Identity - May 2022 by Motivate Media Group

ARCHITECTURE, DESIGN, INTERIORS + PROPERTY

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A MOTIVATE PUBLICATION

ISSUE 220 / MAY 2022

The Power Issue

contents

Features 16

Futuristic forms Adorno’s Departures collection reflects visual power and Jordan-based design talent

A space for gathering T.ZED Architects transform a Dubai space into a social and cultural events pavilion

A modern oasis A Bahraini royal has turned a home into a space celebrating art and architecture

Going solar A new design biennial focuses on solar technologies and the global energy transition

id50 From designers to architects and makers, the 50 regional talents on our radar

New beginnings Karim Nader contrasts antiques with contemporary interiors in the Lebanese capital

An artist’s spirit A Dubai home combines a Scandinavian approach with minimal influences

Regulars 68

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Editor-in-Chief Obaid Humaid Al Tayer Managing Partner and Group Editor Ian Fairservice Group Director Andrew Wingrove Editor Aidan Imanova Designer Hannah Perez Sub-editor Max Tuttle Chief Commercial Officer Anthony Milne Group Sales Manager Manish Chopra Sales Manager Jules Acciarresi Sales Representative - Italy Daniela Prestinoni General Manager - Production Sunil Kumar Assistant Production Manager Binu Purandaran Production Supervisor Venita Pinto Contributors Jumana Abdel-Razzaq Karine Monié Lemma Shehadi Natelee Cocks Oculis Project

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Contributors

(From left)

Jumana Abdul-Razzaq is a Dubai-based journalist who has worked across several global and local publications including Architectural Digest, Harper’s Bazaar Arabia and Vogue Arabia. She covers a range of topics including architecture, interior design, art and culture, and has led the content management and digital content strategies at some of the largest media companies in the Middle East. For this month’s issue, she explores the latest trends in kitchen design. Karine Monié graduated with a master’s degree from La Sorbonne University and is a trilingual content creator and editorial consultant currently based in California. She has contributed to international design, architecture and fashion publications including Architectural Digest and Interior Design, among many others. This month, Monié explores two vibrant homes in Dubai and Beirut.

Lemma Shehadi is a writer and arts producer based between London and Beirut. She often reports on the intersections of culture, design and social issues and has written for a wide range of publications, including Disegno and The Independent, among many others. For the Power Issue, Shehadi writes about a recently completed arts centre in Bahrain and sheds light on solar design. Natelee Cocks is a Dubai-based interior, design and architecture photographer. With over 10 years of experience in the field, Cocks began her career in South Africa and, after moving to Dubai, founded her own studio, Natelee Cocks Photography. Her clean, minimalistic style and attention to natural light and intimate details has captured many of the city’s contemporary buildings and interiors. For this issue, Cocks photographs a serene Dubai home designed by s | a Design Studio.

Oculis Project Nikola and Tamara, who traditionally trained as architects, are the photography duo behind Dubai-based Oculis Project. Their photography is complemented by their understanding of architecture, design and culture, and a mutual hobby has, through the years, grown into a professional collaboration. For this issue, Oculis Project photograph a new events space designed by T.ZED Architects.

Villa in Jeddah designed by MESURA. Photography by Marina Denisova.

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It is safe to say that many of those working in the fields of design or architecture will agree that design holds intrinsic power. The Oxford Dictionary defines power as “the capacity or ability to direct or influence the behaviour of others or the course of events”. And hasn’t design already done just that? Some of the biggest influences in our lives, whether digital or physical, have been intentionally ‘designed’, such as the way we interact with our mobile devices, the manner in which we navigate through our workspaces or how we commute from one place to another. Today, people are finding themselves spending more time indoors and it is no wonder that the term ‘indoor generation’ has been coined to describe the lifestyle of our time. This makes it much more important that the spaces we create can empower, ground and soothe (or excite, depending on intention and function) those whom they serve. This sets great responsibility on those working in the fields design and architecture – something we are happy to see many taking seriously within the region. For this year’s ‘Power Issue’, our id50 list highlights fifty talents across the Middle East who are committed to creating spaces that elevate one’s standard of living. For example, Iranian architect Farshad Mehdizadeh – who is highlighted in the list – explains that he is transitioning his focus from urban Tehran to the rural parts of the country as a response to a mass migration of individuals, who are moving to the countryside with the aim of creating residences where people are comfortable and engaged within their communities. In other parts of the magazine, we speak to Bahraini artist and founder of RAK Art Foundation, Rashid Al Khalifa, about converting his childhood home into a space for empowering artists and architects across the Middle East, and particularly those in his home country. By opening up his home, Al Khalifa’s aim is to also support arts education on the island. “The art scene in Bahrain started earlier [than other parts of the Gulf]. But we should have taken much bigger strides in the last 30 or 40 years,” he says. “One of the reasons is education. We still don’t have an arts college or something similar,” he observes. Another feature in this issue focuses on an alternative look at the notion of ‘power’, in which we speak to the founders of the first Solar Biennale about the vast potential for solar power in design. “Solar power needs a new story,” says designer Marjan van Aubel. “Solar design involves thinking about a double function, and how to design for the future,” she adds. Besides the energetic power of the sun, the two founders of the biennial – van Aubel and Pauline van Dongen – are pushing for the idea of a ‘solar democracy’, in which designers and citizens shape the dialogue around solar power. “[We do not want to] create the same problematic power structures around the access to energy that exist now,” van Dongen concludes. We hope you enjoy the issue!

Aidan Imanova Editor

Photography by Marine Terlizzi

Editor’s Note

On the cover: Inside the RAK Art Foundation in Riffa, Bahrain

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design

Fashion and furniture are only steps away in the new Fendi Casa collection, shaped by a roster of acclaimed designers WORDS BY KARINE MONIÉ PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREA FERRARI

Crafting excellence

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“I

n the new Fendi Casa line, beauty finds its purpose in objects with the highest craftsmanship,” says Silvia Venturini Fendi, the Italian maison’s artistic director of accessories and menswear. “This is our idea of interior design: elegant and light, classic yet innovative.” Carrying on the vision of her mother Anna Fendi, who 35 years ago was the first to launch an interior design segment within a fashion label, Silvia continues to push the brand further through innovative initiatives, including collaborations with established designers and architects. “I think that today, more than ever, it’s key to engage in a continuous conversation with international creative minds and visionaries who can add their own contribution to the evolution of the Fendi aesthetics,” she says. Case in point: the new Fendi Casa collection, which is set to be fully unveiled at the next, highly anticipated 2022 edition of Salone del Mobile in Milan (from 7 to 12 June). To provide a sneak peek at what awaits us, an exclusive preview was organised last October in the iconic Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana in Rome – Fendi’s headquarters – followed by a photo shoot at the Barcelona home of celebrated Spanish sculptor Xavier Corberó, where arches characterise the poetic architecture. Big names put their talent at the service of the fashion company, starting with Dimorestudio, who revisited the iconic day bed – created for Fendi Palazzo Privé, located in the Italian capital – to form the Roma day bed. “The furniture

line designed for Fendi Casa is inspired by Rome, the 1960s and the luxurious yet unpretentious aesthetics of that time,” describe Dimorestudio’s co-founders Britt Moran and Emiliano Salci. In addition to the Five sofa and Annabelle armchairs, Marcel Wanders’ studio brought to life a new bed with a headboard that’s over three metres long, in a patchwork of different materials, paying homage to the brand’s artisanal heritage.

Previous page: The Sagano sofa and coffee table, designed by Piero Lissoni and part of the Sagano collection, conceived for furnishing the outdoor with seating and tables This page: Thierry Lemaire’s Parsifal armchairs in fine leather and bouclé, paired with the Marrakesh ottoman by Toan Nguyen THE POWER ISSUE

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Having worked with Fendi Casa for a decade now, Toan Nguyen continuously experiments and highlights the excellence of Italian craftsmanship. Among some of the 2022 pieces is the new version of the Soho sofa (three seats) and the Sandia modular sofa with curved lines, as well as the Marrakesh ottoman and the Groove & Groovy armchair with long-hair yellow shearling. For Atelier Oï, “Inspiration from nature and the transformation of materials are part of [our] DNA and play a key role in the way we work,” they say. “For Fendi, we have chosen authentic, raw materials such as marble, leather, metal, wood, glass and fabric.” The Fun modular sofa features a gridded design and nubuck upholstery with a peekaboo effect; the Blossom screen comprises an intricate system of mirrors and wooden shelves; the Arches tables 14

are made from white or black marble blocks; and the Vanitoso lady desk in marble paired with metal, wood and leather echoes the arches of Fendi’s headquarters. Piero Lissoni focused on outdoor furniture with the Sagano sofa, armchair and coffee table. “Bamboo has always been a dominant theme in the outdoor world, from art nouveau to the present day,” Lissoni says. “I basically salvaged a material that was perfect for making these things and reused it, in the most responsible way possible, approaching it with a more contemporary standard of design.” Designers Chiara Andreatti, Cristina Celestino and Thierry Lemaire are also contributing, to keep Fendi Casa’s values of craftsmanship, innovation and style alive through this mesmerising new collection. id

Clockwise from top left: The Fun modular sofa by atelier oï in nubuck with inside in velvet, where the stuffing and padding peep out from behind the upholstery for a ‘peekaboo’ effect. In the foreground, the Metropolis coffee table by atelier oï, characterised by an alluring oxidized metallic base with a rhythmic sequence of arches topped with glass showing an iridescent effect. In the background, the Five sofa designed by Marcel Wanders studio

