dossier-office-show-2012 by oeronline emagazine

POWER OF BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE SEPTEMBER 2012

TRANSFORMATIVE DESIGN IDEAS FOR EFFECTIVE WORK PLACES

Office Automation

OMAN OFFICE SHOW 2012 SPECIAL

BUSINESS BENEFITS OF WIRELESS PRINTING An Presentation

INSIDE: OFFICE FURNITURE

INTERIOR DESIGNS

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EDITORIAL

POWER OF BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE SEPTEMBER 2012

TRANSFORMATIVE DESIGN IDEAS

CONVENTIONAL TO COLLABORATIVE

FOR EFFECTIVE WORK PLACES

Ofﬁce Automation

OMAN OFFICE SHOW 2012 SPECIAL

BUSINESS BENEFITS OF WIRELESS PRINTING An Presentation

INSIDE: OFFICE FURNITURE

INTERIOR DESIGNS

AIR-CONDITIONING

AUTOMATION

SUPPLIES

Concept and content by Akshay Bhatnagar Turki Al Balushi Senior Manager - Dossier Business Unit Shivkumar Gaitonde Assistant Advertising Manager Girija Shankar Mohanty Senior Art Director Sandesh S. Rangnekar Senior Designer M. Balagopalan Production Manager Govindraj Ramesh Photography Rajesh Burman Basim Al Maharbi

he Internet and changing tastes have transformed the way offices are designed and function. Technology has freed knowledge workers to work just about anywhere, causing organizations to re-evalute the role of their physical workplace. This much is becoming clear: The need for dedicated offices and walled conference rooms is on the wane, replaced by a desire for informal collaboration space. “Time and again, clients tell us their workplace isn’t doing enough to help their people work together,” said Dr. Tracy Brower, director of Herman Miller Performance Environments. “The nature of work is changing, but many workplaces haven’t kept pace.” The evidence isn’t just anecdotal. Data collected across various industries by Herman Miller shows some startling trends. Private offices are unoccupied more than 75 percent of the time. Workstations are unoccupied 60 percent of the time. Conference rooms are rarely used to capacity – in larger ones, four out of five seats typically sit empty. Those quantitative findings are from Space Utilization Service studies.

CORPORATE Chief Executive Sandeep Sehgal Executive Vice President Alpana Roy Senior Business Support Executive Radha Kumar Published by United Press & Publishing LLC PO Box 3305, Ruwi, Postal Code - 112 Muscat, Sultanate of Oman Tel (968) 24700896 Fax (968) 24707939 Email: akshay@umsoman.com All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. The publisher does not accept responsibility for any loss occasioned to any person or organisation acting or refraining as a result of material in this publication. OER accepts no responsibility for all advertising contents.

Presentation

DOSSIER September 2012

Invariably, we find that companies would be better served with a floor plan that includes a variety of spaces for informal interaction – often, the kind that occurs spontaneously. The offices in Oman are also changing. If we look at some of the new office buildings and their interiors, we would find that many of them are following the above mentioned global trends. The Office Show 2012, taking place in Muscat, is expected to showcase the changing dynamics of the offices in the Sultanate. This edition of Dossier presents the different facets of office and interiors decoration by focusing on high-end products, technology and services to create a modern working environment.

CONTENTS

30 Transformative Ideas For Effective Work Places Place

Technology, demographics, economics and the environment are all changing how, where, when and why business takes place. These are just some of ways the workplace is keeping pace with the evolving needs of its users, and the changing nature of design itself

Editorial. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Oman Office Show 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Bait Muzna Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Top Designers for Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Lighting: How It Matters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Timeless Lighting Masterpieces. . . . . . . . . . .38 Business Benefits of Wireless Printing . . . . .42 Safe Attitude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

New Dynamics

Earlier the emphasis on office designs was on looking formal but trends in workplace furniture now reflect the flexible work ethics of our Internet era 2

DOSSIER September 2012

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Sponsored Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

FURNITURE TRENDS

NEW DYNAMICS EARLIER THE EMPHASIS ON OFFICE DESIGNS WAS ON LOOKING FORMAL BUT TRENDS IN WORKPLACE FURNITURE NOW REFLECT THE FLEXIBLE WORK ETHICS OF OUR INTERNET ERA. BY NAJAH AL RIYAMI

he ‘office’ mentality first emerged in the Middle Ages, between the years 1000-1300. Following the rise of the medieval chancery in Rome, palaces designated specific rooms where scribes worked. Records were kept on scrolls of parchment, and stored in walls lined with pigeonholes (the ancestor of today’s bookshelves) constructed for organized storage and easy access. The industrial revolution, between the years 1750-1850, initiated a rise in banking, oil, railroads, retail and telegraph industries. An increasing number of clerks were needed to handle the large number of documents to be filed and orders to process. Offices began to be constructed according to the specialized needs of each company. These ‘traditional’ offices often bore top heavy desks, with paper storage boxes extending above and around the work space, giving the appearance of a cubicle that offered the workers some privacy and undistracted concentration. Computer systems were introduced in the workforce in the 1930s and have since continued to evolve, affecting increasingly efficient techniques to store data, and increasingly less storage space 4

DOSSIER September 2012

required in offices. Now, the entire collection of scrolls from an ancient chancery might fit in your pocket on a flash drive. The invention of the Internet at around 1965 – combined with mobile computing – has greatly altered the traditional workplace. Information and communication were now more easily available on a global level. Workers had more choice over where and how they worked, whether at the café, at home or in the office. From mobile computers and notepads, to personal digital assistants like blackberries and iphones: workplaces have become increasingly flexible. Where once the emphasis on office designs was on looking formal and, as the word suggests: official, decorated with furniture such as the classic heavy mahogany desk and chair, a space that reminded the worker not to slack in fear of being out of sync with its form, symbolic to the optimist of a good stability and, to the pessimist, of remaining ‘absolutely still’. Trends in workplace furniture now reflect the flexible work ethics of our Internet era. The traditional desk and chair have acquired wheels and become lighter, adapting to the potentially shifting workspaces of the modern worker. Also, office desks now allow space for cable wires, and adopt slide

FURNITURE TRENDS

Workplaces are increasingly adopting an open plan environment. In Harry Gatterrerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Work Space: Trend Reports on Office and Working Environment, we are reminded that efficient teamwork can improve productivity by 350 per cent. Individual cubicles are therefore replaced with shared conference tables, where two to four workers sit and work together, promoting communication and establishing a team-working environment.

crucial in helping to bring down the rate of musculoskeletal disorders (back problems caused by bad posture during long periods), Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (pain, numbness and tingling sensations in the fingers and wrist, caused by repetitive trauma or injury) and Repetitive Strain Injury (constant pain in the upper limbs, neck, shoulder and back due to repetitive motions and bad posture). Neck, shoulder, and wrist comfort is essential to the physical health and productivity levels of office professionals.

The use of ergonomic chairs have also been increasingly adopted. It is estimated that a person spends 80,000 hours sitting in an office during his or her working life. Needless to say, ergonomically designed furniture is

An example of such furniture is the quarter of a round table for each of four persons, which can be pushed together to make a round conference table. The space gives workers access to light and to each other.

desks for keyboards to save space.

DOSSIER September 2012

Companies such as Knoll, recognized internationally for creating workplace furniture, now take into account these new considerations of the modern workspace, from ergonomic chairs, and desks that promote an open plan workspace, to flexible storage solutions and the increasingly sought-for environmentally friendly products. Gatterrer also stresses the importance of a creative environment to promote productivity. Conference rooms of modern offices such as the notoriously playful and colourful Google offices, are also less formal, inspiring a relaxed atmosphere more conducive to creativity, team discussion, and collaboration. Thus replacing chairs with sofas and conference tables with coffee tables.

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FURNITURE TRENDS

The modern workspace is therefore more dynamic and flexible, increasingly saving space and time as technology and efficiency simultaneously progress, while enhancing communication between workers and sharing real-time information between each other. Human technology has changed the way offices has designed, and will continue to change our daily lives. Given our increasingly efficient access to knowledge, even a newspaper provides a person with more information than the cave man would have potentially received in the span of a lifetime. We are defined by our ability to deal with the new information and evolving technology, to apply them in the office and be open minded to new trends, such as the electronic paper. To survive, we must adapt and continue to grow with the evolving world. 8

DOSSIER September 2012

EVENT

PRESTIGIOUS EXHIBITOR LINE-UP FOR THE OFFICE SHOW 2012

he Office Show 2012 has attracted a stellar array of prominent furniture, office automation, and fit-out brands, in a resounding endorsement of the trade show’s appeal as the Sultanate’s premier showcase of the office environment.

cast of heavyweights comprising SITCO, Al Hashar & Co, Bahwan Electronics, GENETCO and Bishara Establishment. Between themselves, they hold sway as licensed distributors over the great majority of the world’s leading office equipment brands.

