Design Middle East September 2018

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I N T E R I O R S A N D A R C H I T E C T U R E F R O M T H E G U L F, L E V A N T A N D B E Y O N D

September

2018

COUNTDOWN BEGINS NOW Watch out for Design Middle East Awards 2018

An enterprising

mind Henrik H Christiansen, CEO at Alshaya Enterprises on how design is a core part of their business

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Contents SEPTEMBER 2018

18 26 IN THIS ISSUE‌

28

18

Cover Story

24

Interview

26

OP-ED

28

Roundtable

Henrik H Christiansen, CEO, Alshaya Enterprises, talks the importance of change to succeed in business Sotiris Tsoulos, design director at RMJM Dubai discusses how to make sustainable buildings Adrian Shaw, director, KARE on how e-commerce is changing the way of business

Expert panel discusses the value of health and well-being in built-in environment

54

Wish List

September 2018

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Contents SEPTEMBER 2018

34

46

40 REGULARS

34

Feature

Current furniture trends reigning in the hospitality sector

3

40

First Look

10 Newsmakers

44

Awards Preview

46 2|

Sneha Divias gives a sneak peak of show apartment from Banyan Tree Residences

All the nomination and other important details about Design Middle East Awards 2018

Project

Brand new look of Al Alamein Hotel, Egypt by H2R Design

September 2018

Editor’s Note

52 Decor Review 58 Events 60 Pick of the Month

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

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

Editor Roma Arora roma@ bncpublishing.net

Art director Ifteqar Ahmed Syed Marketing executive

Welcome I can easily say that we are entering into the best time of the year, the weather is changing and I can sense the morning chill in the air. Also, we have our first Design Middle East Awards 2018 coming up on October 10 at Habtoor Palace. We’re receiving an overwhelming response though the nominations and enquires. There’s a definite buzz that these awards is creating in the industry and we can assure our readers, supporters, and sponsors that we’re working hard towards creating a milestone!

This issue is packed with some exciting reads. On the cover, we have Henrik H Christiansen, CEO of Alshaya Enterprises as he shares some important chapters in his professional journey, changes he is bringing to the brand, and how design is critical for the success of their business. Moving on, we had our roundtable discussion on the importance of health and well-being in design and leading industry experts came together and voiced their opinion. The feature of the month decodes the furniture trends, market challenges, and competition in the hospitality industry. Also, there are two amazing projects in this edition—Al Alamein Hotel in Egypt by H2R Design and Sneha Divias’ exclusive Banyan Tree Residences.

My favourite this month is the classy armchair by 2XL, it oozes royal charm and makes an instant style statement.

Happy reading!

Roma Arora

Mark Anthony Monzon mark@bncpublishing.net Photographers Farooq Salik Shameeem Sha

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NEWSMAKERS

This project offers direct access to Al Khail Road and Oud Metha Road and is within close proximity to Dubai International Airport, Downtown Dubai, and the Dubai Festival City Mall

Azizi Developments unveil AED342mn Dubai Healthcare City project UAE-based developer, Azizi Developments, unveiled its third premium residential project in Dubai Healthcare City, Fawad Azizi Residence.

The project is spread over a total construction area of 52,536sqm and will have a total of 396 upscale apartments comprising 201 studio apartments, 165 one-bedroom, and 30 two-bedroom apartments.

The project will feature a stylish and contemporary design with a glass façade, as well as landscaped gardens, gymnasium, swimming pool, retail areas, and covered parking.

Mirwais Azizi, chairman of Azizi Group, said: “Fawad Azizi Residence is our third property to launch in Dubai Healthcare City.

This location is one of the most promising in Dubai as it is widely known for its health and wellness facilities and access to Dubai’s lifestyle and entertainment hotspots, making it an excellent investment for buyers and investors.”

The other two projects by Azizi Developments in Dubai Healthcare City include Azizi Aliyah Residences and Farhad Azizi Residence. Azizi Aliyah Residences is an AED470mn project that will offer a total of 346 residences with 191 studios, 135 onebedroom, and 20 two-bedroom apartments, along with upscale retail space of 1,486sqm.

Farhad Azizi Residence will have a total of 634 units, including 396 studios, 218 onebedroom, and 20 two-bedroom apartments.

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September 2018

Koelnmesse is the company that will be organising and running the German Pavilion at the Expo 2020 in Dubai on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy

German-Swiss consortium to build Expo 2020 German Pavilion A consortium comprising Cologne-based agency, facts and fiction, and Swiss construction company, Adunic, has won the bid to design and build the German Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.

While facts and fiction will be responsible for content, exhibition, and media design, building the pavilion will be Adunic’s job, while the architecture will be designed by Berlin firm Lava.

“We’re delighted to have won the German Pavilion contest,” said Dietmar Jähn, managing director at facts and fiction, commenting on the selection committee’s decision. “It’s a dream come true and a great honour for us to have our concept chosen to represent Germany at the Expo in Dubai.”

An EU-wide notice of tender was published back in September 2017, inviting teams to apply to design the concept and to plan and build the interior and exterior of the German Pavilion for Expo 2020. The brief also included the technical management of the pavilion during the Expo from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021 and the dismantling of the pavilion after the event.

Initially, applicants were asked to draw up a high-level concept.

This was followed by a second phase, in which a 17-member selection committee (made up of representatives of various federal ministries, trade/industry associations, and experts on Expo and regional matters) chose five interdisciplinary teams to put through to the next phase – the design of a detailed concept for the German Pavilion.

“The awarding of the contract to facts and fiction and Adunic marks the end of a 10-month process. We are happy that things can now progress and building work can start on our plot in Dubai next year,” said Dietmar Schmitz from Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. facts and fiction and Adunic were selected on the basis of the tender criteria. The main requirement was to take the Expo theme of “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future” and the sustainability subtheme chosen by Germany and translate them into a pavilion concept that will grasp visitors’ interest and hold it from start to finish while also creating a seamless marriage between the pavilion’s architecture and its content.

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The report explains that the growth in the UAE market is attributed to a booming commercial sector and a rising number of hospitals, retail, and residential projects in the country

UAE fit-out and interiors market estimated to be worth $973mn by 2022 The INDEX Interiors Market Report by Ventures Onsite indicates that ‘the interior fit-out market in the UAE is one of the GCC’s fastest growing industries and is expected to be worth $973mn by 2022’.

The report also highlights that besides the UAE, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is yet another country that is witnessing rapid growth in its interior fit-out market. ‘KSA would remain a highly attractive market, as the Kingdom’s 2018 budget is deemed the largest ever and the government is expected to spend $261bn.’

The GCC governments have announced increased budgets in 2018 across different sectors.

With mega events such as Expo 2020 and FIFA World Cup 2022 on the horizon, developers, and consultants are focusing on refurbishing existing projects. Since interior projects are contracted during the second half of project execution, these figures translate into a robust pipeline for the region’s interiors and fit-out sector explains the Interiors Market Report.

The INDEX report also reveals that ‘The residential sector is expected to register the

highest share in GCC’s interior design and fitout spending contributing 35% followed by the hotel sector with 27%, and commercial sector 12%’.

Event director, Samantha Kane-Macdonald said: “INDEX, taking place this September, is a soft launch of the new dateline for the show, and will focus on the growth drivers and trends that define the dynamic interior design sector in the Middle East.

"We see that professionals engaged in interior design for residences are increasingly working with consumers who are exposed to global trends, opting for self-expression and individuality in their homes. In the retail sector as well, clients are opting for spaces that are impactful and inviting instead of the typical shopping and dining ambience. Given the number of retail projects that are under construction in the region, it is only natural for the trend to surge”.

“The autumn edition of INDEX will be a onestop-show that addresses the trending and future demand in the Middle East’s interior design sector”, continued Kane-Macdonald.