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The Soho armchair and daybed by Toan Nguyen, characterised by a single hard back structure matching with the softness of the seat cushions. On the right, the Metropolis coffee table, designed by atelier oï, taking inspiration from Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana’s signature façade

THE POWER ISSUE

design

Futuristic forms Curated for Adorno by Rana Beiruti, the Departures collection reflects the visual power of crafts and the talent of Jordan-based designers

Hammer and Chisel cake stands by SNC Design Studio

WORDS BY KARINE MONIÉ

“W

hen people think of design from Jordan, they immediately think of craft, and mostly very traditional crafts and geometric patterns,” says Rana Beiruti, independent curator and co-founder of Amman Design Week. “While the collection draws inspiration from the traditional techniques that define design in Jordan, it also shows a more contemporary side to Jordanian aesthetics that are inspired by our landscape and surroundings, where the designers have produced new forms that are fluid and curvilinear.” Created in collaboration with the Office of Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, and curated by Beiruti following the invitation of digital gallery Adorno, the Departures series comprises 10 pieces – which represent several disciplines including furniture and textile – by Ahmad Jarrar, Andre Mcheileh, Far Flung, In Doi, Ishraq Zraikat, Kutleh, Opus Design Collective, SNC Design Studio, Twelve Degrees and suli, a subsidiary of MORPH X DESIGN STUDIO. “Crafts are testimony to a human’s ability and imagination to manipulate earth materials and shape them,” says Beiruti, explaining the starting point and creative approach behind the collection. “Since the beginning of their existence,

16 Gem by Opus Collective

Photography by Anita Bursheh

Photography by SNC Design Studio, courtesy Adorno

humans have used the earth to craft tools, and have used those tools to create more advanced objects. Today, we call this technology. The designers in the collection have used their abilities in crafting material to [shape] lucid and monumental pieces that are at times geometrically balanced, and at times irregular and ragged.” The objects feature locally sourced or repurposed materials such as wool, stone, clay, wood and folded metals, reflecting how designers in Jordan are aware of the fragility of the country’s resources and their commitment to the handmade. “I wanted to create a balance between a collection that is serious, earthy and solid in its presence, with something light and fun,” says Beiruti. “While there is a raw aesthetic and approach to design with the colour palette that keeps it familiar and grounded, there is also a playfulness in the contours, forms and asymmetries that mimic nature in the pieces.” All the objects from Departures refer to the past through crafts while expressing a fascinating modern visual language. “I see something a little dreamy and interstellar about the works,” concludes Beiruti. “Design in Jordan is definitely going through an evolution and coming into its own identity. There is a lot more maturity in the way design is approached, and a deeper understanding of conscious practice that is nonviolent, non-exploitative and a friend to the environment.”

design

Clockwise fromi top: Gong mirror by Far Flung, Capsa side table/stool by suli, Melt wall art by Ishraq Zraikat, Gem by Opus Collective, Jarra by Twelve Degrees, Jupiter by Andre Mcheileh, Petra by Kutleh, Balloon Piggy Bank by Ahmad Jarrar, Turret candle holder by In Doi

Render by Iñigo Inchaurraga, courtesy Adorno

THE POWER ISSUE

architecture

A space for gathering Drawing inspiration from its context, this Dubai space was transformed by T.ZED Architects into a pavilion for social and cultural events WORDS BY KARINE MONIÉ IMAGES BY OCULIS PROJECT

architecture

he Canvas Events Pavilion, which was completed in early 2022 near Al Barari in Dubai, is a continuation of KOA Canvas – another project that was also designed by T.ZED Architects as a neighbourhood that allowed creative minds and entrepreneurs to collaborate and interact in an unusual setting. “Canvas Events Pavilion is less of a style and more of a contextually-influenced explorative architecture that responds to functional requirements,” says Tarik Al Zaharna, founder and director of T.ZED Architects. Consisting of a monolithic structure pierced from above to create courtyards and skylights, the single-storey building opens onto the landscape thanks to four 5-metre-long brushed stainless steel sliding panels in a polished finish, whose mirror effect reflects the natural light during the day and mimics the architectural lighting in the evening. “We wanted to create a serene atmosphere that is successful

in use as well as observation; one that changes with light (sun and architectural) due to the skylights and large sliding barnstyle doors,” describes Al Zaharna. “The subtle change in material finishes and [the] continuity of materials from outside in allows users to feel that they are part of the experience.” The pavilion houses a gallery space with bare walls that are ideal for showcasing artworks, and a fluted marble column as a centrepiece, as well as a pantry/bar, kitchen and bathrooms. The sculptural open staircase leads to the roof, while the back of the building gives access to the garden, which comprises lush indigenous plants, a performance area and a firepit. “The biggest challenge was in reimagining the design from our original plan of creating a daycare used mainly by children to one that caters more to adults,” says Al Zaharna. “We wanted to continue the story of using natural materials in the architecture of the project, and the local craftsmanship was a small obstacle in achieving the end result.” THE POWER ISSUE

architecture design

architecture

Clay, thermally modified timber, stone, steel Moments of reveal and surprise were key aspects itself to [people] through repeated use.” Used for social gatherings, cultural events, artisand the corten staircase that wraps around the in designing the building.” Created to respond and blend with its sur- tic initiatives and exhibitions, this project exembuilding defined the earthy colours of the pavilion “to amplify the experience of a refined and elegant roundings, the Canvas Events Pavilion is an plifies T.ZED Architects’ manifesto: “Architecture invitation for creative and authentic initiatives to is a craft-science that responds to a plethora of rawness,” the architect describes. “The landscape, materiality, context and func- join a peaceful environment where the hustle and factors tied to human and spatial behaviours. It attempts to improve human activity and social tion were the main sources of inspiration on bustle of Dubai melt away. “The experience is both very internalised and interaction through the architect’s creative intelthe project,” Al Zaharna adds. “We also wanted to portray versatility in function and to provide complementary to the context beyond,” says lect and meaningful interpretation of the context. an experiential architecture while meandering Al Zaharna. “It is a material and context-driv- In its essence, architecture is shaping and defining through the indoor and outdoor courtyards. en architecture that reveals and transforms ‘place’ for successful human experiences.” id

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interiors

Natural connection Tristan du Plessis designs Dubai’s first Africa-inspired beach club WORDS BY AIDAN IMANOVA PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATELEE COCKS

outh African interior architect Tristan du Plessis is no stranger to crafting eye-catching spaces that marry form and function, and neither is he a stranger to the Middle East, where he’s already made his mark through concepts such as Clay Bahrain and its recently opened Dubai location, among many others. A family background in art has helped shape the architect’s collaborative approach – he worked alongside other African artists on his projects – and has established him within the fields of luxury hospitality and residential interiors. His latest project is Dubai’s first Africa-inspired beach club, SĀN Beach, which takes its name from the indigenous San people of Southern Africa and draws on their philosophy of life which exemplifies a respectful and intimate connection with nature, as well

as strong social connections through dance and rhythm. “We felt that this primal desire to connect with nature and with each other is still present in us all and we wanted to explore [this notion] through the design and guest experience,” du Plessis says. The design itself is signature to du Plessis’ approach, marrying a luxurious feel with natural materials and textures. “The design language is primarily textural, focusing on raw materials that are beautiful in their imperfection and look better as time creates [their] patina,” du Plessis says. “We used these raw materials in a considered and somewhat minimal design to create a luxurious but approachable feel.” A series of curves, arches and soft edges defines the design, appearing as if moulded by hand out of ancient clay and evoking a poetic softness.

interiors

THE POWER ISSUE

interiors

The serene yet dynamic beach club comprises an interior restaurant and bar, terrace seating and covered beach dining, as well as a swim-up pool bar with cabanas floating on the water and a large panoramic infinity pool – in addition to the private stretch of beach with a variety of seating. “The idea, driven further by the arched shopfronts, was to blur this line between indoor and outdoor spaces and create interiors that felt like terrace dining. It was crucially important that the indoor and outdoor had a natural and cohesive flow,” du Plessis explains. What brings everything together are the artworks and furniture pieces that are all made in Africa, including the beach sculpture by Jake Singer, the ceramic outdoor tables handmade in Cape Town, lamps by Jan Ernst, sculptural pots by Jade Paton and the enigmatic sculptural bench from David Krynauw. “More than loving what I do, I love that through my work I get to explore my curiosity, particularly through collaboration,” du Plessis confesses. “Marrying art, design and the understanding of what makes a singular experience exciting is fascinating [to me].” id

interiors

THE POWER ISSUE

architecture Courtyard of the RAK Art Foundation, 2022 Riffa, Kingdom of Bahrain

A modern oasis WORDS BY LEMMA SHEHADI PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARINE TERLIZZI

architecture

How a Bahraini artist, collector and member of the royal family turned a traditional Bahraini home into a space that celebrates art and architecture

ahraini artist and collector Rashid Al Khalifa once dreamt of becoming an architect. Though he never pursued his interest professionally, today he is actively contributing to the Gulf island’s architecture and design scenes. In 2020, he launched the Rashid Al Khalifa Art Foundation, opening up his historic family home and private art collection to the public. “I hope it can be a place where people are inspired and encouraged to pursue their interests in art and architecture,” he says. Earlier this year the RAK Art Foundation announced the inaugural edition of its architecture prize, aimed at architecture graduates from Bahrain. The winning entry will have the opportunity to design a new performing arts centre in Adhami – set outside of the capital of Manama – in addition to a cash prize. The RAK Foundation is located in the town of Riffa, in the centre of the island. The original premises were built in the 1920s and are typical of Bahrain’s vanishing vernacular architecture: low-rising homes built of gypsum and lime, timber beams imported from maritime routes on the Arabian Sea, and a colonnaded central courtyard.