A number of leading heavy hitters from the world of furniture-making and furnishing are participation in the three-day expo, which runs from 10-12 September, 2012 at Oman International Exhibition Centre. The list includes Teejan Furnishing LLC, Sharikah Fanniyah Omaniyah (SFO), Fahmy Furniture, Dawood Office Furniture, Bahwan Furnishing, Assarain Furnishing, Al Hajiry Furnishing and Hashimani Furniture. Together, they account for the lion’s share of the domestic furniture industry’s gross turnover. Representing the thriving office automation industry is a notable

Neighbouring United Arab Emirates, which is the regional hub of the lucrative interiors and commercial fit-outs industry, is fielding an impressive array of market veterans to the trade show. They include wellestablished players, such as Hypsos (Dubai), Bond Interiors (Dubai), TOLI Floor Middle East LLC (Dubai), Messara Trading (Dubai), Steadfast National Projects, Fly Ceiling, Studio 7even, Nassaj Comprehensive Enterprises, Green Olive, and Desert Dreams, in addition to Bait Muzna Gallery of Oman.

10 DOSSIER September 2012

“Exhibitor interest in this maiden

trade show spotlighting the modern office environment has been overwhelming robust,” said C. J. Paul, Chief Executive Officer, Global Exhibitions and Conferences, organizers of The Office Show 2012. “Clearly, this event is shaping up to be a one-stop platform for a complete range of office-related products, furniture, equipment, services and solutions essential to creating the ideal workplace environment.” The Office Show 2012 features a comprehensive mix of merchandise spanning a number of product segments, including automated systems, furniture, stationery and supplies, telecom equipment, security products, business software, interiors, and fitouts. Also showcasing their offerings will be service providers specializing in, among other areas, fabrication, interior decoration, ergonomic furniture, security management, and

energy solutions. The Office Show 2012 is backed by AHK German Industry and Commerce with sponsorship support extended by a number of leading local brands: Sharikah Fanniyah Omaniyah and Teejan Furnishing (Platinum Sponsors), Fahmy Furniture and Multitech (Gold Sponsors), SITCO (Silver Sponsor) and H2O Concepts (Associate Sponsor). For more information, kindly call Global Exhibitions on +968 24783800 or email â&#x20AC;&#x201C; gec@ globalexhibitionsoman.com

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ART

BAIT MUZNA GALLERY 12 DOSSIER September 2012

‘WHETHER AN INTERIOR IS RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL, THE SPACE CAN BE FURTHER ENHANCED WITH DISPLAYS OF ART,’ SAYS MONIQUE EL-HELOU. SHE IS THE ART DIRECTOR OF BAIT MUZNA GALLERY, THROUGH WHICH SHE PROMOTES OMANI ART, PROVIDING HIGH-STANDARD ART CONSULTANCY AND WORKING TO MEET THE ART NEEDS OF THE CORPORATIONS. EXCERPTS OF A CONVERSATION WITH HER

Tell us about Bait Muzna Gallery. Bait Muzna Gallery is committed to promoting culture and art within Oman, and placing Omani art on the international arena. Founded and supported by Sayyida Susan Al Said and Sayyida Muzna Al Said, the Gallery exhibits artwork including mixed media painting, sculpture, installation and concept art, film and photography. Bait Muzna Gallery is dedicated in supporting artists from around the Gulf and from abroad. Our objective is to create a strong and productive connection between the artists of Oman and the international art world. What kind of services do you offer to the corporate world? Bait Muzna Gallery offers professional consultancy in interior design as well as art advice for hotels, banks, offices, private residences and public spaces. Our experienced creative team works closely with the architects, interior designers and artists to achieve optimal results within the client’s budget and requirements. We help our clients in selecting art from established and emerging artists, taking care of the framing and hanging of the artwork. Can you share the names of some of your prominent corporate clients in Oman? We honor costumer confidentiality

and I can only say that we have successfully completed projects for hotels, banks, and for companies in other sectors; to name a few: Al Bustan Palace – Ritz-Carlton, Crowne Plaza, Intercontinental, Radisson Blu, Marriot Salalah and Sheraton, Sifawy Boutique Hotel and Millennium Resort Mussanah and Grand Hyatt in Doha (Qatar). Currently, we are working on Duqm Crowne Plaza Hotel and we are tendering for hotels in the UAE and Oman. We pride ourselves on the ability of satisfying the needs of major hotels and corporations. The insistence on rigidly high standards with creativity, quality and innovation is our trademark. Do you undertake custom framing and carpentry works also? Yes, we provide an array of services: display cases, hand painting and carving of mounts, acid-free materials, archival tape, and exclusive range of European frames. We uphold the best quality, designs and diversity in framing and carpentry. Our in house framers and carpenter have produced outstanding customized adornments for exhibitions, commercial and hotel projects, private residences and private collectors. Do you also offer corporate gifts? Yes we do! Our Gallery caters to

ART

corporate needs. We have a great variety of gifts, including traditional hand crafted Omani items, gift cards, designer jewelry, fine art paintings and prints. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been contracted by several local and regional companies to provide them with gift items for their staff members. Many western expatriates and tourists buy Omani art from us for their personal collection. They love Omani art as Omani artists bring out the essence of Oman in their work through different patterns and vivid colors, in contemporary style. What are the new activities you are undertaking to place Bait Muzna Gallery and Omani art on the international map as well as promote emerging Omani talent? We participate in major exhibitions, such as the Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Beirut art fairs. We are ambitious and aim for the art fairs in prominent markets such as Europe, US and Asia. We are about to open our branch in Royal Opera House (ROH) Mall, Muscat, where the work of both international and local artists will be displayed. Recently, we have secured a partnership with Bank of Beirut. We will be running a unique art gallery in the lobby of their new headquarters located at Al-Ghubra, exhibiting the work of 13 Omani artists. The first exhibition is planned for September 18th, for Maryam al Zadjali, President of Omani Fine Arts Society. Each month, the work of another artist will be showcased. Altogether, we have 20 exhibitions coming up including one photography and sculpture exhibition. Another ambitious project is an art 14 DOSSIER September 2012

auction, which is going to be one of a kind in Oman. It will be organized at Royal Opera House (ROH) Mall, where our invitees (over 100 collectors from the region) will have the chance to admire and choose from the work of Omani, regional and international artists. With regards our international promotion of Omani art and artists, we have envisioned a project based on art education exchange. We strive on having international artists coming to Oman to conduct workshops, and taking Omani artists abroad to inspire and get inspired. What sets Bait Muzna Gallery apart is the ability to assess customer requirements and offer innovative solutions. We are working alongside artists to transform their designs into a format that exceeds a unique look. Bait Muzna Gallery has a creative team that approaches each project with fresh ideas and solutions and bring in new trends. For more details, visit: www.baitmuznagallery.com 16 DOSSIER September 2012

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INTERIOR DESIGNERS

TOP DESIGNERS FOR OFFICES OFFICE DESIGN IS RECOGNIZED AS THE HIGHEST EARNING INTERIOR DESIGN SEGMENT WHEN COMPARED TO OTHER DESIGN SEGMENTS SUCH AS HOSPITALITY, HEALTHCARE/ ASSISTED LIVING, RETAIL, GOVERNMENT, EDUCATIONAL, RESIDENTIAL, CULTURAL, AND TRANSPORTATION. AS SANDOW MEDIA’S E-MAGAZINE INTERIOR DESIGN EXPLAINS: ‘THE LARGEST PORTION OF GIANT INCOME STILL COMES FROM THE OFFICE SECTOR.’ THIS ARTICLE FEATURES FIVE TOP INTERNATIONAL OFFICE INTERIOR DESIGNERS. BY NAJAH AL RIYAMI

18 DOSSIER September 2012

GENSLER Gensler, a global architecture, design, planning and consulting firm based in San Francisco that hires over 3,000 professionals in 42 locations. It has maintained a number one ranking for the last three years in Interior Design magazine’s Giants top 100, when compared to various firms in America based on aspects, such as design fees, value installed, and design staff. Its past projects include Proskauer Rose law firm of New York, recognized as the largest law firm in America and renowned for its high-profile clientele such as all of the major sports leagues in the USA and Canada (MLB, NFL, NHL and NBA). To develop the firms new look, Gensler’s design principal Mark Morton and a Proskaue Rose employee viewed other offices for inspiration throughout the city, and were impressed with Bloomberg office’s spacious plan and ‘generous amenities’. The office then proceeded to transform its old fashioned thick-carpeted and heavy wood trim design, into one that was spacious and efficient, decorated with paintings and photography and lit with seeded glass globes and chandeliers.

