worked closely with the design team to bring out the true character of the building and enhance the experience for the end-user. The result is a mall that is inviting, comforting, and vibrant.”
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