Al Khalifa is a member of the Bahraini royal family, and the historic townhouse was one of the first homes in the area. “Riffa is not as old as Manama or Muharraq; it was inhabited just over a hundred years ago. And because of its distance from the coastline, the conditions must have been very harsh, with a scarcity of water,” he contemplates. Today, architectural interventions from the 1960s and mid-2010s provide examples of the adaptive re-use of traditional building – a growing field in contemporary architecture. At the building’s entrance, the original gypsum façade was rebuilt with an approach fusing Islamic geometry with contemporary minimalism. Hanging above the traditional wooden door are the edges of a hollow steel cube – a sculpture which also serves as the RAK Art Foundation’s logo. The 1960s extension, which includes Al Khalifa’s childhood bedroom, was built as Riffa had begun to flourish. “In the ‘40s and ‘50s, modernity started to come in, with electricity and water,” he recounts, recalling seeing a refrigerator for the first time as a child. “I was like ‘wow’. We were really happy drinking cold water. These are good memories; [they make] you appreciate what you have now.”

THE POWER ISSUE

architecture

In 2014, after acquiring the house from his family, Al Khalifa restored and expanded the building in collaboration with the Italian architect Davide Chiaverini. This included a two-storey pavilion in the courtyard, with outer walls composed of steel mashrabiya panels. One of the courtyard walls has been rebuilt with a relief surface of smooth concrete slabs and floatings stairs. Inside, the Foundation’s look and feel is that of a private residence, rather than a traditional museum, where sculptural works and paintings are peppered amidst modern furniture. “The building was not purposely built for displaying artworks,” Al Khalifa explains. His collection comprises a global range of modern and contemporary works, including pieces by French painter Pierre Soulages, British contemporary artist Damien Hirst and Colombian sculptor Fernando Botero. It also highlights Al Khalifa’s support of pioneering regional artists, including Moroccan artist Mohammed Melehi and Syrian painter Fateh Al Moudarres. The artist’s own work, which spans five decades, has evolved from traditional landscape painting on canvas to abstract pieces using a range of materials. The first artworks he remembers admiring were by the 18th-century Venetian painter Canaletto, after receiving a book of the artist’s work from his school’s art prize.

Philippe Dansette Ce a 2 Grandes Oreilles, 1994 Glazed ceramic, 76 x 63 cm. Leather armchair by Poltrona Frau

architecture

Rafa Nasiri Untitled (series), 2012 Mixed media on paper. DS-600 modular sofa by De Sede. Fireplace by Focus Creation THE POWER ISSUE

architecture

Installations by Rashid Al Khalifa displayed at the RAK Art Foundation

Photo by Marine Terlizzi

In the mid-1990s Al Khalifa When he travelled to London as an art student in the 1970s, he arranged for the Iraqi painter Rafa headed to the Tate Gallery, to view al-Nasiri – who was then living as its collection of paintings by British a refugee in Jordan – to teach at the landscape painter J.M.W. Turner. “I University of Bahrain’s art faculty. “I said ‘Oh my God, I’m standing here, wanted to enhance the art faculty at in front of the real works’,” he recalls. the university,” he says. Al Khalifa, who served as the “Turner’s atmospheric paintings of the fog and rain reminded me of Bahrain Art Society’s first president, laments the evolution of arts educaRiffa, which has a lot of dust.” Today, Khalifa works with con- tion on the island. “The art scene in ical aluminium surfaces to create Bahrain started earlier [than other ambient abstract works. The inter- parts of the Gulf]. But we should sections of design, architecture and have taken much bigger strides in art are clear in these works, as is the the last 30 or 40 years,” he says. “One artist’s interest in spatial structures, of the reasons is education. We still don’t have an arts college or somelight and shadow. By opening up his home, Al thing similar.” He hopes that the RAK Art Khalifa’s aim is to support arts education on the island. Historically, Foundation will help bridge this gap. Bahrain had a thriving modern art “It is intended to serve the community, scene, which also served as a base for for people to experiment, to enjoy and be inspired,” he says. Iraqi and Palestinian artists in exile. id

Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa at the RAK Art Foundation

Photo by Oliver Mark

architecture

Entrance to the RAK Art Foundation THE POWER ISSUE

design

Going solar

A new design biennial aims to rethink our approach to solar technologies and the global energy transition WORDS BY LEMMA SHEHADI

Solar Views (The Visitor), 2021 by Mirka Laura Severe

design

he world’s largest gathering of sun salutations – the yoga practice that involves reaching one’s arms and head up to face the sun – may produce vast amounts of positive human energy. But can it help power a city? Three women believe it can. “We want to create a sense of wonder around solar energy and our relationship with the sun,” says designer Pauline van Dongen, co-founder of the Solar Biennale, which opens its first edition in Rotterdam in September this year. “Solar power needs a new story,” adds designer and co-founder Marjan van Aubel. “The standard blue panels are quite ugly.” The pair are solar designers – or designers working with solar technologies to produce household objects, clothing and industrial products. “I see solar as a material, where surfaces are activators that turn light into energy,” explains van Aubel, who designed a colourful solar-powered roof for the Netherlands Pavilion at Dubai Expo 2020. “Solar design involves thinking about a double function, and how to design for the future,” she adds. Van Dongen, meanwhile, works with textiles to make wearable solar power, such as a windbreaker for tour guides that can charge GPS trackers and mobile phones. “As a solar designer you work with the energy harvesting technology, while trying to mediate the sun’s other qualities: the connection to nature and circadian rhythms and its colour, emotional connections and ritualistic values.” But the growing field, the pair says, is often overshadowed by the more functional depictions of solar power. “The current narrative is focused on the technocratic approach to solar design, where it’s all about the economics and efficiency of the technology,” says van Dongen. “We wanted to show people that there are viable alternatives, and that’s possible through storytelling and examples of beautiful design.” The two-month biennial will consist of a lecture series, an exhibition and a public programme of workshops that will bring together designers, engineers, philosophers and policy-makers around the themes of solar power. Among its events is a large-scale gathering in Rotterdam to perform a collective sun salutation.

A photograph of architect Eleanor Raymond (left) and Dr. Mária Telkes (right) at the Dover Solar House in Dover, Massachusetts; Eleanor Raymond Collection. Courtesy of the Frances Loeb Library, Harvard University Graduate School of Design

Solar Shirt, Pauline van Dongen THE POWERPhotography ISSUE by 33Liselotte Fleur

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Ra, Marjan van Aubel

It comes as the city of Rotterdam recently announced its ambitions to become Europe’s first solar capital. Soaring energy prices as a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic and the war in Ukraine have brought conversations about Europe’s energy transition to the fore. “We’re living in a climate crisis, and we urgently need to change how we deal with energy, and [how we] design society around these more sustainable energy systems,” says van Dongen. Solar designers say they are contributing to the energy debate by making solar technologies more tangible in everyday life. “For individuals, it can be really hard to grasp these kinds of large transitions, and the influence they can have by making their homes more sustainable,” says van Dongen, “Often, [transitions] are forced on them from a top-down perspective. We want to show that there are ways to engage people from the bottom up and to excite them first and start a dialogue.” The biennial’s exhibition The Energy Show, at

Het Niewe Instituut in Rotterdam, will trace ocean. Additionally, an open call for solar ideas humanity’s timeless fascination with the sun, as from ordinary citizens will launch at Salone del well as the design history of solar energy. “The Mobile in Milan in June. The exhibition and the biennial will also conGreek myth of Icarus, who flew too close to the sun, is a reminder that solar energy requires an sider the political aspects of energy transitions. element of risk-taking, which doesn’t always The documentary Solar Mamas (2011) highlights lead to positive consequences” says designer the lives of women living in communities that and exhibition’s curator Matylda Krzykowski, are off the energy grid. “Experts say that solar adding: “It’s not just about showcasing solar technology isn’t more widespread because of technology, but getting visitors to question the fossil fuel lobby,” says Krzykowski, pointing themselves, their surroundings and their own to different approaches to solar energy adopted by successive US presidents since Jimmy Carter. energy use.” Among the works included is the Dover Sun “It’s not just about the availability of solar techHouse, a private residence designed in 1948 by nology, but about the people who make deciengineer Mária Telkes and architect Eleanor sions. It needs human energy to be successful.” As such, the biennial, which will travel to Raymond, where heat-collecting panels were used on the top-floor window façade. A spec- new cities for each edition, aims to encourage ulative film by designer Alice Wong, commis- more grassroots approaches to solar energy. sioned for the exhibition, will envision a day “We want to aim for a solar democracy, and in an exclusively solar-powered world. Studio not create the same problematic power strucSwine’s Solar Extruder (2011) uses solar energy tures around the access to energy that exist to gather and melt discarded plastics from the now,” concludes van Dongen. id

design

Portable Solar Distiller by Henry Glogau (2021). Courtesy of Henry Glogau THE POWER ISSUE

id50

WORDS BY AIDAN IMANOVA

From interior designers and architects to product designers and makers, here are the 50 regional talents on our radar this year

id50

AAU Anastas AAU Anastas – led by brothers Elias and Yousef – continues to assert the value of Palestinian stone and craftsmanship through material exploration and contemporary interventions, such as with its ongoing Stone Matters project which was part of the last Venice Architecture Biennale. Largely inspired by the power of community, the multi-creative duo also has a research arm called SCALES, a radio station called Radio Alhara as well as a product arm, Local Industries, which opened its first permanent space in Amman this year.