They are defined by their ability to specialize in all sectors of buildings and uses, such as architecture, interior design, structural, civil, mechanical and electrical engineering consultancy services, and states that “our chartered architects, designers & engineers sit together, to simplify communication whilst improving coordination & efficiency.” Recently completed projects include the Google headquarters in London.

Penson’s largest project, currently being executed, is a new media & leisure village at $1.2 billion. STUDIOS ARCHITECTURE (SA) STUDIOS Architecture (SA) is an international design firm founded in 1985 in San Francisco, California. They provide architecture, master planning, consulting services on commercial, mixed-use, civic, and institutional projects around the world, and hire approximately 200 employees overall. SA offices are situated in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington D.C. New York, Mumbai and Paris. They have received over 150 awards that include the Firm of the Year award in 2002 from the AIA California Council, and are ranked as the third ‘Most Admired’ firm in Interior Design magazine’s 2009 annual poll among architecture firms.

Gensler’s design utilized the space more efficiently, and although the new office had 500 sqm less space in which to create their masterpiece, one satisfied employee of Proskaue Rose describes his office as ‘twice as comfortable’ than the former office, explaining that “you feel good working here”. PENSON GROUP Penson Group, founded six years ago by Lee Penson, is a global interior design and architecture company based in London. It boasts an extensive list of achievements that include the Mixology Newcomer of the Year award of 2006, the International Breakthrough Talent of 2007, and the Mixology Colour Trend Award of 2009.

rather than its usual colours (reds, blues and yellows). Its logo is a discreetly lit-up sign rather than the traditional bold Google logo, such as those found in their offices of New York and Chicago. The design also incorporates cushioned walls as a resonant theme throughout the office, and, as observed by reviewer Nat Gurin, seems more ‘madhouse than primary’ when compared to previous Google office designs. While it may not be everyone’s choice, it is certainly original, which is what Google offices aim to be.

Penson managed to present a fresh take on the traditional Google offices designed in the past. It steers from previous Google designs in it incorporation of colours patriotic to Britain (reds, blues and whites)

Previous international projects include consulting for the interior design of the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lampur, Malaysia. They have also designed a number of major corporate campuses. These include a new office complex for Marconi Communications in Genoa, Italy with partner, General Planning of Milan, as well as the 81,000 square feet (7,500 sqm) corporate offices for Cisco Systems in Issy-lesMoulineaux, France.

INTERIOR DESIGNERS

The Cisco office is an open-plan design in pinewood and off-white colours. It accommodates a large multi-use client lounge space and 100-seat dividable auditorium, and also includes four floors of office space adapted for flexible use non-dedicated workstations. The design aims to identify team spaces and promote interaction between sales, technical and administrative personnel. SA are currently designing the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Headquarters renovation project in Washington, D.C., which will seek LEED Platinum Certification and also has a goal to achieve carbon neutral status by 2030. M MOSER M Moser, established in 1981 by Moira Moser, is a global design firm that consists of 12 offices located worldwide with headquarters based in Hong Kong. It specializes in workspace strategy and design, and delivers architectural solutions for corporate clients, aiming to meet their specific business objectives and needs. This is achieved through a constantly evolving base of in-house capabilities and services. Moser consists of teams based around experienced strategic planners, interior designers, architects, M&E engineers, technology specialists engineers, technology specialists and construction professionals. They won a variety of awards such as the Perspective Awards for Perspective Magazine in 2008, IIID MK National Award, the Green Interiors category of 2008 from The Indian Institute of Interior Design, and the Ogilvy and Mather award of 2010. They have completed 4,500 projects to date for a variety of clients from multinational companies and financial institutions to privatelyowned businesses. Previous projects include Nokiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offices in Beijing 20 DOSSIER September 2012

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and Singapore, Lloyd’s of London, L’Oreal, Kodak, and Kraft. PS ARKITEKTUR PS Arkitektur is a design firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, with a range of projects from urban planning and private houses to commercial interiors. It aims to create unique interiors and environments that are emotional and visual, and follow their motto of providing “architecture 22 DOSSIER September 2012

that makes a difference”. PS Arkitektur favour originality whilst also incorporating the company’s identity with the clients dream. As they say, “we bring forward the possibilities, visualize the invisible and suggest changes. We believe that inspiring environments generate positive energy!” They received the Outstanding Design of the Year award, in the 2007

Modern Decoration International Media of Hong Kong. Their Skype office in Tallinn, Estonia, is a work of art that combines the open space environment with an office framework and also adds some Estonia’s culture in their carved door designs. The design incorporates shared workplaces with curtains between them. Pictures’ source: PS Arkitektur

COVER STORY

30 TRANSFORMATIVE IDEAS FOR EFFECTIVE WORK PLACES TECHNOLOGY, DEMOGRAPHICS, ECONOMICS AND THE ENVIRONMENT ARE ALL CHANGING HOW, WHERE, WHEN AND WHY BUSINESS TAKES PLACE. THESE ARE JUST SOME OF WAYS THE WORKPLACE IS KEEPING PACE WITH THE EVOLVING NEEDS OF ITS USERS, AND THE CHANGING NATURE OF DESIGN ITSELF 24 DOSSIER September 2012

SPACES THAT ATTRACT, RETAIN AND SUPPORT TALENT A well-designed office which caters for people’s needs makes staff feel part of a team rather than part of the furniture. A tangible expression of care for people can significantly enhance a company’s success in recruiting and retaining the best talent. AN OFFICE WITH A HEART Incorporating a large central ‘plaza’ into an office can foster a sense of shared identity and belonging among staff. As well as being natural venues for informal meetings, brainstorming sessions and leisure activities, these ‘town hall’ spaces lend themselves easily to hosting presentations, events and product displays. They are also especially effective locations for super graphic expressions of corporate values and identity. BUILDING A ‘CREATIVE COMMUNITY’ Space requirements alone can make a central plaza impractical for many offices - but many of its functions can still be designed into smaller workplaces. Features like break-out areas, pantries and staff lounges, for example, act as natural drawing points for staff to socialise, exchange ideas, and build teams. Psychologically, an increase in common office space can also counterbalance a reduction in ‘private’ space. BRAND CONNECTIONS Brand values all translate well to workplace features like staff pantries/ break-out areas, games rooms, open-plan work areas, and a sustainable work environment. ‘Green walls’, super graphics and art installations can also help connect people, company and values whilst providing a welcome source of visual stimulation. WORK-LIFE BALANCE ‘Social’ spaces at work have taken

COVER STORY

on added importance as people today spend more time in the office and less at home. As well as pantries, break-out areas and staff lounges, offices can be designed with amenities that bring some of the ‘comforts of home’ into the workplace: features like staff recreation/gym rooms or, when appropriate, shops, cafes, laundries and nurseries can aid in teambuilding whilst doing much to restore a healthy ‘work-life balance’. EFFECTIVE FOR GENERATIONS Figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics in America: workers aged 25-34 dropped by approximately 9 per cent between 1996-2006, while workers aged 45-65 rose by 40 per cent. The needs of this multigenerational workforce can have a considerable impact on an office’s design. For example, lighting may be adjusted for older individuals, and a mix of assigned 26 DOSSIER September 2012

and non-assigned workstations can cater to both static and mobile working styles. FLEXIBLE WORK HABITS When people work can be as important as where they work in maintaining a healthy ‘worklife balance’. In a 2010 survey by Microsoft Telework, 60 percent of 3,600 employees surveyed said they were more productive when enabled to work remotely. Another survey for Telus found that 56 percent of employees working under flexible arrangements are more motivated than under their previous rigid schedules. Increasingly, employers are responding by offering alternate schedules, telecommuting options, compressed workweeks, summer hours, job sharing, and sabbaticals. MOBILITY: PRODUCTIVITY ON THE GO If it is possible and appropriate

for some employees to work away from the office, the office itself can shrink – or devote more space to purposes other than staff seating. For staff members, being empowered to choose where (and in some circumstances, when) they work can help them better organise their time and develop a mutually trusting relationship with their employers. MOVING PEOPLE, NOT DESKS Technologies such as Wi-Fi and schemes like desk-sharing, hotelling and hot-desking can make it easier for individuals or teams to work where they are actually needed – and ‘hit the ground running’ when they arrive. Mobility-based desking schemes can at the same time reduce the total number of workstations required in an office. FREE RANGE WORKING In-office mobility can be made more seamless with the use of RFID