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NEWSMAKERS

Woods Bagot promotes Matthew Engele to principal

Losberger De Boer worked for Wasl Properties in developing their sales centre in Dubai. The client wanted to create an immediate presence, generate property sales and use the site to deliver a rapid and tangible return on investment

Losberger De Boer appoints Jim Muldoon as the managing director in Dubai Global leader in temporary event structure and semi-permanent buildings, Losberger De Boer, has appointed Jim Muldoon as a new managing director responsible for operations across the Middle East, Central Asia, and Russia.

Jim Muldoon, who will be based in the Dubai regional headquarters, brings over 21 years of strategic and business development experience together with an extensive understanding of Gulf markets through his work in various senior management roles throughout the GCC. Capitalising on the ever-growing trend towards temporary building usage across the Middle East, Losberger De Boer has designed and developed a high-specification, semi-permanent building concept, which is driving significant growth over and above its core event structure rental business. Muldoon has stated his intention to build upon this strong market position and the company’s pioneering background in this field.

“Offering bespoke, design-led temporary and semi-permanent building solutions that can be tailored to individual client requirements and delivered in record-breaking time is our key objective,” Muldoon said on taking over the new position.

“The Gulf market remains highly receptive to the Losberger De Boer rapid build concept and our world-class standards. In addition to our range of over 70 systemised temporary event

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structures – all of which are Europeanmanufactured and ISO-certified - we are excited to continue rolling out our next generation of semi-permanent buildings that look and feel like permanent Jim Muldoon buildings but can be built in weeks and not months or years. Crucially, our clients can start trading almost immediately on new sites while providing the flexibility to relocate at short notice if and when business circumstances change,” commented Muldoon.

Sustainability is a key feature of Losberger De Boer’s temporary building concept. Given most models are already factory manufactured and are relocatable, temporary structure use is a zero carbon choice compared to a new permanent building.

Furthermore, the latest insulation technology deployed produces a 40% decrease in power use for HVAC, compared to more traditional temporary structures, further driving substantial economic and environmental benefits for customers.

Global architecture and design firm, Woods Bagot, has announced the promotion of Matthew Engele to the position of principal within the company’s Matthew Engele Middle East Studio. Engele has been an integral part of the studio’s development in recent years designing innovative, large-scale projects in the MENA region. In his new position Engele will be managing future strategic growth with the regional executive management team and will continue to lead the Middle East studio’s high performance design teams.

Engele is an award-winning architect whose experience includes a wide range of projects including cultural and community developments, urban design and renewal, high-density residential, education, retail, hotels, and large-scale complex mixed-use developments.

Richard Fenne, principal and studio chair at Woods Bagot, said: "We are proud to recognise the accomplishments of Matthew who has made significant contributions through design excellence and creating important client relationships. He truly embodies Woods Bagot’s values and is a champion of our people architecture design manifesto.”

Speaking about the promotion, Engele shared: “Woods Bagot has a fantastic multi-disciplinary approach and proven track record of providing creative design solutions through a global studio model. I am excited to work with my fellow principals to build on our strong foundations as an innovative design practice, by continuing to provide bespoke services that meet the goals of our diverse client base.”

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The second home market is a new concept for Dubai. While New York has The Hamptons and multiple cities in Europe have their own countryside and seaside getaway spots

Kleindienst unveils luxury palatial homes on The World Developer of The Heart of Europe, a cluster of six islands on The World, Kleindienst Group, unveiled the first Sweden Beach Palace at Sweden Island.

The Sweden Beach Palaces will consist of nine luxurious palaces, plus one super-sized version, set in the landscaped green surroundings of Sweden Island. Each property will have its own private section of beach, and unique to the palaces, a fullyowned piece of the marine area plot, including a private coral reef.

The properties have been designed as second homes; Dubai’s first purpose-built luxury area for UAE residents to own a holiday property in their own country.

Josef Kleindienst, chairman of Kleindienst Group, said: “The Heart of Europe is a unique and ambitious project aiming to develop Dubai’s luxury freehold second home market in an idyllic island location. Kleindienst Group is committed to playing a key role in the economic development of the UAE and support Dubai’s vision of becoming the world’s leading tourism destination. Catering to residents and visitors who are looking for a dynamic, cultural experience, our developments at The Heart of Europe will boost tourism in the UAE. “It will also offer investors the opportunity to choose from a range of high-quality holiday properties that will be part of a vibrant touristic destination that includes hotels, restaurants, and world-class attractions. Our journey to date has

taken us to the unveiling of the Sweden Beach Palaces, one of the most luxurious freehold second homes in the UAE. Our vision is now turning into reality as we make real progress towards completing our project.”

The first Sweden Beach Palace features seven plush bedrooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom. Five of the palaces will be fitted out with Bentley Home interiors, while the remaining properties will be bespoke to the individual owners.

Josef Kleindienst

"Catering to residents and visitors who are looking for a dynamic, cultural experience, our developments at The Heart of Europe will boost tourism in the UAE."

Each property will incorporate a full gym and fitness centre including weights, cardio machines and stretching area, while the standout relaxation features include the Swedish temperaturecontrolled sauna, massage and spa room for therapy treatments, plus an extra special snow room that can be set as low as -5 °C.

There will be an entire floor dedicated for guests, including rooms encouraging natural light and panoramic vistas. The master floor incorporates the master bedroom which has a freestanding bath made from a single piece of Italian marble. A dressing room, with finelyfinished wardrobes leads from the en-suite bathroom, featuring waterfall rain experience showers and a large multi-jet Jacuzzi.

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NEWSMAKERS

imm cologne is gearing up to showcase new design trends The International Interiors Show imm cologne presents the trends that will be shaping the furniture and interiors sector. The show will take place from January 14-20, 2019, at Koelnmesse Exhibition Centre in Germany.

Right at the start of each year, the international world of interior design presents its ideas in Cologne. This is where trend scouts can discover progressive design experiments, and retailers and wholesalers can find design selected for the market in an easily accessible

format. With this combination, the international interiors show imm cologne meets the needs of both a business-oriented audience of trade visitors and those of architects, interior designers and the media, who are on the lookout for global trends and innovations. “With more than 70% of our exhibitors coming from outside Germany, this unique 360° showcase offers opportunities like no other trade fair to do business with purchasers from Europe, including eastern Europe, and overseas markets. In Cologne,

Cologne will be the trend barometer for the international furnishing world once again

trend scouts can discover progressive design experiments, and retailers and wholesalers can find design selected for the market in an easily accessible format. imm cologne impresses visitors because it has the right balance between a showroom and business, design and suitability for daily use, completeness and compactness,” says Matthias Pollmann, vice president, trade fair management at Koelnmesse. The Koelnmesse is the world’s top trade fair organiser for the areas of furnishing, living, and lifestyle.

Hoehler + alSalmy wins the Muscat University campus project The architectural and engineering firm, Hoehler + alSalmy has been awarded the consultancy service contract of the masterplan design for the new Muscat University permanent campus.

Hoehler + alSalmy (H+S) competed against numerous other architectural consultancies for the design competition tendered by the university itself.

Muscat University’s vision for this project is

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based on the principles of coping with globalisation and sustainable development.

H+S have already accomplished the masterplan, design, and supervision services of two other universities in Oman. Both the German University of Technology in Halban and the Buraimi University are known for their forward-thinking designs and state-of-the art technologies brought to the Sultanate of Oman.

The design of the university campus will be modern with focus on quality

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Event will feature at least 500 workshops, presentations, tastings, educational initiatives, and contests

HostMilano is leading all the way Get ready for the biggest hospitality and catering event—HostMilano.

Every two years, HostMilano, which will reach its 41st edition, provides the opportunity to showcase everything a successful bar or restaurant needs, from raw materials to semi-finished products, from machinery to equipment, from furnishings to tableware. The exhibition will take place from October 18-22, 2019, at Fieramilano exhibition centre in Italy. The great success of HostMilano 2017 goes well beyond the closing statistics. In October’s edition, the fair did exceedingly well, a total of 187,602 trade visitors of which 38.8% were international visitors from 177 countries.