Abdalla Almulla Emirati designer Abdalla Almulla’s design language is as poetic as it is contextual, revealing cultural narratives and customs from the UAE through a contemporary reinterpretation for a wider, global appeal. The young designer – who is the founder of design studio MULA – has an eclectic portfolio, including a Bedouin-inspired café in Dubai and wall tiles designed for Expo 2020 Dubai, and is currently working on a series of residential projects and a co-living building in Sharjah.

Adrian Pepe Beirut-based Adrian Pepe is a fibre artist whose works focus on craftsmanship through a sociopolitical and ecological lens. His latest project, Entangled Matters, used Awassi wool from the Levantine region and was exhibited as part of Beirut Concept Store during Downtown Design, while his upcoming project will explore the Palaeolithic pigment, ochre. Pepe’s integrated approach interweaves culture, history and performance with art, fashion and interiors, with the aim of widening the discourse on materiality and our morphing cultural landscape. THE POWER ISSUE

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AGi Architects Based between Kuwait and Spain and founded by architects Nasser Abulhasan and Joaquín PérezGoicoechea, AGi Architects has long retained its focus on innovation, sustainability and social intervention through research and a rich roster of regional and international projects. While continuing to leave a pivotal mark on Kuwait’s urban identity through projects that merge Islamic culture with a Western lifestyle, the architects also place community building at the forefront, such as with the perforated residential tower in Kuwait, as well as the Opportunity Pavilion and open-air majlis for Expo 2020 Dubai.

Aline Asmar d’Amman Lebanese-born Aline Asmar d’Amman is the founder of Culture in Architecture – based between Beirut and Paris – and her interdisciplinary work sits at the nexus of heritage and modernity, merging interior design, artistic direction and scenography. d’Amman is currently busy with a range of prestigious projects such as the renovation of the Palazzo Dona Giovannelli, one of the historic jewels of Venice, as well as private residences in Paris and Riyadh and a forthcoming furniture collection inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe. Her scenography for the Lebanese Pavilion at this year’s Venice Biennale is an echo of Lebanon’s turbulent history that also presents the unwavering hope nurtured by its people. 38

Ammar Basheir Internationally recognised for his eclectic and evocative creations, Ammar Basheir designs atmospheric spaces using the visceral language of the senses to build universal narratives across his extensive portfolio of projects. With a design philosophy that is rooted in storytelling, Basheir’s deep respect for history, culture, architecture and ecology informs his designs. His singular talent stems from his ability to fuse exceptional, hand-crafted artistry with new mediums to boldly reimagine interiors and curate innovative experiences. Currently he is redesigning the interiors of one of Bahrain’s oldest hotels, which embodies the work of local artisans while introducing a new sense of opulent materiality through organic elements.

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ANARCHITECT A boutique design studio with offices in Dubai and London, ANARCHITECT has made its mark in the Middle East through its context-driven, contemporary approach, such as with the acclaimed Al Faya Lodge in Sharjah that has set a benchmark for architecturally driven hospitality. Following its passion for ‘destination architecture’, its most recent project, Harding Boutique Hotel, has opened in Sri Lanka and is inspired by tropical modernism. The studio is currently working on two private residential villas in Kenya and Uganda, while construction begins on its hospitality building in Saudi’s Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter that uses locally-sourced rammed earth sustainable construction – one of the first commercial rammed earth projects in the region.

Anne Holtrop Dutch architect Anne Holtrop – who leads his eponymous studio from Muharraq, Bahrain – has made the Gulf island his home and has since completed a number of signature projects that are a reinterpretation of desert architecture, while staying rooted in the tradition of architectural and material research, which often become the protagonists of the buildings themselves. The studio’s Murad Boutique Hotel is currently nearing completion in Muharraq, as are other UNESCO Heritage Site projects in the city such as Siyadi Pearl Museum and the Shaikh Isa bin Ali House. Holtrop is also working on the New Art Institute in Riyadh and designing bottles for a new cosmetic brand.

Archidentity Emirati architect Ahmed Bukhash’s studio Archidentity continues to explore the blueprint for the contemporary Islamic home, and its recently revealed residential project (which was 15 years in the making) asserts just that. Embodying regional symbolism and vernacular through a post-modernist approach, Bukhash’s origami-inspired The Good Place Pavilion for Expo 2020 Dubai married architecture with innovation and technology, while the studio’s upcoming projects include a modernist mosque and a series of private residences in the UAE. THE POWER ISSUE

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Bone Although a young design studio based in Dubai, Bone – founded by Natalie Mahakian and Achraf Mzily – has already established its design identity in the region with a series of F&B projects across the UAE, from the Mediterranean-inspired Terra to the pared-back Bageri Form bakery in Dubai Design District. With a strong focus on slow design, material exploration and craftsmanship, the studio is currently working on an arts complex in Al Quoz, an Emirati restaurant and culinary school in Abu Dhabi and a natural retreat. Bone is also dedicated to forming a design community in the region that prides itself on openness and sharing.

Bricklab Saudi architects Abdulrahman and Turki Gazzaz are dedicating themselves to the preservation of Saudi Arabia’s modern architecture through their research-driven Jeddah studio, Bricklab. The brothers have launched a five-year preservation plan during which the studio is researching modern buildings across the kingdom, followed by refurbishment plans – such as with the renovation of the Tamer House in Jeddah, which hosted its first Saudi Modern exhibition that showcased the duo’s efforts, with plans for the building to stay on as an arts centre. The studio’s long-awaited Hayy:Cinema is also scheduled for completion.

Carl Gerges Creative pluralist Carl Gerges has stayed committed to delivering honest and contextual designs that honour each project’s social, environmental and historical conditions, always handled with intimate sensibility. The architect recently led the design for The Donor’s Room’s first exhibition for the Institut du Monde Arabe, which will highlight Lebanese design talent, and has undertaken an art gallery-inspired residential project in his home country of Lebanon, as well as a travelling contemporary majlis for Bottega Veneta. Gerges is currently working on a number of private residences in Lebanon and London, as well as a commercial and hospitality development in Lagos, Nigeria. 40

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Dabbagh Architects Led by Saudi architect Sumaya Dabbagh, Dabbagh Architects has had a successful year with the completion of its internationally acclaimed Gargash Mosque in Dubai, which reinterprets the typology of a traditional mosque architecture with contemporary interventions. The firm has also been invited to participate in a competition for a grand mosque in Saudi Arabia in addition to other projects in the kingdom, as well as the expansion of its Al Ain Archaeological Museum, which will begin construction soon. Dabbagh Architects’ projects in the cultural field continue to display its focus on the exploration of identity and belonging in the Middle East.

david/nicolas Beirut-born design duo david/nicolas is solidifying its presence on the global design stage with a ‘retro-futuristic’ aesthetic, intricate blend of materials and hand-crafted detailing. In the last year, the duo designed its first coffee shop, Meta x Orsonero in Milan, which opened during supersalone, when it also unveiled its latest furniture collection for Tacchini. Today, they are working on interior projects across Italy, Egypt, Lebanon, France and Saudi Arabia, as well as creating new pieces for Carpenters Workshop Gallery. THE POWER ISSUE

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Fabraca Studios Beirut-based Fabraca Studios is an independent team of architects, engineers and artists – led by Samer Saadeh – who specialise in creating site-specific lighting solutions that are created mostly by hand in collaboration with local craftsmen, combining a contemporary aesthetic with traditional skill. Besides working on a roster of projects alongside the region’s design talents, such as the lighting solutions for the Institut du Monde Arab in Paris as well as F&B and residential projects, the studio is also committed to the revival of Beirut’s design and manufacturing industries.

desert INK Landscape architects desert INK have gained a strong reputation for pioneering a sustainable and context-driven approach with a diverse portfolio that ranges from public parks and streetscapes to hospitality, schools and, recently, private residences. Merging innovation and sustainability, desert INK completed the landscape design for the Sustainability Pavilion, Terra at Expo 2020 Dubai, incorporating indigenous plant species while many were grown from seed collected in the UAE’s wadis, deserts and mountains. The firm is now working on Saudi giga projects in NEOM and King Salman Park.

Farshad Mehdizadeh Farshad Mehdizadeh is one of the leading names in architecture in Iran and, alongside his studio FMZD, has been committed to improving the quality of residential projects across the country where community plays a central role. One such project is the recently completed Sabzever building, which offers its residents public and outdoor space for socialising. The architecture studio is also focusing on providing design-driven and ecologically conscious housing in the countryside as more people move to rural parts of the country, aspiring to offer them a better quality of life through thoughtful architectural solutions. 42

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Fadi Sarieddine Lebanese architect Fadi Sarieddine’s multidisciplinary atelier continues its experimental approach by challenging the fundamentals of traditional design. Whether crafting interiors for retail, restaurants or residential projects, Sarieddine embraces the unconventional nuances that design has the power to create. The architect delivered his most prominent project to date this year with the completion of the region’s first co-living space, HIVE Coliv, for which he was in charge of architecture, interiors and product design.