COVER STORY

(Radio-Frequency Identification) tags to track objects, people and information. Staff members could carry everything from their work files to personal software settings in a small RFID tag, eliminating the need to be ‘chained’ to a single workstation. INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY Productivity is often directly linked to temperature, humidity, odours and fumes in the workplace. Many of these issues can be addressed by properly integrating a multi-zone HVAC system into the workplace. Air quality can be further improved by minimising the use of materials, paints and equipment known to emit harmful chemical pollutants. SUSTAINABILITY THAT GOES BEYOND ‘GREEN’ Sustainable design has matured beyond merely specifying ‘green’ 28 DOSSIER September 2012

materials and getting by with less. Today it can mean getting more from less space, material and energy. It means a healthier, more productive, attractive, and ultimately more effective workplace. NATURAL LIGHT, NATURALLY RIGHT Exploiting natural light can improve an office’s environmental quality whilst reducing its carbon footprint. Low-e glass - a type of specially coated and insulated glazing - allows natural light in whilst keeping unwanted heat out. Simple features like manual or automatic window blinds can also aid in maintaining a tolerable balance of temperature and light. In some cases, ‘light boxes’ can be used to capture and evenly distribute natural light across the ceiling. TRICKS OF THE LIGHT Sunlight can never entirely displace

artificial lighting in an office setting. However, a balance between energy efficiency and effective lighting can still be achieved by using technologies like LED. Coloured LEDs can also be used creatively to complement architecture and ‘brand’ a space. TECHNOLOGY REPLACING TRAVEL Videoconferencing technology can simultaneously enhance a business’s effectiveness and reduce its carbon footprint. By supplanting business travel with videoconferencing, companies can reduce expenses and the productive hours otherwise lost en route between meetings. The ‘Halo’ room – a highly developed form of videoconferencing – even uses multiple screens and eyelevel cameras to allow meeting participants to engage in face-to-face conversation in real time.

NEW USES FOR EXISTING SPACES Adaptively re-using materials, furnishings, spaces and buildings for new purposes is a popular and effective way to reduce carbon footprints and environmental impact. Even spaces originally created for very different purposes can be feasible for conversion into offices. OPEN TO IDEAS, EFFICIENCY & FLEXIBILITY Open-plan architecture lends itself to a fluid, collaborative way of work. Offering minimal 30 DOSSIER September 2012

obstructions to direct visual and vocal communication, these spaces usually don’t require the complex lighting and ventilation systems needed for ‘cellularised’ workplaces. Their inherent flexibility also allows for adjacencies and space allocations to be easily adjusted as needed. A WORKPLACE FOR ANY ACTIVITY An ‘activity-based’ workplace uses mobile and portable technologies within a flexible environment to enable people to choose their work

settings based on their needs and activities. As well as enhancing the effectiveness of staff, activity-based workplaces can also achieve significant savings in terms of energy consumption and expenditure on space. SEAMLESS CHANGE VIA MODULARITY Open-plan architecture is not necessarily modular, but the qualities needed for effective modularity (including consistent mullion and column spacing, distribution of electrical and data services, lighting

and heating/ventilation) can be more easily utilised within an open-plan. The result is a workplace that lends itself more readily to changing needs: Workstations and even layouts can be altered, upgraded, enlarged or reduced with a minimum of expense INSTANT ADAPTABILITY Specific areas within an open-plan space can be easily adapted for hosting a diverse range of meetings and functions. The introduction of removable sliding partitions can ensure optimum flexibility by enabling these areas to be quickly expanded and/or reconfigured with minimal fuss. ISLANDS OF QUIET All offices must balance people’s need for interaction and the need for privacy and quiet. This is especially true in open-plan environments. Thus, to facilitate such activities as confidential conference calls, one-onone conversations, or concentrated ‘heads down’ work, individual quiet rooms should be conveniently located within the workplace for use by all staff. ROOM TO THINK Another specialised space that can be incorporated into a larger open plan is the ‘think tank’, a cocoonlike meeting room designed to be inspiring. Encapsulated from the external distractions of routine office activities, think tank users are left free to focus and use their creativity. Tools such as white and smart boards, AV devices and connectivity tech ensure that nothing inhibits the flow of new ideas generated within. POINTS FOR DISCUSSION The entire office can be designed to harness the ‘think tank’ effect. Providing natural ‘gathering points’ along circulation routes encourages staff members to meet and interact on the spur of the moment. Installing bar-like tables and/or whiteboards around structural columns can

transform otherwise obstructive architectural features into focal points where staff can share ideas. INTEGRATED PROJECT DELIVERY Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) is an approach which enables workplaces to be conceived, designed and executed as holistic ‘total solutions’ from a single source of expertise. The potential benefits include timeand cost-efficiency, effective project control, and an end-product of higher quality and immediate effectiveness. IPD also enables the client to remain at the centre of the entire development and execution process, ensuring the integrity of the end-result. GIVING DUE DILIGENCE ITS DUE A due diligence report can be more than a vital source of hard data on potential office spaces: engaging the design team into this pre-lease phase of a project can lead to a more effective end-product. Using due diligence data, the project team can evaluate the condition of base buildings, sizes and shapes of floor plates, infrastructure and other characteristics relative to client needs. The space eventually selected can serve as the ideal starting point for a design that meets the enduser’s needs. DESIGNING BUILDINGS FROM THE INSIDE-OUT When entirely new workplaces are called for, taking an ‘Inside-out’ approach to architecture can ensure that they are designed to support rather than inhibit the businesses using them. With this approach, design ‘radiates’ outward from the core goals, needs and technical requirements of its users. The result is holistic, highly integrated buildings which provide optimal functionality and make a distinctive architectural statement of its users’ identity, purpose and values. REVOLUTION IN THREE DIMENSIONS Three-dimensional modeling allows

office and/or building designs to be fully ‘experienced’ before they leave the drawing board. Using a ‘virtual mock-up’, the design team and client can readily identify areas for improvement or correction, and even assess solutions which respond to different needs and budgets. The result is spaces that work from ‘day one’ and require little alteration. COLLABORATION WITHOUT BOUNDARIES Technologies like 3D modelling and videoconferencing allow everybody involved in a project – from the design team to contractors to client – to contribute together. As well as helping to resolve potential design and engineering conflicts well before construction begins, continuous collaboration ensures that all participants are ‘on the same page’ throughout the project. ON-SITE, WHEREVER YOU ARE Wi-fi connectivity and portable communications/computing devices have made it possible to eliminate the gap between the design office and project site. Design and engineering decisions can now be shared almost as soon as they are made. The benefits are more effective project management, streamlined problem-solving, and a final product uncompromised by flawed execution. EASING CHANGE THROUGH COMMUNICATION Change in the workplace is far more likely to succeed if staff are kept fully informed of the reasons and its possible effects on their daily routines. Effective change communication can be most easily achieved through staff interviews, observation studies and workshops. The feedback from such activities can be used to generate design ideas. Feature (excluding images) source: M Moser Associates

(ȳ.ȳ.ȧ) ǀƸƵƶƄŽȚ ȝƾžǋƒ ǀžƾƯŽȚ ǀżǍƪŽȚ General Development Services L.L.C

• Civil Works - Infrastructure. • Electro Mechanical Services. • Interior Plant scaping – Design, Installation & Maintenance. • Plant Nurseries. • Landscape Maintenance – All landscaping features. • ArtiÀcial Turf &Roof Gardens • Landscape Design & Consultancy. • Soft-Hard Landscape Construction. • Irrigation Services- All Landscape Features, • Water falls, Fountains, Football pitches etc. • Trading & Garden Support Production. • Pest Control Services. • Fountains, Waterfalls & Water Gardens.