This year, 975 companies have already confirmed their participation, 46% of which come from more than 40 foreign countries; the best -represented countries include Germany (16% of

all international exhibitors), Spain (14%), France (9%), the US (8.2%) and the UK (6%). In terms of macro-areas, professional catering – bread, pizza, and pasta accounts for 48% of all exhibitors, while bar, coffee machines, vending machines – ice cream, pastry shops – coffee and tea represents 23% and tableware, furnishings and technology account for the remaining 18%.

According to Host Observatory processing of data from the Ulisse system, in 2017 world trade in professional catering machinery, equipment, and accessories was worth €52.8bn, with an average annual growth rate of 6.1% in 2009-2017.

In ice cream-pastries, a market worth a worldwide total of about €2.4bn, Italy leads the pack in exports, with a value of €664mn and a 27.8% market share, followed at a distance by Germany, and the Netherlands.

Inseparable from the Italian way of life, year after year, the bread, pasta, and pizza world has become a success story even concerning figures on industrial mechanics. According to ANIMAAssofoodtec data, in fact, the bread, biscuit and pastry appliance and oven industry posted 4.4% production growth and 4.1% growth in exports in 2017, while confectionery industry production grew by 5.5% with a 5% increase in exports.

The fair also emphasises on the furniture and tableware sector, which was worth €165.8bn in 2017 and grew at an annual rate of 5.3% in the years 2009-2017. It will continue to grow between 2018 and 2021, registering a rate of +3.5% per year. Italy is the world’s fourth-largest exporter, with a value of €6.9bn and a market share of 4.2%, confirming a vocation targeting the high end of the market rather than mass production.

Key Facts Event: HostMilano When: October 18-22, 2019 Where: Fieramilano, Strada Statale Sempione, 28, 20017 Rho MI, Italy

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COVER STORY

The

Change Maker

He’s the force and face behind the enormous success of Alshaya Enterprises. In a candid interview, Henrik H Christiansen, chief executive officer of Alshaya Enterprises, spills the secret of success of the brand he represents, his professional achievements, and how design is an important part of their offerings to the customers Interview by Roma Arora | Photos by Farooq Salik Location courtesy: Dukes Dubai, Palm Jumeirah

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TRANSFORMER: Henrik H Christiansen believes that positive changes bring better results

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COVER STORY

K

nowledge is power and Henrik H Christiansen, chief executive officer (CEO) of Alshaya Enterprises, has the knowledge to use this power in the right direction. Christiansen holds an executive MBA from the UK where his dissertation was about “Change Management in Family Businesses”. After he progressed in his career from managerial positions to ones with more leadership responsibility, he decided to continue his personal and professional development with a more indepth research focussed education. Christiansen says: “I decided to complete a doctoral degree in business management and my doctoral thesis (DBA) was about; ‘How to lead transformational change in Arab family businesses’, which has been of great support for the success of our work implementing transformational change in Al Jaber Group (previous job) and Alshaya Enterprises.”

Christiansen has been fortunate to work with leading companies in the region like Al Rajhi Investment, Al Jaber Group, and presently at Kuwait-based Alshaya Enterprises, which is one of the most respected and progressive company in the Middle East with more than 110 years of successful history. Christiansen quickly interrupts: “I have only worked in family businesses as I like when the “DNA” of the family is integrated into the corporate culture.”

Alshaya Enterprises is a professional provider of technical and design-led solutions mainly to the construction industry, but also to a few other market segments in the GCC. The company comprises six divisions for the project market – bathrooms, kitchens, office furniture and soft seating, in-door and outdoor lighting solutions, commercial kitchens, laundry and bakery equipment for the hospitality industry and restaurants in general, all types of industrial racking systems for warehouses and logistics requirements, refrigeration, and supermarket solutions.

“For the retail market, we have our architects and design centres where we design and sell complete bathrooms and our Kitchenhaus showrooms across the GCC where we design, sell, and install German quality kitchens and Italian wardrobes. Alshaya Enterprises is one of the only company groups in the GCC who can

I have only worked in family businesses as I like when the “DNA” of the family is integrated into the corporate culture.

TEAM LEADER: Christiansen encourages proactive thinking

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September 2018

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Alshaya Enterprises' state-ofthe-art showroom in Dubai

offer such a wide range of technical and design-led solution to the contractors, the developers, and the end users. This gives us a unique opportunity to the values of a true full turnkey solution to our customers, from concept and design until installation and after-sales service.”

It’s been more than four years at Alshaya Enterprises for Christiansen and he has successfully managed to change the focus of the company from being a traditional trading to providing more valueadded solutions to the customers. Christiansen highlights: “Each of our employees aims to add value for our customers through their experience and dedication. Our main focus is to utilise the natural synergy that is there between our different divisions, offering great solutions together with our supply chain partners, to small and large projects.”

Christiansen further shares that ‘90% of our business comes from design, supply, and installation of our solutions to construction project and for the storage requirements in the warehouse and logistics segment.’ He says: “Our showrooms

across the GCC sell to private end-users either directly or through the designers who work on private housing and small projects in general.

These showrooms, however, offer great support to our customers for the larger construction projects as the key brands, the products, and solutions are visible here.”

Christiansen is also stressing about changing the corporate culture at Alshaya Enterprises, which is a critical part of the transformation process.

Christiansen states: “Our mission statement and core values have been recalibrated to meet the vision set by the senior management team and our board of directors. I have honestly never worked in any organisation, which is so ready for a major change. Our many good employees share the view of change and through constant two-way communication and by working on cross-divisional project work, we ensure that we are all working in the same direction.”

With big changes come difficulties at various stages and Christiansen is ready to take on the

challenges with arms wide open. “As always when you set a new management team, we are dealing with a few legacy issues from previous time, at the same time as we are executing a major transformational change program and still manage to grow the business organically with 15-18% yearon-year over the past three years, and that is in a declining and very challenging market! This we can only do because of the great foundation that has been built at Alshaya Enterprises over the past decades and because of the tremendous efforts our very capable employees are making everyday,” says Christiansen.

September 2018

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COVER STORY Clearly, the brand is flourishing under the leadership of Christiansen and is receptive to the changes he is bringing to the organisation. One of the major events that recently took place was the opening of the Alshaya Enterprises showroom in Dubai on Sheikh Zayed Road to cater to the rising demand for customised solutions in bathrooms and kitchen in the region. Christiansen shares with pride: “We opened a flagship showroom for Alshaya Enterprises in the most sought-after location in Dubai, to give maximum exposure for the brand of Alshaya Enterprises. The showroom is our latest design for how we believe a professional showroom should look like and function. The showroom combines modern bathroom design and materials with quality kitchens and the best in natural stone products. It is still a new showroom, but we are pleased with the interest we have seen from both the professional community and from private end-users.”

Design is an integrated and very important part of the brand’s offering to the customer. Be it the kitchens or bathrooms, office furniture, or lighting, Alshaya Enterprises is leading the segment with the latest products and services.

Christiansen says: “It is in the design phase we can add most value to the customer, through the expertise knowledge of our teams. All our solutions, in every division, starts with an important design phase. The design determines the look and feel of the finished solution and through careful considered design; the customer can get real value for the money. Alshaya Enterprises is an integrated part of the design community. We have one of our key offices in Dubai Design District (d3) as well. Our 250 consultants on the road are working with leading architects and design offices across the GCC.” Alshaya Enterprises invests heavily in its products and innovative solutions that come from the best European and US manufacturers.

Alshaya Enterprises has its own brand, Kitchenhaus which is doing very well in the region.

Christiansen says: “ We are very proud about how this division has developed over the past years as

MASTER OF THE TRADE: Christiansen firmly believes that the involvement in the projects as early as possible is important to succeed

It is in the design phase we can add most value to the customer, through the expertise knowledge of our teams.

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we have not only built on the brand recognition but also double the business the past four years.