Fortytwelve Fortytwelve is one of the young studios making its mark among Kuwait’s growing design talents. A multidisciplinary practice led by Khaled Alawadhi, its minimalist interiors have graced many cafês and residences in Kuwait City – such as the recently renovated AK Residence, which transformed a basement floor into a spacious one-bedroom apartment – as well as Kuwait’s most prominent electronics retailer. The studio is continuing its monolithic F&B projects in Kuwait and Qatar, and currently working on expanding its residential designs, with many renovation projects currently in the pipeline.

Foster + Partners Foster + Partners has enjoyed a prominent presence in the Middle East through myriad projects, the latest being Alif - The Mobility Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, which features an undulating stainless steel façade and is set to become a permanent landmark for the Expo site. The practice’s other recent projects include ICD Brookfield Place, The House of Wisdom in Sharjah and The Lana Hotel by Dorchester Collection & Residences. The firm is also working on Kuwait International Airport, the Southern Dunes project for the Red Sea Development in Saudi Arabia and the Lusail Stadium in Qatar. THE POWER ISSUE

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Killa Design Killa Design – led by architect Shaun Killa – has finally revealed perhaps the most iconic architectural landmark to open in the region this year: the Museum of the Future in Dubai, with an avant-garde façade of stainless-steel and glass created using robotics and algorithms. The firm has also completed the dynamic The Address Beach Resort hotel tower in Dubai and is currently working on the Namaste W Hotel and a project for the Red Sea Development.

Karim Nader One of the key figures in contemporary Lebanese architecture, Karim Nader produces work that engages the natural surroundings of its sites with silent yet impactful interventions. The architect has recently completed a concrete and glass retreat that is immersed into the rocky landscape in Faqra, Lebanon. He has also recently published a cine-novel compiling 20 years of architectural practice and research, alongside a number of private residences in Beirut. 44

H2R Design Brothers Hasan and Husain Roomi of boutique practice H2R Design are conscious of creating projects that are future-facing by adopting a sustainable approach through their choice of materiality and the ageing of the spaces they design. With a focus on hospitality, F&B and retail, the brothers have carved a niche for themselves within the regional design scene. Their recent projects include a funky coffee shop and Nette in Dubai, as well as the VIDA Beach Resort in Umm Al Quwain.

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Hopkins Architects Over the years, Hopkins Architects has designed a series of contextually sensitive projects for the region, with its most recent being the masterplan and design of the Thematic Districts at Expo 2020 Dubai, featuring a modern take on a traditional Arab city, as well as two cultural venues in Sharjah, including the Khor Kalba Mangrove Reserve, the 25hours Hotel One Central in Dubai and a smart university campus for the University of Birmingham Dubai.

L.S. Design Multidisciplinary design and architecture practice L.S. Design’s pared-back approach graces many a restaurant, coffee shop, retail space and residence, through interiors marked with rich textures and sensitive materials. The studio has recently opened its office in Ubud, Bali, where it is working on a boutique hotel, villas and a spa. The studio is continuing its work in the region with a roster of private residences in Dubai as well as restaurants and spas.

KCA International Led by interior designer Khuan Chew, KCA International has been behind some of Dubai’s most iconic hospitality projects, and recently delivered the Inside Burj Al Arab experience with a contemporary intervention that juxtaposes the property’s maximalist design, which Chew originally conceptualised. The interior design studio has recently also completed the designs for JW Marriott Hotel Istanbul Marmara Sea in Turkey and the serene The Address Jumeirah Beach Residence in Dubai, as well as the nature-filled Wardian Canary Wharf tower in London and the Jumeirah Guangzhou in China. THE POWER ISSUE

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Lina Ghotmeh Lebanese-French architect Lina Ghotmeh appeared on everyone’s radar with the unveiling of her Stone Garden tower in Beirut which features a handcrafted façade by local artisans. Ghotmeh also exhibited at the recent Venice Architecture Biennale and is looking forward to the completion of the Atelier Hermès in France, as well as projects such as the National Dance Centre in Tours and the Réalimenter Masséna tower, orchestrated around sustainable feeding.

Meshary AlNassar Since expanding his practice into the UAE with a satellite studio in Dubai, Kuwaiti designer Meshary AlNassar has been exploring new ways of working across the GCC and Lebanon while maintaining his high-end residential projects across Kuwait. AlNassar’s interiors intersect a minimalist design approach, using honest and sensitive materials inspired by the Mediterranean to form rich spaces that are at once contemporary and nostalgic. AlNasaar is currently working on a series of renovation projects of architectural homes from the 1980s and ‘90s in Kuwait, as well as setting his sights on creating a new product line.

LW Design Known for its stand-out hospitality-focused design and architecture projects, LW Design is well-established across the Middle East and is rapidly expanding its reach into Asia, Africa, South America and Europe. The firm has enjoyed a prosperous year with the completion of the Dubai Edition hotel that boasts minimalist luxury and the Waldorf Astoria Kuwait that features timeless design, with its One Za’abeel project currently under construction. 46

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Omar Nakkash Dubai-based designer Omar Nakkash’s work continues to strengthen with each year, revealing a detail-oriented eye, a sensitivity for rich materiality, unexpected design solutions and a commitment to sustainability. Over the past year, Nakkash – alongside his eponymous practice – has worked on a second location for Kobeya (a gluten-free kitchen) as well as a hybrid wellness space in Dubai. The studio has also completed its first overseas projects including a jewellery store and a small café in Qatar. Currently, Nakkash is busy working on several private villas in Dubai.

Marc Dibeh Lebanese designer Marc Dibeh has long brought his layered approach to design into many homes across Lebanon and Paris, where he has created eclectic and narrative-led interiors with global appeal that are at once playful yet sophisticated. He has also recently designed a quirky fashion store in rue de Bellechasse in Paris, asserting his distinct design style with a fresh combination of colours and textures. Dibeh is currently designing a restaurant for a ‘tiny’ hotel in an old Beirut house, as well as residences in Beirut, Riyadh, Paris and London, which will include their own custom-made furniture pieces. THE POWER ISSUE

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Nada Debs One of the key names in regional design, Nada Debs’ intimate and craft-focused approach to design has gone from strength to strength despite the many challenges facing the craft industry in Lebanon, where Debs continues to produce as a way to support artisanal practices and traditional knowledge in her home country. Debs has opened her design atelier in Dubai, which has helped expand her practice into the wider region, while continuing her signature collections that work with marquetry techniques and inlays, as well as completing her most prestigious project to date, the Arab League in Cairo, and continuing collaborations with the likes of 81 Designs and Irthi Council in Sharjah.

Omar Chakil Creative polymath Omar Chakil blends East and West in his designs, which include a series of collectible designs made in ‘pharaonic alabaster’. While reasserting the value of local materials, Chakil’s work aims to propel contemporary Egyptian design forward both locally and globally. This year, Chakil held his first solo show in Egypt with Le Lab, and his pieces featured in Carwan Gallery’s 10th anniversary show in Athens. Chakil is currently preparing for shows in Paris, New York and Dubai and is working on a restaurant complex in Cairo and projects in the US and UK.

Omar Al Gurg Emirati designer Omar Al Gurg’s furniture pieces reflect his cultural roots while being inspired by modernist forms. His pieces are interactive and modular – such as the Shelly bookshelf and desk which will be launching soon as part of his furniture label, Modu Method. Al Gurg is also launching an ‘open villa’ concept that aims to build a community around his brand, as well as hosting events and gatherings.

Rabah Saeid While designer Rabah Saeid’s Dubai-based studio Styled Habitat continues to grow, so does her portfolio of serene and texturally rich designs that are both functional and elegantly effortless, leading her to design the homes of art collectors and entrepreneurs. Styled Habitat is currently working on a polyclinic in DIFC and an F&B concept in Qasr Al Muwaiji in Al Ain, as well as series of private residences, and is continuing its collaborations with studios such as Lami and Pragma. Its Jotun HQ project is also set to open later this summer.

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Rabih Geha Whether evoking heritage or a futuristic drive, Rabih Geha’s spaces have remained meaningful and relevant, but are always playful. Geha is sought-after for his signature blend of unexpected and authentic spaces and is credited for redefining the nightlife experience in Beirut and Dubai with projects such as Uberhaus, Off&On and the recently opened B018 Dubai and February 30 Dubai. Last year, Geha opened an office in d3, and has since completed projects all over the GCC, with a number of F&B concepts planned for Qatar, Dubai and Saudi Arabia.

s a | design studio Inspired by Scandinavian and Mediterranean cultures, s a | design studio merges modern and traditional design elements to create balanced interiors that are at times calming yet maintain a vibrant and edgy spirit. Working across interiors, architecture and design, the studio is led by architect Shad Askari, and was first established in Stockholm before opening its office in Dubai in 2017. While it designs private residences, spas and offices, the young studio is also committed to using architecture to give back through projects such as designing portable housing for refugees in war zones.

Roar Roar has remained a force to be reckoned with and is always staying ahead of the curve. In the last year the interior design studio, led by Pallavi Dean, has completed a series of interactive, contemporary F&B and work concepts such as Drop Abu Dhabi as well as the playful Th8 hotel, and is venturing into the metaverse with its MetaSpace project. Roar is now working on its new studio in Alserkal, as well as developing a multi-functional building and entrepreneur Mona Kattan’s new home. THE POWER ISSUE

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T.ZED Architects Since establishing T.ZED Architects, architect Tarik Zaharna has crafted some of Dubai’s most loved spaces, such as Nasab, as well as developing alternative modes of living with the ongoing KOA Canvas project in Dubai. T.ZED’s timeless and craft-driven approach can be observed throughout its portfolio, which spans residential, cultural, F&B and retail projects. In addition to completing an earthy events space in Dubai and working with the Dubai Future Foundation, T.ZED is also currently working on projects across the UAE and Kuwait.