:ǠƉƸǣǍŽȚ ƿƄƳƓȚ ȴǞƱƸƴů ȆȴƾƵŸ ǀƶƭƴŴ ȆȈȈȈ :ȸǋƁǍƃŽȚ ǎžǍŽȚ - ƿƸƉŽȚ - ȈȋȎȌ :ț.Ȩ ȉȋȌȐȇȏȍȍ :Ǐżƾź ȆȉȋȌȐȉȏȈȍ P.O.Box - 1475, seeb, postal Code 111, Sultanate of Oman Tel. Head OfÀce: 24592816, Fax: 24590866

E-mail: gdsoman@omantel.net.om website: www.gdsoman.com

Agriculture:24592568, Trading: 24595867, Irrigation: 24592187, Projects: 24501485, Pest Control: 24503277 Seeb: 99276099, Sohar: 94296192, 99200483, Barka: 99216469, 92878291

LIGHTING

LIGHTING:

How It Matters COMMON PERCEPTION HAS IT THAT A BRIGHTER OFFICE IS A MORE EFFECTIVE OFFICE. THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER IS NOT NECESSARILY SO SIMPLE – AND AFFECTS EVERYTHING FROM PRODUCTIVITY TO SUSTAINABILITY TO THE WELL-BEING OF STAFF

Poor or inappropriate lighting can induce not only eyestrain and its attendant long-term health problems, but also contribute to a general atmosphere of malaise. These problems will be particularly acute in the modern ‘knowledge workplace’ in which the majority of tasks are performed via computer screens. From a management perspective, no workspace can be considered effective without appropriate lighting. No matter how sophisticated the furnishings, layout or architecture, poor lighting conditions can amplify everything from the frequency of errors made by staff to their rate of absenteeism. In short, improper lighting on its own can largely negate any gains expected from improving other elements of the working environment. Lighting is therefore an investment that pays off in ways that extend beyond straightforward matters of productivity. As much as any other element of design, lighting contributes to the quality of your workplace and the work being done. Only with a properly planned lighting scheme can the full benefits of modern illumination – including improved productivity, staff wellbeing, and sustainability/energy efficiency – be realised.

n increasing number of companies today are recognising the link between productivity and the quality of the working environment. But while regular investments in state-of-the-art office furnishings and equipment have become almost

34 DOSSIER September 2012

a routine occurrence, upgrades to lighting in the workplace are still relatively rare.

The ideal way to achieve this is to integrate your lighting requirements as closely and early as possible into the ‘big picture’ of your workspace. If circumstances permit, effective lighting should be developed in step with the rest of your office design, in close collaboration with a workplace design professional.

This is ironic, as research has confirmed that lighting environments have a profound impact on the physiological and psychological health of the people working in them.

From an end-user perspective, a good illumination scheme is one which delivers both a quantity and a quality of light appropriate to a space’s purpose. In this context,

‘quantity’ refers to the level of light that is required to carry out work effectively; and ‘quality’ to the characteristics of light. Only with a properly planned lighting scheme can the full benefits of modern illumination – including improved productivity, staff wellbeing, and energy efficiency – be realized. Natural illumination – sunlight – scores high in both respects. Natural light is generally stronger than artificial, and is inherently flicker-

free. Its gradual change of intensity and angle over the course of the day complements the biological rhythm of the human body. Natural light is also completely cost-free, with no maintenance needed. The more it is used in a workplace, the less energyhungry artificial lighting is required, resulting in a ‘greener’ office. However, natural light can also create distracting glare off computer screens and glossy surfaces, and cause uncomfortable heat penetration into the office. Therefore, any illumination plan that incorporates

natural light must also include a means of control. These can range from things as simple as curtains or blinds, to advanced systems like automatic internal or external shades. It is in any case virtually impossible to rely completely on sunlight for workspace illumination, even if the necessarily extensive glazing and open interior layout are in place. The fact is that no climate can guarantee uninterrupted, consistent sunlight through the working day – and few offices are completely vacated before sunset. Natural light may not even be

LIGHTING

36 DOSSIER September 2012

sufficient for certain work functions or individual staff members (for example, those whose eyesight has deteriorated with age). Therefore, in the interests of efficiency and individual need, a minimum provision of artificial lighting is necessary in every design scenario. This is the case even in those areas with ample natural illumination, where the addition of artificial lighting can help ‘balance out’ the quirks of sunlight whilst offering a useful margin of flexibility in terms of light quality and quantity. The ideal way to achieve quality lighting, therefore, is to integrate your requirements as closely and early as possible into the ‘big picture’ of your workspace. As touched upon earlier, lighting is also a key element of a sustainable office. However, lighting effectiveness should not – and need not – be compromised for the sake of reducing energy consumption. It must also be noted that simply installing energy efficient fixtures is not equivalent to a quality lighting plan. From a technical perspective, an effective illumination scheme will exploit more than one type of lighting to achieve the best result. Though the precise blend varies according to the individual project, certain basic lighting qualities will always be in consideration. One of these is ‘ambient’ light, which comprises the ‘general’ illumination in the office. ‘Task’ lighting is brighter, and both supplements ambient light and supports certain focused tasks. Lastly, there is ‘accent’ lighting, which is another form of supplementary lighting. It can be used tactically to visually improve a volume’s spatial characteristics and aesthetic tone, and provide a balancing ‘fill’ between ambient and task lighting. Each of these lighting qualities, then, has its unique

BASIC LIGHTING TECHNOLOGIES INCANDESCENT PROS: Cheaply and easily available in wide range of types, simple installation CONS: Relatively short lifespan, inefficient, high heat output LED (LIGHT-EMITTING DIODE) PROS: Readily available in an increasing range of types, simple installation, relatively low heat output, low energy usage, relatively compact, long lifespan CONS: Relatively high initial cost FLUORESCENT PROS: Readily available in a wide range of types, simple installation, low energy usage CONS: Medium lifespan, medium heat output, fragile construction, poor light quality

attributes, but they do not necessarily complement each other unless they are deployed thoughtfully and appropriately. To strike the right balance between natural and artificial illumination, effectiveness and efficiency, it is also vital that lighting is paired with the best possible control hardware and software. As well as enabling light in specific areas to be ‘personalised’, some advanced control systems will include a degree of automation that switches off lighting in uninhabited spaces. These systems can bring substantial electricity savings as

well as being extremely convenient for the user. No matter how sophisticated its furnishings, layout or architecture, no workspace can be considered successful unless its lighting is commensurate to its task. It is an investment that pays off in ways that extend beyond straightforward matters of productivity and staff well-being. As much as any other element of design, lighting contributes to the quality of your workplace and the work being done. Source: MMoser Associates

LIGHTING

TIMELESS LIGHTING

f you want to décor your office with the avant garde lighting, take a look at the Liternity range of German company Novaled AG. Liternity is a unique luxury light-art masterpieces hand-crafted from innovative high-tech light sources and high-edge materials. The limited-edition Liternity luminaires combine advanced OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) technologies just a few nanometers thick and exotic high-end materials to enable completely new 38 DOSSIER September 2012

and imaginative ways of designing with light in ultraflat form factors. The first product of the Liternity series is a new desk lamp named Victory. It is the world’s first luminaire to showcase OLED lighting in an ultra-thin, ultra-strong carbon-fabric base. Developed for aerospace applications, carbon fiber is more stable than metal, very lightweight, and nearly indestructible – properties that nicely complement the unique attributes of OLEDs.

MASTERPIECES OLEDs (organic light-emitting diode) are semiconductors made of thin organic material layers of only a few nanometers thickness. They emit light in a diffuse way to form an area light source. In a fast growing display market OLEDs are key part of a revolution: the dream of paper-thin, highly efficient displays with brilliant colors and great flexibility in design. OLEDs represent the future of a vast array of completely new lighting applications. By combining

color with shape, organic LEDs will create a new way of decorating and personalizing personal surroundings with light. All Liternity luminaires are based on the expertise and technologies of leading OLED company Novaled AG. Novaled AG is a world leader in the OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) field and specializes in high efficiency long lifetime OLED structures and is an

LIGHTING

expert in organic electronics. The company is known for its Novaled PIN OLED technology, its proprietary OLED materials and customized OLED products and services. Novaled has developed long term partnerships with major OLED producers in display and lighting throughout the world. According to a spokesperson of Novaled, â&#x20AC;&#x153;OLEDs redefine our understanding of light, due to their extraordinary characteristics. They enable imaginative 40 DOSSIER September 2012

designs and applications that simply could not have been created with existing lighting to date, and even offer the potential for transparent and bendable light sources in the future. Novaled has branched out into luxury lighting with Liternity brand - providing outstanding warm white light that equals the quality of daylight, in a form factor as unique as a human fingerprint. Each unique state-of-the-art light piece reflects stunning artistry never before seen, and is truly a rare and beautiful art masterpiece.â&#x20AC;?