We have become #1 in kitchens imported from Germany and we have great expansion plans for this brand, in the GCC and beyond.”

Christiansen is aware of the market conditions and he knows that the requirement of the consumers is rapidly changing and this calls for a clear departure from the traditional trading strategy. It is no longer enough to push a product, as a typical trading company, even if it is a good brand. Christiansen feels: “Our customers require innovative solution to meet

their design requirement and budgets. Today we have to understand the real requirements, not the perceived requirements (the price), for our customers and their customers. Over the past years, the profile of our teams has changed. We have invested considerably in designers and technical support to ensure that our consultants on the road offer the optimal solution to our customers every time.”

Clearly, Christiansen has set the strategies in place and with his thinking cap on, Alshaya Enterprises will expand and progress manifolds in the years to come.

www.design-middleeast.com

CONNECT AIR When lightness designs space

Connect Air is designed by award winner designer Robin Levien to be stylish and efficient at the same time. Its thin rims and curved lines create a light and airy environment. The revolutionary Aquabladeâ„¢ flushing technology and the plethora of ceramic, furniture and bathtub solutions provide an innovative, relaxing and enjoyable space. Its wide selection of combinations and sizes give you the possibility to be modern and express yourself. Connect your desires, lighten up your home!

QATAR: MOHAMMED YOUSUF KAFOOD & SONS Doha +974 4 463 7777 www.kafood.com IRAQ: AL TAIBOON GROUP Baghdad +964 7 901 364026 www.altaiboon.com

KUWAIT: ALSHAYA TRADING Co. W.L.L. Kuwait +965 2 266 0900 www.alshayatrading.com LEBANON: ETS. ABDULRAHIM DIAB S.A.L. Beirut-Unesco +961 0 186 8146/7 Beirut-Jdeideh +961 0 125 4294/5/6 www.abdulrahimdiab.com SALAMEH CERAMICA Beirut +961 1 852 285 / +961 1 851 385 www.salamehceramica.com

SAUDI ARABIA: AL-GHAMDI CO. FOR SANITARY WARES Riyadh +966 11 4646279 Jeddah +966 12 6696263 Dammam +966 13 8340248 www.amghamdi.com BAHRAIN: MARMARA TRADING Co. Bahrain +973 1773 7735 www.marmaratrading.com

IDEAL STANDARD GULF FZCO Jebel Ali, Dubai, P.O. Box 261559, United Arab Emirates, Tel. +971 4 804 2400, www.idealstandardgulf.com IDEAL STANDARD DESIGN BATHROOM CENTRE Jabal Ali Bldg., Al Quoz 3, Sheikh Zayed Rd., Dubai, P.O. Box 38430, United Arab Emirates, Tel. +971 4 309 6000

OMAN: MAIN DISTRIBUTOR BAHWAN BUILDING MATERIALS LLC Muscat +968 2 465 0000 www.suhailbahwangroup.com DISTRIBUTOR ALSHAYA UNITED LLC Muscat +968 2 461 9681/3/4 www.alshayatrading.com

UAE: SULTACO Dubai +971 4 338 5929 Abu Dhabi +971 2 633 4425 Al Ain +971 3 763 1609 Sharjah +971 6 575 9878 www.sultaco.com JORDAN: AL MUNA Co. Amman +962 6 554 8851 www.al-munaco.com

Join us:

INTERVIEW

Components of

sustainability Sotiris Tsoulos, design director at RMJM Dubai, discusses how sustainability means striking equilibrium between city, developer, and user What’s your new role at RMJM? After having served RMJM Istanbul as the managing partner for six years, I joined RMJM Dubai as a lead design director in the beginning of 2018. It's a great opportunity for me.

What do you feel about the architecture of this region in comparison to the other places you have worked before?

I have lived and worked in many diverse places, Scotland, Austria, Malaysia, Turkey, and Greece and in all these environments responding

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September 2018

to existing context was on top of the list. It is apparent here that designs primarily aim to create a new context, with outstanding ‘new’ features or imported gimmicks to attract new users.

Typically, the attraction to gimmicks is short term. What people are really looking for are humane environments that they can simply live in and enjoy, and it is much simpler than we think.

A well-designed neighbourhood with its central square, small retail, and a café or two, immediately creates an intimacy that in most cases is far more valuable than a vast park or lake that no one will use but the developer will have to sustain.

What is sustainability for you?

Sustainable in my mind is not only anything related to energy consumption but the entire view of architecture as a creation of living spaces. For RMJM, sustainable design is the planning that creates equilibrium between the three affected parties; the city and the effects of the design on it, the developer and the benefits within their time frame and budget and the enduser, the human and their interaction with the built environment as well as their interaction with society.

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How do you work in a sustainable way? Explain.

For a sustainable project all three components—city, developer, and enduser have to be treated as beneficiaries in a balanced “deal” that allows the new creation to be sustainable long after its completion.

The city needs to receive a design that enhances and re-stitches the urban fabric where that exists or creates new where it doesn’t. We see so many examples around the world of parts of the cities being numbed from out- ofscale developments that ignore the routes, the climate, the lifestyle or even simply the existing city grid and scale in order to create a new mega-development.

The developer needs a buildable project that understands his business plan, addresses his vision, and adds value to the dedicated effort. Value that surprises the investor, that allows it to sell faster, and is more efficient, an added value that gets the local authorities on board and saves months of permits and objections, or creates an aura of success that makes the consumer ready to invest.

The user is the resident, the consumer, the F&B visitor, the neighbour, the pass-by driver, the citizen, etc.. The user needs to always feel that they are not excluded, that this addition to their living environment will make their and their children’s lives better.

Economy is the main factor influencing the future of life and of course architecture.

What will be the most important factors influencing the future of architecture?

Economy is the main factor influencing the future of life and of course architecture. I believe that architecture is trying to re-invent itself right now and I think it is the period that we are living in that we will see prefabrication and digitalisation overtaking design and build tactics on the large scale while at the same time we are going to keep enjoying haute couture, affordable design for the smaller scale projects. Energy, of course, will also be a defining factor and I am certain that legislation will eventually push all design towards ecological sustainability and zero emission.

What are you working on now?

I am working on three different masterplans in three different continents, they are all completely diverse in function, brief, and size between them, but all three of them will be answered based on the same principle: equilibrium between the city, the developer, and the user.

G Tower is a mixed-used development in Istanbul by RMJM

September 2018

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OP-ED

digital age!

Shopping in the

Adrian Shaw, managing director, KARE, discusses how e-commerce is changing the furniture retail market

A

s younger generations have entered the consumer economy, the market has readjusted to accommodate their tech-savvy, internet-friendly ways. In the past decade alone, e-commerce has seen a profit increase of a whopping 168%, becoming a $25bn industry. Once known simply as ‘non-store retailers’, it is how 80% of millennials make online purchases instead of spending time at a store, and furniture shopping has become the third benefactor of this digital

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September 2018

wave after clothing and shoes. One of the main advantages of an e-commerce site is that online platforms can display a wider range of products in various colours and sizes, and is not limited to the available space in traditional brick and mortar stores, not to mention the quick and easy delivery options available when shopping online.

This makes the online furniture retail experience more convenient and less time consuming than travelling to traditional stores. Moreover, 66% of people buying in-store spend considerable time

doing online research on any product before making their purchase final.

Over time, competition has diversified as much as the needs, since not only have platforms like Amazon and Wayfair become convenient options to buy furniture, but enterprises like Canada’s Simpli Home have created their own sites where customers can buy directly instead of relying on third-party sources.

This has placed pressure on the traditional brick and mortar companies to branch out online

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Adrian Shaw

or risk losing precious market share. Recognising this need and given my years of working with retail brands like KARE, IDdesign, and Chattels & More, we have recently launched an e-store with KARE, offering a wide variety of products to a larger audience. The online store perfectly fuses with our traditional stores here in the Middle East, as it will allow customers to view the product online and then go into the store to get the look and feel of the sofa up close. The site allows our customers to then go back home and to purchase the sofa at their convenience.