Studio M Led by designer Abboud Malak, whose career began in LA and later developed in Dubai where many of his landmark projects are based, Studio M has been carving its niche in the region with its minimalistic approach that is rooted in a modernist approach that engages rich materiality, luxurious finishes and artful space, creating sanctuaries for luxury living, relaxation and wellness. Studio M has been busy completing several luxury residential properties at One Palm by Omniyat that are evocative of a contemporary coastal aesthetic, as well as designing a coffee shop in Saudi Arabia.

Studio Toggle Kuwait City-based Studio Toggle continues to set a benchmark for contemporary architecture that is informed by its cultural context and community. Led by Hend Almatrouk and Gijo George, the studio creates residential buildings that explore the role of architecture in creating a better standard of living, such as with its recently completed Jade residence. In the past year, the studio has also been working on a children’s museum in Doha, the redesign of a historical building in Lisbon, and a ‘women-centric’ residential complex in Kuwait. 50

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Viktor Udzenija Having established his eponymous studio in Dubai, Croatian architect Viktor Udzenija has now expanded into Europe. Known for his distinctive architectural approach, Udzenija has completed a series of residential and F&B concepts in the UAE, as well as curating Christie’s inaugural Middle Eastern Modern & Contemporary Art & Design auction. He is currently working on a mixed-use project in Prague featuring a Roman travertine façade as well as several refurbishments of historical buildings in the city. In Dubai, Udzenija has revisited one of his earlier projects, now featuring a large artwork installation by American designer Misha Kahn, as well as other commissions including Najla El Zein, the Campana brothers and Pierre Paulin.

Thomas Trad Lebanese designer Thomas Trad is becoming a household name within the regional design scene, thanks to pieces that merge contemporary and traditional techniques while championing local craftsmanship in Lebanon. Trad’s work has been shown in a number of exhibitions, such as Iwan Maktabi Lab’s latest show in Dubai, in Belgium with ‘Beyrouth, les temps du design’, as well as an upcoming exhibition in Beirut where he will be showcasing a new collection of stools.

waiwai Creating architecture that addresses social, environmental, economic and technological challenges, waiwai has worked on prominent cultural buildings in the region, including the UAE Pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale, for which it won the Golden Lion Award. This year, the practice – led by Wael Al Awar and Kazuma Yamao – also completed Jeddah’s HAYY Jameel arts centre and the Mosque of Reflection in Dubai. The duo is currently working on an ‘urban majlis’ concept, as well as a boutique hotel in Dammam that will be integrated within the traditional Najdi architecture.

Vera Dieckmann Founder of XO Atelier, Vera Dieckmann has been building a solid portfolio of F&B projects in the region – such as The Grey in Dubai and the Society cafés in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as well as the striking Y12 Salon and a private apartment at The One Dorchester. She is currently working on a villa café in Abu Dhabi and a number of private apartments, plus a retail concept for a Milanese fashion brand while opening its new office space in Dubai. THE POWER ISSUE

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Yasmina Makram Cairo-based rising star Yasmina Makram’s sophisticated and intricately layered projects reflect the young designer’s rightful place among the brightest talents within the regional design scene. In the past year alone, Makram has completed eight projects, including private residences across Egypt – such as the contemporary home outside of Cairo that blends indoor and outdoor spaces, and Le Salon Du Nil that offers an experience of being on the Nile while on the ground. Her future projects include Sotheby’s Egyptian office and an apartment in Paris. She is also developing a new product line that will launch later this year.

X Architects Ahmed Al-Ali and Faris Esmaeil, who are at the helm of research-led studio X Architects, continue to put regional architecture on the map, having received the Aga Khan Award for Architecture for their contribution to Islamic societies through their various cultural buildings. The architecture studio is currently working on cultural masterplans in NEOM, Qiddiya and in Abu Dhabi, having already completed a series of exhibition and cultural venues in Shindagha, one of Dubai’s most historically significant neighbourhoods.

Woods Bagot Woods Bagot Dubai’s studio has had a busy year with the completion and opening of two major projects, including the Dubai Exhibition Centre for Expo 2020 Dubai that was designed to embody the cultural identity of Dubai, as well as the design for the first 25hours Hotel in the Middle East that blends nomadic elements with a playful contemporary approach. The firm is now working on a wellness-inspired office campus for Masdar City, as well as a residential tower and beach club in Dubai. 52

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Zaha Hadid Architects The legacy of the late Zaha Hadid powers on in the Middle East, not only through the history of her significant contribution to the region’s architecture but in the firm’s recent projects as well, such as with the opening of the new Bee’ah headquarters in Sharjah, which features a series of interconnecting ‘dunes’ optimised to local climatic conditions. The international architecture practice is currently working on the King Abdullah Financial District Metro Station in Riyadh, which will extend beyond the simple station typology to emphasise the building’s importance as a dynamic, multi-functional public space.

VSHD One of the pioneering firms in the region for minimal and material sensitive interiors, VSHD – led by Rania Hamed – has enjoyed a series of successful projects in the last year that have set a precedence for a particular aesthetic and approach to design that is becoming increasingly popular across the globe. Completed projects include surrealist coffee shop Orijins in Dubai, a wabi-sabi-inspired penthouse using locally and sustainably sourced materials, as well as two F&B projects in Dubai Mall Fashion Avenue. Hamed is currently working on private residences across the UAE, as well as a series of conceptually rich retail and F&B projects. id

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design focus

Culinary quest See how the kitchen is being reinterpreted in the most innovative and stylish ways this summer WORDS BY JUMANA ABDEL-RAZZAQ

Ego trip Abimis has introduced its tailor-made kitchen, Ego – a design concept that combines elegance and clean-cut shapes to bring the modern domestic kitchen to the fore. Presenting an interesting play of textures, Ego is also available in a special mirror-finish that succeeds in creating an interplay of light and reflections throughout the space, providing a greater sensation of openness. The Ego line is characterised by the bevelling of the flush door that is completely integrated into the structure, with large ergonomic handles and an exclusive recessed socle that provide greater freedom in movement, alongside a joint-free worktop for greater hygiene and practicality. 54

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Bespoke brilliance Designed by Salvatore Indriolo, Fantin’s range of high-end kitchens has been expanded to include chic, compact tall units, iconic stools and panelling for its famous workstation, all of which are customisable with 35 exclusive finishes. The Frame kitchen now includes wall-mounted panelling for 2022, and is featured with or without a shelf and built-in lighting. Available for

both models of the workstation, the concept provides increased panelling options and smart organisational solutions, and optimises space while adding plenty of personality. A choice between solid metal to enable the use of magnets, or perforated metal for hanging items on hooks, delivers an industrial yet modish appearance to the kitchen concept. THE POWER ISSUE

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The great divide Thanks to a series of details and project choices added by architect Antonio Citterio to create a sense of practicality and aesthetic minimalism typical of handle-free kitchens, Arclinea’s Thea provides a design solution for both Wet and Show kitchens within a livable setting. The wall, made from black ash NTF and a built-in coplanar door from the new Frame System, can be used both for storage and as a walk-through. The concept also includes a filter that hides the functional kitchen: a separate zone conceived as a highly efficient workplace, which also boasts an elegant wood-panelled backdrop that flatters the island at the centre of the room. 56

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Striking structures A kitchen designed to be as hard-wearing and functional as it is dazzling and iconic, the Reflect concept designed by renowed French architect Jean Nouvel applies the architect’s characteristic ability for telling stories and evoking imagery through innovative architecture. Showcasing monochrome fronts made from sturdy, reflective steel imbued with vertical ridges, the design of Reflect adds Nouvel’s celebrated talent for exploring light and atmosphere to the kitchen’s surroundings. Available in black and metal, the recommended countertops come in two lasting variants – stainless steel as well as black and gray Fenix laminate, decorated with handles of extruded aluminum.

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High design Characterised by a striking expressiveness, Poliform’s Alea Pro kitchen is marked by a reinterpretation of finer details, particulary of the opening grooves, underlined by a profile that highlights vertical and horizontal lines. Its features include a modern door design with a chamfered upper edge and handle profile, as well as the spaced side panel, which gives a lighter look to the base units. The display doors of these base units, as well as the wall and tall units, play with levels of transparency that give rhythm to the composition. The result is a kitchen system that combines a highly operational capacity with a contemporary look that can be customised with a wide range of materials and finishes.