The Victory desk lamp, 35 cm high and 40 cm deep, sports a dynamic silhouette from every perspective. Its infamous “V for victory” design includes two arms with four embedded ultra-flat OLEDs that provide pleasant, diffuse light over the entire surface. Several layers of clear lacquer allow a fascinating 3D impression of the accurate work deep inside done by a leading carbon manufacturer. Very lightweight and nearly indestructible carbon material originally developed for aerospace applications forms an open

filigree-like lamp base that adds flexibility, beauty and stability. The OLEDs used for “Victory” lamps are based on German cutting-edge technology and materials of Novaled. The highly-polished “Victory” units come in a choice of colors and are available through selected retailers in Europe, the USA and UAE starting in mid-September. Custom-made versions also can be requested.

PRINTING

BUSINESS BENEFITS OF WIRELESS PRINTING

REDUCE COSTS AND BOOST YOUR BUSINESS PRODUCTIVITY WITH WIRELESS PRINTING SOLUTIONS

REDUCED PRINTER COSTS When you choose a wireless printer and network, multiple employees can print to the same printer from anywhere in the office. That means money saved, since you don’t need to buy a printer for every desk. Fewer printers also means lower maintenance costs and less energy usage. That’s savings you can put back into your company.

ork anywhere you need to, inside the office and out, with wireless printers. Wireless printing makes for productive employees, clean work environments, and lower printer costs.

EFFICIENT EMPLOYEES Employees on business trips, at conferences, or those telecommuting can print to a wireless mobile printer wherever they are, without the hassle of cables. With a wireless mobile printer, travelling employees can print contracts, proposals, or receipts from their hotel rooms or cars—no time wasted in a copy shop. Or, if they need to send information directly to clients or the home office, they can use ePrint to quickly print itineraries, meeting notes, or contracts from any email-enabled device, such as a laptop or smartphone. CLEAN WORKSPACES Going wireless means your office can be free of the tangles and clutter created by corded printers. Plus, wireless allows you to print from anywhere in the office, including couches to conference rooms—no more being tethered to your desk. GET STARTED Once you’ve discover the convenience and savings that come with wireless printing, it’s time to compare wireless technologies to find the one that fits your business. Then, head to the buying guide to purchase the perfect wireless printer for your needs. 42 DOSSIER September 2012

EVENT

SAFE ATTITUDE TRAFFIC SAFETY EXPO 2012 ENCOURAGES EVERYONE TO ADOPT A “SAFE” ATTITUDE

he Traffic Safety Expo 2012 to be held from 16-18 October, 2012 at the Oman International Exhibition Centre will take place from 10am1pm and 4.30-8.30 pm as announced by Oman International Trade and Exhibitions (OITE), in coordination with Royal Oman Police (ROP). The increasing rate of accidents in the country has sparked up initiatives not just from the public sector including government officials and ministries but from the private sector and NGO’s coupled with the attempt to generate public participation. Various representatives from various sectors tied to traffic safety can use the example of their safety efforts to incite an attitude in the public towards traffic safety. The role of construction companies in ensuring safer roads and traffic safety systems, the role of ports in taking up road safety initiatives, the role of fleet managers in undertaking efficient fleet management programs, the enhanced enforcement program by police officials and the role of organisations like the Traffic Safety Institute and the Oman

44 DOSSIER September 2012

Road Safety Association can go a long way in encouraging public participation. “We should direct our efforts towards bringing about a change in attitude among the public, from that of recklessness to one of respect and alertness towards others. For if one does not respect others on the road, it means he does not respect himself. After all as human beings we are connected. Caring should come naturally to us in this regard,” says Alawi Almurazza, a representative from Traffic Safety Expo 2012, OITE. By adopting a safe attitude, the Traffic Safety Expo aims at inculcating safer driving habits, making Oman’s roads a safer place to drive on, contributing to the safety of children, pedestrians and drivers and elevating the major causes for accidents in Oman like speeding, usage of mobile phones, neglecting the usage of seatbelts and child safety seats, driver fatigue. The premier event for road safety, Traffic Safety Expo 2012 will see senior government officials, senior police, representatives, fire

and rescue safety officers, local authorities, industry, executives, engineers, fleet managers and other road safety related professionals gather under one roof to meet and encourage visitors to take up the initiative towards road safety in Oman. The event will receive participation from local and international exhibitors. Now in its third edition, the Traffic Safety Expo 2012, will feature the latest safety equipment related to road safety, fire safety, accidents and emergency that cater to promoting traffic safety habits and practices. Besides supporting the ROP’s Road Safety initiatives, the event will also create a high level of awareness among citizens and residents besides providing immense networking opportunities. For more information on Traffic Safety Expo 2012, kindly contact Alawi Almurazza, Traffic Safety Expo 2012, OITE at 00968 99886681/ alawi@oite.com

Official Local Trade Publication

AL NIMR EXPO WINS INTERNATIONAL AWARD FOR INFRA OMAN INFRA OMAN, ONE OF THE EXHIBITIONS ORGANIZED BY AL NIMR EXPO, IN AN OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT HAS BEEN AWARDED THE MOST ADMIRED EVENT IN THE MIDDLE EAST AT THE CMO ASIA - EVENT INDUSTRY AWARDS HELD IN SINGAPORE

alim Omar Al Hashmi, CEO, Al Nimr Expo, accepted the Award with gratitude saying, “For a young Omani exhibition company to be recognized and honored internationally is a proven testimony of our team efforts and hard work.” Melwin D’cunha, Director, Al Nimr Expo said, “This is the first exhibition company not only from Oman but the Middle east to win such an accolade. This award is followed by the Al Roya Award for the Best Business Enterprise – Private sector in January 2012 held in Oman and the Oman web awards for the best website in the event management category held in December 2011.” Jenitha Martin, Project Manager said, “Infra Oman is the ideal platform for all contractors and developers to meet, thus giving them an opportunity to present their projects and achievements and source their requirements. Infra Oman has grown significantly since its debut last year, thus establishing itself as the Middle East’s leading infrastructure and industrial projects exhibition.” The Diamond Sponsors for Infra Oman 2012 are Consolidated Contractors Company Oman LLC (CCC), Doka Muscat LLC, Gulf

Services & Industrial Supplies Co. LLC – Makita, Larsen & Toubro (Oman) LLC, Nafal Contracting & Trading Co. LLC, Strabag Oman LLC, T-Track Saudi and Sezai Turkes Feyzi Akkaya (STFA) Construction Group, Platinum Sponsors are Al Sokhour ReadyMix LLC, Carillion Alawi LLC, Douglas OHI LLC, Manar Al Omran, Oman Arab Bank and Wagon Pars Co. and Gold Sponsors are Al Anwar Ceramic Tiles Co. SAOC (Al Shams), Amiantit Oman Co. LLC, Blue Sapphire International LLC (Hitachi Power Tools), Hewlett Construction LLC, Jotun Paints Co. LLC, Muscat Overseas Group – JCB, Oman Cement Co. SAOG, PERI LLC and Target LLC. Al Nimr Expo is a well-established exhibition organizing company in Oman, comprising of an enthusias-

tic team of young, experienced and dynamic professionals, who have the passion and requisite skills to organize high profile events for prestigious exhibitors and clientele. Al Nimr conducts high quality and high-profile B2B trade fairs, country specific shows, corporate events, conferences, event management and festivals. To get more information about Infra Oman 2012, please visit www.alnimrexpo.com. To reserve your stand in the exhibition, please contact Jenitha Martin, Project Manager, at tel: +968 24790369, mobile no. +968 94041616, or e-mail info@alnimrexpo.com.

Media Partner

SPONSORED FEATURE

MUSCAT ELECTRONICS - DAIKIN

Eco-friendly Wall-split ACs Muscat Electronics, a total air-conditioning solution provider, has become greener with greener solutions matched to almost every requirement and budget

uscat Electronics LLC (M.E.), the sole distributor of the Daikin brand of air-conditioners, has launched yet another environment friendly airconditioner for a cooler but greener Oman. M.E. is again amongst the first to launch Wall-mount split ACs with the eco-friendly R-410A refrigerant.