As a third generation of ‘digital natives’ grows up in the world, a shift to accommodate their needs is inevitable, and that shift is online.

However, buying furniture online will not entirely mean the death of traditional brick and mortar stores.

Older generations still overwhelmingly prefer feeling tabletops and comfort testing couches before buying them. The current climate is that of the two ways co-existing but a slightly distant future could certainly hold a fully digital platform.

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ROUNDTABLE

health and well-being!

Designing for

The importance of health and well-being of the occupants is an increasing concern in the design space. Physical and mental well-being is not itself a property of the building; it is a state of being of the occupants who inhabit it. Design Middle East hosted an exciting session of a roundtable at Rixos Premium Dubai, The Palm, Jumeirah Beach Road and invited the leading experts to share their views on the same.

Photos by Shameem Sha

A HEALTHY DISCUSSION: (L-R) Mustafa Elfeky; Neil van der Veen; Hala Yousef; and Diane Thorsen

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September 2018

www.design-middleeast.com

Meet our panellists:

Hala Yousef,

head of sustainability, Cundall, MENA

Diane Thorsen,

design director, principal, Perkins+Will

Neil van der Veen, principal, RMJM

Mustafa Elfeky,

project manager, MEA, ORACLE Real Estate & Facilities

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ROUNDTABLE Can designers/architects bring the healthy change?

Hala: Health and well-being in the built environment is very relevant and it’s important to understand that designers, architects, engineers, facility developers, and real estate developers can promote this by taking corrective and preventive measure at the right stage of planning and development.

Diane: We can completely shape the way we respond to the buildings because we shape our buildings and then they shape the way we behave, do our business, and the way we react to spaces. I believe technology has distracted the way we work and think negatively, and I think that’s what actually is driving anti-health way of functioning and if we can change the way we function and the spaces we design, we can move forward and connect to nature. We can do it as a team of designers, architects, and clients to create an environment where we can thrive.

Neil: I think the design has no ability to actually affect’s one’s well-being, it’s people, and the organisation that has the stronger effect on wellbeing than the design itself. We overstate our position in terms of our ability to change the cultural and social norms.

Mustafa: The main role of the designers is to indicate the benefits of well-being to the client so they can move on to build spaces differently than it used to be.

What can be done?

We can completely shape the way we respond to the buildings because we shape our buildings and then they shape the way we behave.

– Diane Thorsen

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September 2018

Hala: Along with the design influences, there need to be physical, operational, environmental, and psychological shifts as well. On a macro level, we are trying to invite a lot of ministries in the GCC market and explain the benefits of health in design. This region, it’s all about what the ministries dictate, and if you have the local government’s support then you can influence. We are working from the private sector, and a major chunk of buildings are under the public sector. So, if we engage with ministries and show them the benefits of good designs that result in well-being of people, it will do wonders. I firmly believe that private leads and influences the public.

Diane: Design has the power to transform everything we do – how the businesses shape and changes culture, everything starts from here. When you walk into space, one tends to make an emotional connection. So a well-designed space actually shapes how we feel, it shapes our touch points, and it shapes our behaviour. One the other side, the spaces that are not as well-designed, a person feels threatened, uncomfortable, and distressed.

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Neil: The problems we are facing in the Middle East is that interiors can change easily but if you don’t get the basics of the building right, then it’s not a good design. If you don’t create a good masterplan and site plan, then many things like good lighting, ventilation, and other important aspects can be ignored. In UAE, especially in Dubai, there is a huge amount of work that we can do like creating spaces that are more human-centric. It’s very hard to regulate the good design, regulations are good just to build the basics right. But how do we really turn some of the bad urban spaces into positive buildings? It requires a lot of study, energy, time, and investment in people. So it’s important to get the design right from the start and it makes the job lot simpler. We are too focussed on how things look like from the architectural point of view and in computing costs from Day 1. Our job is to find a balance between accommodating the number of people in a given space and taking care of their needs. Nobody minds working in a smaller space, if it was an amazing space.

Mustafa: Architects need to understand the requirement and brief from the client. They should have a clear understanding of the purpose and function of a particular building. So many aspects of well-being can be considered at this stage like vertical transportation, how will people walk through different spaces, etc,. The architect must attend to the requirements of the users, rather than dictating the building designs based on their aspirations. Architects need to showcase their own design statement but they cannot overlook the functionality of the space.

Do we need guidelines?

Hala: The guidelines like Well Building Standard, is a checklist in a way but at least you’ve got the baseline integrated into the design that reminds you to reconsider some elements that you might have missed or overlooked.

Diane: Architects often overlook the connection of humans with nature. I believe biophilia is overused. A good design is all about connecting buildings, nature, people, spaces, and the cultural requirements all as one design inspiration.

Designing for health is not a checklist. If we put human at the centre of the design, we will create extraordinary buildings that will shape how the users use it. Standards are good starting points but our role as architects, designers, and endusers is to really create an environment to thrive and to challenge these standards and take them beyond. Rather than, just work with them on absolute baseline.

Consumer has the power to change. That’s ultimately where the influence comes from other than from the educational awareness.

– Hala Yousef

Neil: I believe checklists are great to address many questions but how you address is what design is. For example, we moved to our office at Dubai Design District three years ago, the problem was that as creative people, we wanted our office to be a little bit messy, raw, but on the other side, clients who’re looking for us to put five-star hotels and corporate office towers, might not appreciate this kind of office experience. So we ended up making the designer frontal area, which is beautiful and posh and very different from our studio area, which is raw and creative in nature.

Mustafa: In this region, we do have healthy buildings. We are promoting wellness in the space and have hired an interior designer who is trying to bring consistency to the spaces, which we’re building in this region. At the same, we

are promoting new ways of building spaces, like offices where people can meet and walk around, something that appeals to their senses. We are trying to move away from the traditional way of a cluster of workstations. Our clients are responding very positively to this new arrangement.

Putting people first!

Hala: As a consumer, take decisions wisely and do not accept what you do not want. If the landlord understands what the customers are asking for.

They are more likely to build the new ones, which comply with the standards. So no longer accept the split units and ask for better filters and humidity control system. Consumer has the power to change.

That’s ultimately where the influence comes from other than from the educational awareness.

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ROUNDTABLE

Diane: There are some basic principles, which we apply to every single design that we do like hospitals, residential, or office building, and that is the fundamental of putting human at the centre. We are working on some projects that are encouraging and inspiring in the sense that clients want their staff to thrive. As a designer, it’s our responsibility to design the spaces for people to thrive, connect with each other, and that embraces the human spirit. If we can incorporate all of this, we can change our planet. All it takes is to raise the awareness and we have to make buildings that are beautiful but embrace the human spirit. There are challenges but there are extraordinary solutions as well, we are the creative people and we can completely transform this planet. Trends change, but we should be designing sustainably.

Neil: On the macro level, the government should be clearer in terms of what they want and how they want it. The big issue we are not addressing is the site planning and urban planning. From the sustainability point of view, life-work-balance, mixed-use environments, ease of transportation, etc are critical. If you get these wrong, they will fundamentally remain wrong for a long time.

Dubai is still investing heavily in infrastructure; there are still massive changes that can be done. It’s much harder in other parts of the world where infrastructure is already set. So, we still have got this opportunity to make a huge change in the city.

Mustafa: For mid-size companies, it’s all about the cost of space and how many people can fit into space. People take wellness as being more expensive, ‘space efficiency’ used to be the maximum number of people that can fit in 100sqm but right now this term is changed completely. Space efficiency means reflecting back to the people using that space. It’s a never-ending debate but the human touch and a healthy approach that connects us to the nature has better chances to stand with the test of time.

As the end-users demand for healthy workplaces and buildings from the developers, the thoughtful design concepts by designers and architects, along with some push from the government in this direction will help in creating healthy spaces that can elevate the wellness and spirit of building occupants.