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Circular motions Celebrating the verticality of the kitchen, Stefano Boeri Architetti has envisioned the new Oasi collection for Aran Cucine, featuring a wall unit with simple lines that are highlighted by smooth doors made of fossil or oxidised wood. The kitchen concept facilitates daily activities through a division of internal spaces organised by well-delineated storage compartments and a large shelving system for pantry and appliances. Following the principle of circularity, around which the free-standing square kitchen of the island version rotates, Oasi’s one-wall kitchen version represents the ultimate innovative and functional solution for any kitchen. id

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interiors Ming's Heart armchairs by Shi-Chieh Lu for Potrona Frau, Lederam F3 floor lamp by Enzo Catellani for Catellani & Smith, group of dancing angels marble sculpture

New beginnings

interiors

In the Lebanese capital, architect Karim Nader contrasts a collection of antiques with contemporary interiors, creating a harmony of different influences WORDS BY KARINE MONIÉ PHOTOGRAPHY BY WALID RASHID THE POWER ISSUE

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The TV room features the Sengu couch by Patricia Urquiola and the Rio coffee table by Charlotte Perriand - both for Cassina

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The home features a selection of contemporary furniture as seen here, including the Rod couch by Piero Lissoni for Living Divani and the Drifting Lands table, designed by Karim Nader for Ounovis

he devastating explosion of 4 August 2020, which transformed the skyline of Beirut, has revealed a spirit of determination in many Lebanese people. Some have committed to working on sites affected by the destruction in order to continue looking forward and build the future. Lebanese architect Karim Nader – who leads his eponymous studio – is one of them. He has taken care of redesigning a one-storey apartment, which is nestled on the 14th floor of Les Domes de Sursock contemporary tower in a high-end residential and cultural area close to the Sursock Museum, which is currently under restoration. The ample views of the Port of Beirut, Achrafieh hill, the city beyond and the northern area toward Mount Sannine were among the starting points for Nader. However, the collection of antiques that the homeowners – a couple in their 50s with a daughter – wanted to highlight in a highly contem-

porary interior was just as important for the creative concept. “The clients’ previous apartment in a nearby district was heavily damaged and they were eager to engage in an experimental process of design and object selection that would renew their whole lifestyle,” Nader recounts. A Chinese buffet, Salvador Dali serigraphs, a Lalique vase and six Utamaro prints – to name only a few of the pieces in the collection – reflect the eclectic taste of the homeowners, which the architect chose to soften by selecting pieces in old golden hues with black, bronze and earthy tones to create visual coherence. “We also curated a very limited number of paintings by Lebanese and European masters, mostly reframed in simple white, black or grey frames,” Nader adds. “As for the contemporary furniture items, they were all selected to be in shades of white, off-white and light greys, in order to sharply complement the vintage items.”

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interiors

Karim Nader juxtaposed vintage, antique and contemporary elements such as in this sittng area, which features the NeoWall couch by Piero Lissoni for Living Divani, a restored vintage Chinese screen and the Grid coffee table for Cattelan Italia

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This page, top: Nader combines Lebanese designer items, minimal contemporary European furniture pieces and muted artworks. Bottom: The bedroom features the LC4 lounge chair by Le Corbusier for Cassina, a painting by Reyes and the Topography shelving system by the designer himself

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interiors

Left page: Mark 01 dining table by Karina Sukar for Pamco Stone, Cab dining chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina, Grid buffet by L'Inconnu, Phoenician Pattern bowl by Ounovis, Jackie O chandelier by Enzo Catellani for Catellani & Smith, painting by Kanaan, Paul Guiragossian and Sfeir, Ypsilon couch by Natuzzi. Right: Rod couch by Piero Lissoni for Living Divani, restored vintage Aubusson tapestries and Drifting Lands table by Karim Nader

Throughout the seven months it took to finalise the project, the idea of the complementarity and harmony created by merging highly ornate and complex pieces with simple and pure contemporary furniture and spaces guided every decision. The walls and ceilings were kept in pure white while the floor was adorned either in a slightly glossy white tile or in light wood, such as the parquet platform by the port side with the French oak bar by Thomas Trad. This decor became the perfect backdrop for the Ming’s Heart armchairs by Shi-Chieh Lu for Poltrona Frau, the Rod sofa by Piero Lissoni for Living Divani, the Cab dining chairs by Mario 66

Bellini for Cassina and the Jackie O chandelier by Enzo Catellani for Catellani&Smith, among others. Artworks by Paul Guiragossian, Jean Jansem, Sfeir, Kanaan and Abboud also adorn the different spaces, which comprise a generous reception area with a fireplace, a bar area/ library, an ample dining room, kitchen and servicing areas, the parents’ bedroom, a yoga/ massage room, the daughter’s bedroom, a guest bedroom and a family TV room. “The idea was to find the right balance between complexity and simplicity, order and disorder, texture and seamlessness, without overdoing any of them,” explains Nader.

The spirit of the place and of the objects gathered by the homeowners – from their families and their travels, and gifts from their friends – clearly inspired the narrative. “The role of the architect is to bring coherence to those fragments by reassembling the puzzle in a renewed and joyful balance,” Nader says. “A temple or a museum, an empty white room or an antique shop; it is at the middle-way between those polar contradictions (isn’t Beirut the mother of all contradictions?) that one finds the empty present moment to enjoy, breathe and be grateful of a new chance for life to express itself.” id

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An artist’s spirit This Dubai home combines a Scandinavian approach with minimal influences for a calm, sophisticated atmosphere WORDS BY KARINE MONIÉ IMAGES BY NATELEE COCKS

interiors Lama 921 lounge chair by by Ludovica + Roberto Palomba for Zanotta. Eccentrico oval marble table by Angelo Mangiarotti for Agapecasa

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Previous page: Five to Nine daybed by Studiopepe for Tacchini. Eden Queen carpet by Marcel Wanders for Moooi Carpets. This page, from left: Sculpture by Fabio Viale.The stand is a block of limestone, hand carved in Iran. Miss 1 suspension lamp by Davide Groppi. Eros console by Angelo Mangiarotti for Agapecasa

ocated in one of Dubai’s most serene areas, steps away from a golf course, this townhouse boasts an interior that initially looked like any other. “We had to tear everything down and start all over again,” remembers Shad Askari, founder and CEO of s a | design studio. Designed for a 30-something Emirati artist with various businesses, the home had to feel like an invitation to relax and feel at peace, in order to serve a lifestyle with a hectic schedule. In addition to this brief, the homeowner was not afraid of breaking rules – something that Askari was particularly excited about because of the creative freedom it gave him. To shape a soothing environment and highlight the feeling of harmony, Askari connected the inside and outside. “The garden plants have been carefully selected to create a place of serene tranquillity, while large windows provide the house with natural light,” he says. “The architectural

style involves a Scandinavian approach with touches of classical, minimal and high-end luxury pieces that were combined to reflect the client’s roots.” Organised across three floors, the house comprises a ground floor that leads to a terrace. “The purpose of this layout is to gather everyone without any boundaries, as the sliding doors to the pool area can be fully open, from the kitchen and living room,” Askari describes. With three access points that converge in a corridor area with a view over the gold field, the bedrooms occupy the first floor. One of them was transformed into a complete walk-in closet to fit all the homeowner’s clothes. On the upper level, the lounge is a creative space that can host private events. Also situated on this floor, and next to a cactus garden, is the roof terrace which features an outdoor dining setting. THE POWER ISSUE

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Art is also a key element, as reflected through find the perfect life balance. “It was the client’s “The house is designed as an oasis for maximum relaxation,” says Askari. Iranian limestone, Italian marble, the customised sculpture by well-known Italian goal to have a safe, peaceful house where she terrazzo and herringbone Swedish wood are among the artist Fabio Viale. “Using a home to educate could feel comfortable,” says Askari. “Our solumain materials used throughout the different spaces. about art is one of our major goals,” Askari says. tion to this was to use the energy of nature, fill“The colours were carefully chosen to produce a warm “This was achieved with this controversial solid ing the space with greenery and using materials white hue that doesn’t feel harsh or flat,” the designer marble piece, fully adorned with tattoos that that ground you. You can feel the difference adds. “The tone of the base is very down-to-earth and have a special meaning associated with each between walking on tiles and walking on a well-carved wooden floor.” one of them.” we use some of the accessories as pops of colour.” Every design detail counts when it comes With both a fun and tranquil spirit, this In this project where Scandinavia was an important source of inspiration, other influences stand out. “To home represents the personality of its inhabit- to bringing a specific ambience to life – as this spice things up, we could not resist adding Italian refer- ant while giving her exactly what she needs to project certainly proves. ences,” Askari confesses. “The foundation has been kept minimal, but the Mediterranean touch has certainly made an appearance.” Furniture by Davide Groppi, Agapecasa, Zanotta, Saba, Giopato & Coombes, Kettal, Moooi, Tacchini, Studio Piet Boon, Edra and MDF Italia, among others, embellishes the house, which is equipped with an interconnected sound system to enable the owner to fully enjoy her music. id

This page: Bathroom features custom-made bespoke furniture designed by s a | design. Opposite page: Kitchen island and back cabinet designed by s a| design. Gem Branch Chandelier 14 by Giopato & Coombes. Ola stools by Saba

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Anne outdoor table and Niek outdoor low armchair by Piet Boon

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Renaissance effect

Stories are made of encounters, where the architect, company and projects express themselves by shaping today’s ‘Made in Italy’, the son of yesterday’s Renaissance.

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The origins of the Renaissance In the sixteenth century, the Renaissance taste became, for most of Europe, a reference point, a touchstone and a model for inspiration. On one hand, there was the world of culture and of extraordinary accomplishments, mostly achieved thanks to the enlightened patronage of Italian courts. On the other, there was the world of artisanal workshops, which were busy manufacturing luxury goods for affluent consumers. Both worlds contributed to creating the tradition of elevated Italian taste.

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The contemporary creative genius Speaking of the Renaissance effect means delving into the origins of products that are ‘Made in Italy’, tracing their roots back to the golden era. Unlike 16th-century Italian courts, today’s patrons are found around the world. The masters are still Italian, though, and if in early Renaissance prominent figures were capable of mastering different skills, today the world in which we live prompts us to specialise and, at the same time, requires us to be able to achieve synergies.