Daikin is committed to meeting the challenges of global warming and the need for sustainable resource use. This includes bringing to market the most efficient technologies and reducing to a minimum the environmental impact of production, logistics, utilization and disposal of Daikin products. Daikin’s environmental goals are contained in ISO14001 certified environmental management systems throughout the organization. M.E., a total air-conditioning solution provider has become even more greener with eco-friendly solutions matched to almost every requirement and budget. Their flagship products includes the FTS series- the deluxe range of wall-mount split ACs with environment friendly R410A refrigerant, that is focused on 46 DOSSIER September 2012

providing homes with optimum comfort as well as ensuring a greener tomorrow. M.E. offers a wide selection of Packaged ACs with R-410A refrigerant for medium to large sized buildings, also Daikin’s eco-friendly, energy-efficient and revolutionary VRV® systems that are apt for tall, wide and large commercial buildings and equally for residential complexes and individual villas. The VRV III series has specially designed for high outdoor temperatures, with an extensive capacity ranging from 8 to 36 HP. The unit can operate in adverse conditions where the temperature reaches as high as 52°C. This series incorporates Daikin’s latest technologies, including long piping and high external pressure, to meet the diverse needs of our customers. M.E. has installed over 4000 Nos. of VRV systems with R410A refrigerant which are working satisfactorily for the past 8 years. The total installed capacity of R410 A VRV in Oman is above 25,000 TR. M.E. has received various recognitions including an award from Daikin Industries Ltd Japan for achieving the highest sales of VRV systems in the Middle-East. M.E. boasts of a highly skilled design

team for air-conditioning solutions. In addition they have a well-trained installation team which supervises all installations and commissioning. Muscat Electronics also has a very sophisticated service center equipped with advanced computerized system analysis and the team is trained and well equipped to attend calls within 2hrs during normal working hours and also provides 24Hrs services on prior arrangement and AMCs.

360° customer-care is the keystone to M.E.’s wide success. Their policy is to listen to the customer’s needs and to work with them to improve their lives through the use of advanced technology and a commitment to innovation, quality, design and value. This leads customers to falling their choice on Muscat Electronics and Daikin brand of air-conditioners.

Contact: Sales: Tel: 24702982 Fax: 24702980 Service: Tel: 24813408 Fax: 24811041 Website: www.muscatelectronics.com

SPONSORED FEATURE

MUSCAT AIR-CONDITIONING AND ELECTRONICS - MIDEA

Hassle-Free Cooling MDV-D is Midea’s range of VRFs which unlike many others is the new generation of multi-modular systems for commercial and residential air conditioners that uses the ‘digital scroll’ technology

idea is one of the largest manufacturers of AC in the world. Muscat Airconditioning and Electronics LLC (MACE)’s partnership with Midea provides the residents of Oman with a wide range of Central AC products viz, VRF units, Chillers, AHU, Fan Coil units, Package units and Ducted Splits to mention a few. MDV-D is Midea’s range of VRFs which unlike many others is the new generation of multi-modular systems for commercial and residential air conditioners that uses the ‘digital scroll’ technology, which is able to simplify, regulate efficient performance and save more energy by digitally regulating the output to the required capacity as multiple indoor units can be connected to a single outdoor unit and these indoor units can be controlled independently and collectively. With Midea MDV consumers will enjoy an array of benefits like: • Lower costs of installation and maintenance. • Self-diagnostic system. • Minimal space required due to compact size. • It is therefore suitable for usage in the health care system, telecommunications, electric centres and all other areas as it doesn’t cause any electromagnetic interference because the compression and idle time cycles are regulated electromechanically. 48 DOSSIER September 2012

MDV-D uses the environment friendly R-410A refrigerant in its units. The maximum outdoor capacity which can be achieved with a single modular system is 180 kW (64 HP), which is the largest capacity in the industry. Midea MDV provides very long piping lengths to facilitate easy installation in both tall and big buildings.

Muscat Air-conditioning and Electronics is committed to ensuring cool, hassle free comfort for the citizens and residents of Oman.

Contact: Tel: 99312550 Fax: 24812628

Get Direct Access to Oman’s Vibrant Housing Market The Premier Home Building & Interiors Exhibition

After its highly successful inaugural edition in 2011, The Home Show 2012 is getting bigger and better, with the expected participation of a much greater number of exhibitors and with an even wider range of products on display.

Meet your target audience: Architects | Building Contracts | Decision Makers | Homebuilders | Homeowners Interior Decorators | Industry Professionals | Property Investors Be sure to get your prominent location in The Home Show 2012 before it is sold out. Reserve your stand today! For stand bookings, sponsorship opportunities or for more information, contact Clemento Fernandes on +968 95250277 or e-mail clemento@globalexhibitionsoman.com.

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Media Partners

SPONSORED FEATURE

AL JASSAR FURNISHING

Excellent Ergonomic Office Furniture Al Jassar Furnishing is offering Global Group’s office furniture products to the rapidly expanding demands of customers in Oman

he Global Group, Canada’s largest office furniture manufacturer, is celebrating its 45th year in business in 2012. They have 40 cellular factories in Toronto, Ontario area employing over 4,000 people. Global manufacturers over 100,000 office furniture pieces per week. These 40 factories manufacture systems furniture, seating, steel storage, laminate and wood veneer desking and ergonomic accessories. They supply most of their own components including steel stamping, molded foam, urethane molded parts, plastic injection molded parts and wood frames. This allows Global to control the delivery lead-time, cost and quality of the final products. Global is an industry leader in ergonomic office furniture and has won several international awards. With the recent trend to more ergonomic office furniture, Global has launched seating aimed at accommodating office workers of various sizes and suited to support the intensive computer work required of most office workers of today. The concept of F.I.T. was developed with the help of Global’s inhouse ergonomist. FIT is defined as the extent to which the furniture accommodates your body’s shape; its physical needs and your work requirements. The furniture must allow the worker to move, to promote circulation and allow more variety of muscles to come into play, to match the work assigned to the worker and their size and shape and to support the body that is carrying out the work. Recent introductions such as the Obus Ultra Form, Tritek Ergo

50 DOSSIER September 2012

Select and Shadow series of seating reflect this thinking. Global is quite aware of its environmental responsibilities and manufactures its products in facilities certified to ISO 14001. Many of its products qualify for Green Guard rating which is critical for those companies seeking a LEEDS’ rated building. Global maintains its own test lab and tests its products to ANSI/BIFMA standards in ISO rated facilities. Recently, Global has majorly expanded its offering of healthcare furniture. This reflects the need by healthcare facilities to improve the resistance of furniture to the breeding and spread of the viruses, which have become major problems in recent years. The growth of long term care facilities reflects the longer life span most of us are experiencing and the need for these facilities to provide its residents with an enhanced level of wellness through correct body positioning and alignment.

Global has won several prestigious projects in the country including the Ministry of Higher Education . In association with their exclusive dealer in Oman, Al Jassar Furnishing, a division of Al Jassar LLC, Global won the Ministry of Foreign affairs Project recently. Global has established an exclusive dealer partnership in Muscat to offer its products to the rapidly expanding demands of customers in Oman. Established in 1994, Al Jassar Group is a leading business entity in Oman with presence in different industry segments.Al Jassar Furnishing offers complete office furniture solutions from various premium office furniture brands to suit the style and needs of every office.

Contact: Tel: +968 24568956 Fax: +968 24563756 Websites: www.aljassaroman.com & www.group-vts.com

SPONSORED FEATURE

BAHWAN ELECTRONICS LLC

Versatile Function Printers from Toshiba Toshiba’s e-STUDIO series is designed to deliver a full range of business security solutions, both in the network and for individual user

s a technology innovator and global market leader in providing flexibility, competitive advantages and the latest standard in multifunction printer solutions, Toshiba has gained widespread usage and well-established reputation in the industry. Toshiba is always at the forefront of pioneering innovations, spanning from our earliest digital multifunction printers to our recent advanced network-ready MFP systems that serve today’s high-end, mid-range and low-end segment markets by meeting the widest range of general office and professional customers’ needs. The unified all-in-one e-BRIDGE architecture provides users with increased flexibility. The e-STUDIO series centralizes control, simplifies management of consumables and services, and eliminates the messy connections that multiple devices require. It is designed to make device and user management flexible and easy. It also increases functionality and meet changing needs to support business growth. Output volume and function availability can be easily managed by user for more strategic management of expense. The brilliant color quality of e-STUDIO range of MFPs enable users to produce consistent and predictable color with impressive screen-alike vivid images and graphics. The state-of-the-art mechanisms not only help user to achieve the desired color quality by preventing irregularities and colour discrepancies during printing, uniform printing precision is also maintained.

52 DOSSIER September 2012

Toshiba took a comprehensive approach to simplify operation. It has an open platform for solutions and IT services are also available to realize printing on demand. These models are compatible with e-BRIDGE applications such as the e-BRIDGE Re-Rite advance scanning solution that easily converts color hardcopy originals to searchable PDFs or editable file formats like TXT, Microsoft EXCEL, WORD and PPT. In addition, Re-Rite version 8 allows to create digital book by converting to ePUB and FB2 (FictionBook) format. By using this, users can easily convert their documents to digital book format and enjoy them on their tablet PC and smart phone.

equipment. This technology allows you to determine a range of security settings, including invalidation of encryption keys and data invalidation when a drive is removed from its housing or connected to an unauthorized host system.