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September 2018

I think the design has no ability to actually affect’s one’s well-being, it’s people and the organisation that has the stronger effect on well-being than the design itself.

– Neil van der Veen

The architect must attend to the requirements of the users, rather than dictating the building designs based on their aspirations.

– Mustafa Elfeky

www.design-middleeast.com

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FEATURE

Creating

impression!

How furniture defines the success of a hotel and becomes synonymous with a brand. Let’s find out!

By Roma Arora

STYLIS UAE completed the Ramada Corniche Hotel in Saudi Arabia

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www.design-middleeast.com

Poltrona Frau's chic and contemporary furniture setting at Four Seasons, DIFC

O

ur lifestyle is opening more and more doors to see the world with eyes wide open. People are travelling extensively and hence the hotels have to look their very best. Various studies have proved that how comfortable furniture and right lighting enhance the guest experience. These are two critical assets for any hospitality project.

The region in general, and the UAE and KSA in particular, is witnessing a year-on-year increase in the number of hospitality projects. In the UAE, this increase is related to the tourism’s organic growth, especially in Dubai, in addition to Expo 2020’s high expectations of visitors influx into the UAE. In KSA, the recent changes in the government policies are encouraging foreign investments and have triggered investors and hotel operators to roll out ambitious expansion plans in the kingdom. All the above positively contributes to the healthy outlook of the hotel furniture sector.

The reigning trends There is a clear shift in style. Hotel owners and operators are choosing modern and contemporary interiors for their hotel. Gianni Sharrouf, commercial director of Poltrona Frau Middle East, says: “It’s no longer crystal and gold. This choice of theirs emanates from their style preference but mostly by observing what their guests are expecting in terms of experience. Especially in the high-end range, hotel guests are looking for branded, modern interiors that translate into contemporary-styled hotel rooms and common spaces.”

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FEATURE

Hospitality project by Parasol International

The Poltrona Frau Group ME is a directly owned subsidiary of Poltrona Frau Group, a large Italian conglomerate of high-end furniture brands, such as Poltrona Frau, Cassina, and Cappellini. Poltrona Frau has worked on various hospitality projects in the region like Four Seasons, DIFC and Yas Viceroy in Abu Dhabi.

STYLIS UAE is another major firm, which works closely with hotels; they’re global specialists in the design manufacture and installation of customised interior furniture concept solutions. They have been involved in both megaprojects as well as smaller hotel projects throughout the Middle East.

In Dubai, they have worked on projects like the

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September 2018

Occidental Hotel and Barcelo Hotel (128 rooms).

In Saudi Arabia, projects include the Bay La Sun Hotel, The Pearl Hotel, Ramada Hotel, Casablanca Grand Hotel (128 rooms), Radisson Blu, and Millennium Hotel.

Emilia Bielemuk, marketing manager at STYLIS UAE, believes that biophllic designs will pick up in the hospitality sector. Bielemuk explains: “We can expect to see much more ‘biophilic design’ in hotels with an increasing awareness and a connection between humans and the natural world by incorporating nature into the room.

With the increased emphasis on health and wellbeing, there is also more eco-friendly practices

that support sustainability. We are seeing some design variations to offer the hotel guests a more personalised fresh experience by adding unique elements to the rooms such as unexpected textures, diverse wall treatments and tiles.”

The shift towards three and four-star hotels due to the saturation of the market with five-star properties is creating a challenge in delivering good quality but competitively priced furniture and that plays to various brand’s advantage like Parasol International. The brand supplies outdoor furniture and outdoor retractable shading solutions to the hotels. Some of their note-worthy projects are Zero Gravity Beach

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Club, Saadiyat Rotana, Address Dubai Marina, Habtoor Grand Resort and Spa, and many others.

Deepak Ramdas, director of sales at Parasol International, says: “Synthetic wicker is now phasing out. We see hotels currently looking for outdoor furniture using a combination of different materials. It's either teak and metal or metal and rope combination that is getting popular with outdoor furniture.”

Area of concern!

The furniture suppliers have their own pain points and duplicate copies of their products are taking a major share of the market and this worries them.

We can expect to see much more ‘biophilic design’ in hotels with an increasing awareness and a connection between humans and the natural world by incorporating nature into the room.

Sharrouf raises concern: “Unauthorised copies of our products is a big problem. I would rather see our products being rejected in a project, for a budget purpose, and replaced with other less pricey brands, rather than seeing cheap copies being setout in hotels, in the name of value engineering.”

STYLIS UAE work closely with their clients and evaluate various factors such as comfort, ergonomics, space optimisation, and overall

Emilia Bielemuk

costs. If these factors or one of these, if overlooked by the project team, it results in the difference of opinion and tension. “The biggest challenge can be working with a designer who has not considered the true ergonomic requirements for the hotel guest. The pain point is reached when the ego of such a designer versus the ideal functionality of the furniture has to be compromised,” Bielemuk adds.

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FEATURE

Another important area to stress here is that due to limitations in budget, clients often tend to compromise on material/fabrics to be used for the especially for the outdoor furniture.

“Eventually, they face issues with their products in few months of outdoor use during the hot summer season. We are not keen to compete with these low-quality material offerings in the market as we treasure our reputation. In fact, to the contrary, this works in our favour when clients decide to move to better quality products. Our products withstand the harsh weather conditions of the region. We back-up our products with 24x7 after sales support services which makes all the difference,” shares Ramdas.

Manufacturing vs sourcing Some brands believe in their own manufacturing abilities, and then there are others who find sourcing more reliable. Parasol represents a few brands from Europe and UK. Apart from these, they also custom manufacture from their partner factories in Asia. “We do not believe into having our own manufacturing facilities - this

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September 2018

Deepak Ramdas

is not a trend of 21st century - even giants like Apple and Adidas outsource manufacturing,” firmly says Ramdas.

Sourcing of products from different companies and manufacturers can be a pain sometimes and you are offered different quality with every lot. Then, there are products that would in short supply or had discontinued products without any notice. So various brands have their manufacturing facilities and reply on their produce. Poltrona Frau manufactures its own products in Italy—

Poltrona Frau in Tolentino – a quiet town in the Marche region, Cassina and Cappellini in Meda, a town between Milan and Como. STYLIS UAE manufacture their furniture products in more than a dozen production plants located in Poland, Germany, Switzerland, Ukraine, Russia, and Turkey.

To ensure furniture will stand the test of time, hotels need to prioritise a few things like quality, durability, and comfort of the guests above all. Of course, there needs to be a balance between aesthetics and style, which cannot be ignored.

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FIRST LOOK

The kitchen looks super stylish and sleek with urban fittings and sublime finishes

The

neutral Banyan Tree Residences by Sneha Divias reflect calm, class, and details that make a difference

S

code!

ometimes it’s difficult to keep up with so much happening in design and architecture in the Middle East. But there’s one project, – which is surely something to – look forward to is the first ever Banyan Tree Residences project in Dubai, styled and designed by Sneha Divias, the founder of Atelier in collaboration with the UAE-based developer Sweid and Sweid. This exclusive gated community is located on Al Telal Street, overlooking The Emirates and Montgomerie Golf Courses in Dubai and is scheduled for completion in Q3 2019.

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September 2018

Sneha Divias and her team gave Design Middle East an exclusive tour of the show apartment.

Designed to be eco-friendly and modern, Atelier’s aim was to create a balance through their designs but wanted to add design elements that reflect the brand’s key values to the two-bedroom show apartment and sales centre.

The neat and minimalistic designs strike a perfect equilibrium between modern living and a connection to nature. Divias says: “Our objective regarding the design is to create a space that mimics the premise of the brand that lies behind the project and complement the architectural

lines which are the DNA of each apartment. As the scope was styling and addition of furniture and soft elements, we introduced layers that give the space homely warmth that is familiar yet unique at the same time.”

The overall neutral theme follows across the premises and nautical shades of blue and green are thrown in terms of accessories. All the accessories, furniture, and lighting that adorn the interior were chosen through a highly selective process.