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Project: A private villa Architect: Leonardo Architecture | Genny Augusti architect Location: Island of Albarella, Po River Delta Park, Italy Year: 2021 Product: Synua

History of present-day work

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Located in the middle of the island of Albarella, in Italy, and surrounded by thick vegetation, a new villa with an imposing, contemporary structure is being built. The project idea was to highlight the two main entrances which are pars of a sort of ‘decumanus’, crossing the villa from east to west and bringing out the geometric lines that have been designed for the dwelling. The entirely glazed central core of the villa accommodates the entrance, with its majestic, more than five-metre-tall Synua pivoting door which welcomes and astonishes guests by offering a unique experience: crossing a real portal to enter a magical, yet still unknown world.

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Bespoke design

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Backstage

The ordinary becomes extraordinary thanks to a team of technicians and installers who ensure that entrance architectures – even large sized ones – are correctly deployed. The project is considered complete only when successfully installed.

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The meeting of skills

Roberto Turrini and Genny Augusti

“An architect who gets in touch with us will find a team of experts who are ready to follow in developing his or her concept of entrances, converting them into real products. The ordinary becomes extraordinary and we know how to interpret, process and build them.” Roberto Turrini, Oikos Area Manager “I breathed the air of a company imbued with the values of ‘Made in Italy’ products that resonates with my own project values. I saw a company that knew how to face challenges and which chose to dare together with me.” Genny Augusti, Architect

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An industrialised laboratory Workshop Where craftsmanship becomes industry. Carpentry work The heart of craftsmanship reaches its peak here. Assembly One by one, piece by piece, each door acquires its identity. Testing and packaging Important, crucial moments for ensuring that our doors are perfectly functional and intact.

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A synergy of excellence Oikos has been working together with Adler – a leading Austrian company producing water-based coatings for wood, which continuously improves its products while respecting the environment – for over 20 years.

The twenty-year-long collaboration with Iseo, a leading Italian company producing locking systems, has allowed us to make the lock object one of the most technologically advanced systems on the market.

Oikos’ encounter with Laminam marked the beginning of a strong partnership. The Italian company manufactures high-performance ceramic slabs for outdoor use which have become the primary choice of coverings for our entrances.

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Oikos Venezia S.r.l. Via della Tecnica, 6 30020 Gruaro (VE), ITALY Tel. (+39) 0421 7671 Fax (+39) 0421 767222 oikos@oikos.it www.oikos.it

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A home for design A modern villa houses Purity’s new studio as a model for contemporary living – with highlights from Boffi|De Padova and Paola Lenti

lready a household name in luxury homeware, Purity’s new space on Jumeirah Road confirms just why the brand has long held the title for the go-to place for design-conscious living. The studio – which was repurposed from a dilapidated modern villa into a new regional headquarters by L.S. Design – maintains its original modernist charm while seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces to showcase its signature brands. These namely include an exclusive space for Boffi|De Padova while also displaying other brands on its impressive roster such as the iconic Paola Lenti. Known for connecting the world with its architectural Boffi systems and innovative ADL partitioning systems, the eclectic studio also features signature furnishing elements from De Padova, minimalism of MA/U Studio and the Time & Style ēdition compositional elements. “One of the driving forces behind this smart thinking is the desire to keep up with the ever-evolving lifestyle [of our clients],” says Roberto Gavazzi, CEO OF Boffi|De Padova, of its synergy of individual brands. 92

In fact, Purity was the first multi-brand studio in the Middle East to introduce the story of Boffi to the region. “Purity and Boffi are long-time collaborators,” Gavazzi continues. “Presenting new solutions and the company’s strategy in this stunning new ambiance, after these tough two years, shows that we are ready to start again, stronger than ever.” The new studio is home to a complete lifestyle concept created by Boffi | De Padova, including some of its most

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iconic products such as the Salinas kitchen by Patricia Urquiola, the Square 16 leather sofa in the neutral Scirocco Siena shade, the delicate rice paper on the Bombori lamp from the Time & Style ēdition collection as well as comfortable and versatile Yak outdoor seating. Having maintained its prominent position in the furniture and design vocabulary for decades, Gavazzi says: “It is [due to the] strong passion of over 80 years, that combines industry and craftsmanship and intermingles modern production processes with an artisanal approach, that helps bestow on the product its singular quality.” In another part of the showroom, the much-loved vibrant outdoor furniture of Paola Lenti marks its presence, who this year celebrates 20 years since the launch of Rope – it’s 100% recyclable and resistant yarn that put the brand on the map. “In the early 2000s there were still no particularly innovative materials for the exteriors and the aesthetic proposal was definitely limited. The research that we started then on a material

such as polypropylene, sensing its development possibilities that we then actually put to good use, was only the beginning of a path of research that we continue to follow and that will continue in the future,” says CEO, Anna Lenti. At the studio, one can discover the new signature Twiggy yarn, as well as the Harbor series dressed in the Maris fabric, available in a wide range of delicious colours. “During Milan Design Week, we will introduce the new Jardín series, inspired by the collections created in the 1950s by the Cuban-born designer Clara Porset,” Lenti shares. “My sister Paola discovered her designs almost by chance, leafing through a book in which the furnishings designed for the Pierre Marqués hotel in Acapulco were published. She fell in love with the extraordinary linearity of the shapes of the seats that make the collection still relevant today. We, therefore, decided to pay homage to this designer with a strong personality by returning her works enhanced by a technological component – that of the Twiggy yarn, which makes them even more high-performing for the outdoors.” THE POWER ISSUE

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Natural order Natural materials, motifs and tones combine to create this earthy neutral tone in the home from Wallpepper's cloud-themed wallpaper to the new green-hued Bang & Olufsen speaker

Carpe Diem wallpaper Wallpepper Available at wallpeppergroup.com

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1. Agnes plant stand by ferm Living. Available at fermliving.com 2. Karafi glass carafe & leather holder by Ancient Greek Sandals. Available at matchesfashion.com 3. Beosound A1 DUNE Crafted Edition by Cecile Manz for Bang & Olufsen. Available at bang-olufsen.com 4. Gaia suspension lamp by Ethimo. Available at ethimo.com 5. Moon bowl by TAM STUDIO. Available at bloomingdales.ae 6. 17th-century Verdure tapestry wool-linen cushion by BY WALID. Available at matchesfashion.com

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People, plants and places A new book designed by Dutch graphic designer Irma Boom highlights fifty portraits from the UAE WORDS BY AIDAN IMANOVA

mirati businessman Yasser Bin Khediya had once envisioned a book that would celebrate the UAE’s inspiring journey to become a global metropolitan city. Together with his daughters Roadha and Khawla, and in collaboration with legendary graphic designer Irma Boom, 50U was created, telling the story of the seven emirates in 50 portraits of people, plants and places. “What started as a conversation amongst family and friends between Dubai and Amsterdam led us here, to the launch of a collection of tales. Our

hope for the book is that it honours our past, documents our present and is used in the future as a 50U book cover, designed by Irma Boom tool for cultural exchange,” says produced book with immaculate design and creaBin Khediya. “Working across borders, we have tivity; something that is also an important part of created something that demonstrates the UAE’s the fabric of present-day UAE.” principles of tolerance and our country’s rich 50U paints an intimate picture of life in the diverse community. The result is a beautifully Emirates through the eyes of its inhabitants, revealing factual accounts of the UAE’s history told through human stories that are the result of extensive interviews with the nation’s residents, including: an astronaut; a female racing driver; a tailor; a fisherman; and a former minister, among many others. The narratives were curated by Netherlands-based publishing team Archis, alongside a team of UAE-based editors led by Ahmed and Rashid bin Shabib, who selected people from various walks of life to give a first-hand impression of growing up or settling in the country. Featured in the book are objects that each interviewee was invited to share as a symbol of their relationship with the Gulf country, with the aim of spotlighting how each individual’s story has contributed to the growth of the UAE. The importance of every individual in shaping the country is also reflected in the mirrored cover design that reflects back to the reader. The book also features an extensive photo

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essay by Dutch artist and photographer Charlie Koolhaas which documents the ‘present’ of the UAE. Additionally, readers can also enjoy a study of the UAE’s varied plant life and species, revealing the rich flora that can be found in the desert. “[50U presents] real stories from real people,” says architect and partner at Dutch architecture practice OMA, Reinier de Graaf. “[It is] a compelling X-ray of the United Arab Emirates as they are, 50-years young, forever evolving [and] forever defying stereotypes like nowhere else – yet remarkably familiar.”

Clockwise from top left: Bedouin husband and wife inside their shelter, 1970. Credit: Eve Arnold. ‘House in Dubai, undated’. Credit: Eve Arnold. ‘Untitled’. Credit: Ammar Al Attar

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An evolution of colour has followed the story of Flos’ Bellhop portable lamp. While first designed by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby for the London Design Museum’s Parabola restaurant and members’ lounge in an exclusive blue colourway, it was soon made available for homeowners in a mixture of neutral and bold finishes. Now, the special edition table lamp has been included in Flos’ Matte Black series, displaying a sophisticated take on the portable LED lamp.

Photography by Ambra Crociani

Bellhop Matte Black by Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby for FLOS 98

Exclusive paintings, sculptures, photography and timepieces from award-winning international artists.

Painting by Ali Kashwani

Photograph by Anthony Lamb

The United Arab Emirates 50th Anniversary Clock Limited Edition by David Galbraith