The e-STUDIO series is designed to deliver a full range of business security solutions, both in the network and for individual user. Toshiba MFPs offer the world’s first Self-Encrypting Drives (SED) equipped with a suite of security functions that bring an unsurpassed level of data protection to IT

In the Office Show 2012, the range of Toshiba photocopiers, POS machines and bar code printers are on display at stall no 401.

Bahwan Electronics LLC. are the official distributors of the Toshiba range of MFPs and Photocopiers in Oman. The company is part of the Suhail Bahwan group,one of the largest business groups in Oman. It has been associated with Toshiba for more than 40 years. The company boasts of unmatched infrastructure in the country for pre sales and after sales service.

Contact: Tel: 24788799 Fax - 24700442 Firdous - 99221751 Rahim - 95500235 E-mail: ceg@suhailbahwangroup.com

FAHMY FURNITURE

Trendy Furniture Fahmy Furniture offers a wide selection of internationally acclaimed furniture brands to suit the needs of different kinds of office working environment It encourages a healthy, dynamic posture, preventing fatigue in the process. With its great flexibility, the seat too provides optimum support by allowing natural hip movements. ZUCO EFFE two is available in various versions, allowing combining a wide range of details and features. As a result, it offers a much broader range of options to best suit the needs and tastes of the customers.

ahmy Furniture LLC, established in 1975, has made a distinct mark in the market with constant upgradation of service and range of products offered. Born as a result of the promoter’s passion, Fahmy Furniture has now transformed into a one stop furniture shop spread over an area of 10,000 square meters approximately in upmarket Al Khuwair. It offers an extensive range of furniture solutions for office and home segments. As part of the company’s business reengineering process and expansion plan, Fahmy Furniture has established an Interior Design department and a joinery workshop to undertake a higher number of turnkey projects. With an experienced inhouse designers’ team, it is well-placed to provide total solutions to corporate interior needs as per the latest market trends. The company offers a wide selection of internationally acclaimed furniture brands to suit the needs of different kinds of office working environment. Some of the international brands under its portfolio include: STRIDE and #19 – HNI ALLSTEEL, USA Part of the second-largest office furniture manufacturer in the world, HNI Allsteel designs, builds and delivers office furniture solutions that offer the best

combination of style, functionality, durability and price available anywhere in the contract furnishing marketplace. Stride from HNI Allsteel is not just office furniture. It’s a whole new way to build a better office environment. Stride is a newgeneration work-setting well-suited for a flexible, collaborative environment. Storage becomes smarter with details like sliding project shelves and under-desk corner drawers for tucking away a recycle bin, binders, or a CPU. The storage spine does more with technology routing and height adjustable work surfaces; perch cabinets and translucent screens spate space. Stride’s recyclable components, long-term durability, reconfigurability and an end-of-life take-back programme reduces the ecological footprint further. #19 Chair is a signature product of All Steel, USA and incorporates the most advanced ergonomic information and technology to date. It’s more than an incremental improvement in seating - it advances seating technology. ZUCO EFFE two - DAUPHIN HUMAN DESIGN COMPANY - Germany Zuco EFFE two comes into its own thanks to the Synchro – Dynamic advanced mechanism which ensures that the body remains in a balanced position at all times.

ROCKWORTH OFFICE SYSTEMS FURNITURE, THAILAND Rockworth Office Systems enables people to create better work experience and environment that helps people in office work more effectively while helping organizations utilize space more efficiently. Rockworth Office Systems Furniture has been a runaway success in Oman for the past several years. Fahmy Furniture has executed several prestigious projects and installed 25,000 workstations in Oman. LAS MOBILI, SRL, ITALY Las Mobili srl is known for its line of operative furniture of high quality, design, form, technology and style. It offers executive furniture, exalting different styles: contemporary, managerial, classic and 70s. HUMANSCALE, USA Humanscale leads the way in ergonomic office innovations. Its latest product designs provide maximum performance and quality with minimal environmental impact. MILLIKEN CARPETS, USA Milliken offers a broad range of modular flooring suitable for public or commercial environments with a spectrum of products from budget for public sector offices to luxury for high-end corporate properties.

Contact: Tel: +968-24489812 Fax: +968-24482231 Website: www.fahmyfurniture.com

SPONSORED FEATURE

AL BASHAER TECHNICAL SERVICES - CIVIL DIVISION

Quality Standards & Service Al Bashaer Technical Services’ Civil Division has made a mark with stress on complete customer satisfaction by offering a wide range of quality interior decoration and civil works

l Bashaer Technical Services’ Civil Division was established in 2007. In a span of five years, it has developed a good reputation for providing high quality interior decoration services. Its new office and well equipped workshop is located in Mabella Industrial Area. Though the company started in a small way, due to the strict adherence to quality and with a dedicated workforce, it has rapidly achieved a good reputation among the consultants and clients. The company has executed many prestigious projects successfully and believes firmly in maintaining high standards and offering good services to ensure customer satisfaction. The successful growth of the

54 DOSSIER September 2012

company is due to the valuable involvement of its Managing Director Mr. Ahmed Zahran Al Suleimani and the General Manager (Projects) Mr. M.S Subramanian who has a vast experience in the civil construction field in Oman. The company’s team of dedicated professionals and experienced engineers are committed to serve the clients to achieve their targets par excellence. The company offers a wide range of services including interior decorations, carpentry, partitions, plumbing, false ceiling, painting, structural steel works, granite and tile fixing, electrical works and all other civil works. Its objective is to establish a solid reputation among the clients by providing business concepts, commitment to excellence and high quality, client satisfaction, time bound completion

of projects and team work at all levels. Following a sound HSE policy, the company is committed to provide safe and healthy working environment to its workers and carry out the work in an environment friendly manner. Al Bashaer Technical Services’ Civil Division has executed projects for numerous corporate houses, banks and auto showrooms, etc. Some of its prominent clients include BankMuscat, National Bank of Oman, Bank Sohar, Toyota (Saud Bahwan Group), OIFC, OIB, Oman Chlorine and New India Assurance Co., etc.

Contact: Tel: +968 92227901, 94070087 Email: bashaer@omantel.net.om, bindu@bashaer.biz

TEEJAN FURNISHING

Comprehensive Solutions Over the decades, Teejan Furnishing has made its mark by specializing in providing tailor-made solutions to many organizations throughout Oman.

eejan Furnishing LLC, in around two decades of operations, has established and developed a good reputation in the field of furniture and furnishing business in the Sultanate of Oman. The company’s retail division provides comprehensive and precise furnishing solutions for office and home segments through its showrooms located at Al Khuwair, Al Hail, Nizwa, Barka and Sohar. The projects’ division supplies furniture to various government organizations and private sector companies. The Interior Decoration division focuses on providing a complete set of interior decoration packages from designing to actual implementation and it takes care of the minutest details in interior designing. Over the decades, Teejan Furnishing has made its mark by specializing in providing tailor-made solutions to many organizations throughout Oman. Its mission is to provide the best-in-

the-class services to its customers without compromising on quality and to rigorously strive to meet all the demands of its stakeholders. The company offers an unmatchable range of furniture from international brands. Some of them includes:

FERCO Ferco Seating Systems was established in 1983. Headquartered in the UK, the international major has regional operation centres in Singapore, manufacturing facilities in Malaysia, and a network of agents in Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Rim. The company specializes in the design and manufacture of auditorium, education and stadium seating. European design and Asian manufacturing ensures cost-effective and top quality products for FERCO customers in over 30 countries.

ORGAFILE Orgafile provides the best solutions

for customers looking at accessing their offline data/information effortlessly. The South African company’s new generation filing systems are suitable for every home and small or large offices. With Orgafile’s changeability, one can now take care of today’s needs today and tomorrow’s changing needs, tomorrow; the systems could be grown with increasing needs in the future. Orgafile approach is to supply users with quality products which entail design, changeability, adaptability, simplicity, value and service.

DESKWORK Based in Turkey, Deskwork is wellknown specialized manufacturer of executive office furniture for a host of needs of different kinds of companies.

Al Khuwair Tel.: 2448912, Fax: 24482231 Showroom Timings: 8.30 - 1pm & 4.30pm - 9.00pm (Saturday - Thursday)