Divias has given highest regard to sustainability in this current project. While it retains the comforts of a metropolitan area, it has

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The wooden details lend cosy and warm vibes to the living area. The overall muted theme is given a pop of colour through bright cushions

the serenity and holistic value of a sustainable society. Implementation of the latter would require repurposed materials, energy efficient components and determining which colours would work well to save energy in the region’s climate. She emphasises: “Bearing in mind the location of the pleasant gated community, the inspiration was to come up with stark contrasts that complement the flora and fauna that would lie beyond the concrete and cement of the buildings in the shape of expansive golf courses and gardens.”

Banyan Tree Residencies align with the UN’s

Sustainable Development Goals. Determined to bring about a positive change, the brand is seeking to ignite a change in the luxury architecture industry. “They consistently analyse and evaluate their approach to environmentallyfriendly living. Moreover, they strive to develop their efforts for conserving the planet’s resources and promoting an attitude of responsibility. For our firm sustainability is not just an option; it is a necessity.”

Here’s the design trip of show apartment at Banyan Tree Residences:

Sneha Divias

September 2018

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FIRST LOOK The rooms are delightfully spacious and the natural light from the floorto-ceiling windows is a highlight

The dining area is beautifully decorted with glass table, classy chairs, and pendant light

From layouts to fixtures, the utmost care and know-how has been invested to create this contemporary bathroom

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September 2018

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Co-located with:

EAST MEETS WEST

SEPT

2018

DUBAI WORLD TRADE CENTRE

THE S I LK ROA D

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A journey from Europe to Asia.

Join us on the ‘Silk Road’ at INDEX this September, where European design will mix and blend with a Middle Eastern and Asian Aesthetic.

Whether you are sourcing premium brands from Europe, or original designs and value driven products from Asia, INDEX will have elements of each. Find a wide range of interiors on display from carpets & rugs, furniture & décor to accessories & textiles, for all your commercial, hospitality, residential and retail needs.

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AWARDS PREVIEW

Make way for‌

2018 Here comes the first, the Design Middle East Awards 2018, which is all about the celebration of the creative best and foremost from the region’s design industry. The awards will honour the best of designers, architects, projects, and design-oriented companies. The award ceremony with various categories will strive to recognise the individual excellence, company strengths, and project success and the leading design experts will form a jury and be part of the selection procedure. Nominate now to stand a chance to win at the Design Middle East Awards 2018.

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

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September 2018

/designmiddleeast

@designmiddleeast

@designmideast

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COMPANY AWARDS

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

* ARCHITECTURAL FIRM OF THE YEAR

• INTERIOR DESIGNER OF THE YEAR

* DÉCOR RETAILER OF THE YEAR

• ARCHITECT OF THE YEAR

* INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM

• YOUNG TALENT OF THE YEAR (INCLUDES

OF THE YEAR * FIT-OUT FIRM OF THE YEAR

DESIGNER AND ARCHITECT) • LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

PROJECT AWARDS • BEST RETAIL PROJECT OF THE YEAR • COMMERCIAL PROJECT OF THE YEAR • RESIDENTIAL PROJECT OF THE YEAR • DESIGN EDUCATION OF THE YEAR • LANDSCAPE PROJECT OF THE YEAR • LIGHTING PROJECT OF THE YEAR • SUSTAINABLE PROJECT OF THE YEAR • HOSPITALITY PROJECT DESIGN (INCLUDES HOTELS) • HOSPITALITY PROJECT DESIGN (INCLUDING RESTAURANTS, BARS, AND CLUBS) • INNOVATION IN DESIGN AWARD

HOW TO NOMINATE: • Click ‘Submit Nominations’ on the event homepage. (http://design-middleeast.com/awards2018/) • Complete nomination details, such as name of company or person you are nominating • Answer all of the required questions clearly • In your submission, be sure to include details showing why your entry deserves to win over others.

• Collate all your supporting documents to a single PDF file no larger than 10MB and e-mail with the nomination to the following: The team will confirm whether your nomination has been received and a confirmation e-mail will be sent to you. Any further queries can be e-mailed to the addresse above.

NOMINATION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

September 2018

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PROJECT

Revival of the

retro!

The refurbishment of Al Alamein Hotel in Egypt by H2R Design is a style salute to the 1960’s when the hotel first opened

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September 2018

www.design-middleeast.com

The colours used in the dining lounge area compliment the natural landscape. Muted blues, light greys, off-whites and accents of deep blue reflect the ever-changing colour of the sea

D

esign changes bring freshness and new appeal to the existing property and that’s the case with the historic Al Alamein Hotel in Egypt from Emaar Hospitality Group that just reopened after a retro-themed facelift. The immensely rich Egyptian heritage and stunning sea views makes this property incomparable to others.

The new designs are a blend of vintage charm with contemporary style taking the inspirations from the old golden age era of Egyptian music and cinema. The design firm responsible for this amazing makeover is H2R Design founded by brothers – Hasan and Husain Roomi in 2012. H2R Design is a young and progressive design firm with its offices in London and Dubai.

Hasan explains the design motivation behind this project: “The inspiration for the hotel was refurbished retro – modern interiors, nodding back to the glory days of the 1960’s when the resort first opened. We aimed to rejuvenate the guest experience with a careful

renovation by retaining the utmost respect for the heritage of the site, but maximising and amplifying bay views.”

The refurbishment projects are always challenging in the sense that the privacy of the guests and staff workflow should not be affected. Husain says: “The resort was fully occupied when the project commenced, and no accurate as-built drawings existed of the site, which had undergone many ad-hoc architectural renovations. The structure was unclear until the demo commenced at the end of the season. This meant we had to constantly adapt the design almost daily to suit new discoveries on site.”

The absolute focal point of the re-imagined experience is to amplify visions of the water, opening up spaces and vistas as much as architecturally possible, and using the interior treatments to frame and emphasise the view. The idea is to re-create the guest experience through the revitalisation of the public spaces, activation of external spaces, and a restoration of the guest

Hasan Roomi

Husain Roomi

room interiors as well as transitional spaces between. Featuring 189 rooms including luxury chalets, Al Alamein Hotel has several enhanced features that maximise its beachfront location.

Hasan and Husain made sure that they work in the most sustainable manner like they have worked with the local suppliers and contractors in this project, and manufacturers to reduce carbon footprint.

Here’s the design tour of this fabulous property:

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PROJECT

Relaxed and open air-beach hangout is decorated with coastal-inspired furniture and pendant lights

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September 2018

www.design-middleeast.com

Looking out over the Mediterranean, the rooms combine a calm ambience with contemporary styling and classy design

Metal is extensively used as an accent to add elegance to joinery and furniture elements

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PREVIEW

design Celebration of

and innovation

Here’s what Feria Håbitat Valencia has in store for the design enthusiasts

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September 2018

www.design-middleeast.com

I

t’s time to gear up for the maximum dose of design as Feria Hábitat Valencia is putting the final touches to its preparations for the upcoming edition of the fair, which takes place in September from 18-31, 2018, at Feria Valencia in Spain. One standout feature of the fair will be the significant presence of high-end Italian firms, which are staging a major comeback at the Hábitat showcase.

Then, there are companies such as Cattelan, Target Point New, Corium, Franco Ferri, AmbiensVR, Officina Nove, F.Lli Rossetto, Fan Europe, Magniflex, Plust Collection, Ilpo, FIM, Novamobili, Nidi, and Tonin Casa –that are exhibiting at Hábitat for the first time.

Whilst the international component on the exhibitor side is significant, the forecasts also predict that very high numbers of foreign buyers will be there too. In fact, the fair has booked twice as many travel and accommodation packages than last year, with the result that almost 2,000 VIP buyers will be coming from 45 different markets. The move is a joint initiative between Feria Valencia, public bodies such as IVACE Internacional and ICEX and trade associations ANIEME and FEDAI. Hábitat will also, as part of the international buyer recruitment drive, be promoting an initiative specifically targeted at the contract sector that will involve identifying a large group of specifiers from Latin America who are working on major residential, hotel or shopping centre projects in Central America and the Caribbean, and inviting them to attend.

“Hábitat is on the way to being a first-class international showcase once again,” explains the event’s director, Daniel Marco. “There is no question that our showcase is attractive to international purchasing decision-makers. Spanish exports of furniture grew 2.8% in the first quarter of this year, and the figure for the Comunitat Valenciana rises to 10.5%. Hábitat is, therefore, a very positive platform for consolidating our products’ competitive edge abroad.”

Another major highlight of the fair is The 2018 Salón Nude which will happen alongside the Habitat. It will be featuring a number of universities and schools of design, with these institutions increasingly choosing nude and Feria Hábitat Valencia as an outstanding platform for them to showcase the areas they specialise in, the research they undertake and the innovation they produce in their respective fields. A jury of professionals has selected 11 designers and design consultancies from across the country to take part, along with

The fair has seen a significant increase in the number of contemporary furniture and lighting companies signing up, together with new exhibitors coming on board, especially in international design

nine design schools and colleges, in what has become the main creative hothouse and showcase staged in Spain centred on the most innovative design in interiors. Between them, they will be presenting more than a hundred projects and creative ideas in an integrated event. Salón nude is not just a sales platform and product showcase. It also includes a substantial programme of lectures, workshops and talks centred on design and the new, cutting-edge trends.

Quick Facts Event: Feria Hábitat Valencia When: September 18-21, 2018 Timings: 9:30am to 07:00pm Where: Avenida de la ferias, s/n E-46035 Valencia, Spain

September 2018

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DÉCOR REVIEW

House of

quirky designs!

Make way for a bar that feels like the house of 90s

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September 2018

T

agged as one of the coolest places in town, The House Party Bar in Fairmont Dubai, is the celebration of everything 90s. It’s like walking into a house back in that era. “We have a beer pong room, kids bedroom, kitchen, lounge, bedroom, and garden.

They are all typical of the 90s decor, with oldfashioned wallpapers, posters all over the walls of 90s movies and celebrities,” explains Aleix Garcia, general manager at The House Party Bar. Bright walls, comfy sofa with printed cushions, cinema-inspired washroom, aquarium, games room with arcade games, Nintendo, and more.

This place is full of unpretentious and fun décor, which makes it more exciting. To get the real feel of the house party, there’s even an option to order snacks and the restaurant will even deliver the

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pizza in a pizza box. The idea is to make guests feel at home. Garcia discusses the concept: “The House Party Bar follows the idea that Ryan Bish, the owner of Cirque Le Soir, a London nightclub started in London, with his House Party Club. Where to go after the clubs close at 3am? We felt the idea was so strong that we had to bring it here too. We wanted to do something that all of us could go to, anytime:

easy, unpretentious and friendly to everyone, with a pinch of cool 90’s nostalgia.” Another interesting part of this place is the party movies name-inspired menu, which includes dip me baby one more time, I don’t want to miss a wing, American pie, pot brownie, the home alone burger, and more.

With homey feel, understated designs, gaming zone, and 90s vibe, this place is a gem in its own.

September 2018

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WISH LIST

Create magic with chic designs Update your living spaces with styles that're easy and doable

Enrich your home Ethan Allen's latest collection called Uptown is full of art deco influences and Hollywood inspirations Availability: Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Thanya Street, Exit 41, Dubai

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September 2018

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Feels like watercolour!

Designers Guild's newest range draws inspiration from the 19th century explorer Isabella Bird and is distinctly exotic Availability: Maison D’art , villa 1106, Al Wasl Road, Umm Suqeim 2, Dubai

Class apart!

New Bitta Lounge by Rodolfo Dordoni is ideal for residential settings, with seat and backrest cushions for greater ergonomic comfort www.kettal.com

September 2018

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WISH LIST

Artistic fusion This stunning setting from Devina Nais collection is inspired by ancient European art and heritage Availability: Chattels & More, Umm Hurair Road, Dubai

Home update, anyone?

Home Centre's latest series —Project Update consists of four distinguised themes to suit different styles of your home Availability: Home Centre, Mall of the Emirates

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September 2018

Ceramic beauty Calvin Klein Home edit features the label's collaborative work with the Andy Warhol Foundation. www.mrporter.com

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Soul of you home Ikat collection by Bizzotto is inspired by the lightness of air, iconic shapes, and impeccable finishes www.bizzotto.com

September 2018

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EVENTS

THE MONTH AHEAD

Trade fair dates for your diary…

EVENT IN FOCUS Light Middle East 23-25 September 2018 Dubai, UAE

Light Middle East has established itself as the region's number one networking and sourcing platform for the entire scope of decorative, architectural, outdoor, and indoor lighting solutions, attracting a wide range of visitor profiles from around the globe. The 13th edition is expected to receive over 300+ exhibitors, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Taking place all three days of the show will be the ThinkLight forum, focussing on the aspects of the lighting design industry.

The popular competition Ready Steady Light will see its third edition this year, while the sixth Light Middle East Awards will take place on the 25th September and will celebrate the best in lighting projects and products across nine project and six product categories.

INDEX

16-18 September 2018 Dubai, UAE International Fair of Furniture and Interior Design (INDEX) offers visitors the opportunity to explore interior trends relating to furnishing offices, residences, and hotel rooms. Returning for its second edition in 2018, INDEX autumn will take an East meets West approach, exploring one of the most significant historical design routes of all time – The Silk Road. The focus will be on the colours and patterns that represent the trade route that lives on to this day, plus individual designs and value driven products from Asia, alongside premium products from Europe. Key exhibitors at the show include DeRUCCI, One Acoustics, and Contemp-rent. This show will also be co-located with The Hotel Show, The Leisure show and the new launch event FIM, with visitors benefiting from the co-location and ability to crossover from one show to the next.

Feria Habitat Valencia

18-21 September 2018 Valencia, Spain Following last year’s successful return to its September date, Valencia’s Furniture, Lighting and Décor Fair will be taking place in September again this year, specifically from September 18-21, 2018, at Feria Valencia. Almost all of the exhibitors at last year’s edition have re-booked, with around a hundred new manufacturers and brands returning to the Feria Valencia event, convinced of its cost-effectiveness and the potential it offers for doing business both in Spain and internationally.

Many of these companies are ground breakers in their respective sectors, including designers Sancal and Viccarbe, innovative brands Nomon, Tegar Mobel and Doos Design, and office and contract furniture designer and manufacturer DeLaOliva, which is a leader in its field.

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September 2018

Helsinki Design Week

6-16 September 2018 Helsinki, Findland Helsinki Design Week is the largest design festival in the Nordic countries. Held annually in September, the multidisciplinary festival presents design from a number of fields as well as fashion, architecture and urban culture. The festival programme contains around 200 events every year, such as Design Market, exhibitions, and installations. The theme in 2018 is trust. The theme is said to be topical because the sharing economy – the transition from individual ownership to collaborative consumption – is based on trust between humans.

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PICK OF THE MONTH

Royal alert!

When you want the feel of grandeur and charisma in your living space, then look for something as spectacular as this armchair from, 2XL Furniture.

Get the royal look with the white and golden Vittore armchair with uniquely designed arms with animal motifs. The colour of the chair blends beautifully with all the settings be it contemporary, traditional, neo-classical, and more. So, bring home this masterpiece to style up any area of your house with ĂŠlan and majestic design.

Price: AED5,981 Availability: 2XL Furniture and Home DĂŠcor www.2xlme.com

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September 2018

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The design classic LS 990 in metal – aesthetics in their most elegant form.

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JUNG Middle East DMCC Office 3001, Saba Tower 1. JLT, Cluster E. Dubai, United Arab Emirates. +971 4 368 7275. info@jung.ae