Bright Ideas: Top 10 Picks From Design Days Dubai

An ITP Business Publication April Vol.
9 Issue 4
TOP 10 PICKS FROM DESIGN DAYS DUBAI
Bright
IDEAS
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CONTENTS
www.designmena.com 4 APRIL 2013 | Commercial Interior Design
April 2013
10 DESIGN UPDATE
A round up of the latest design
news in the MENA region
including the recent opening of a
homey Portuguese restaurant in
Bur Dubai, Dormas new Dubai
showroom, as well as Gerald
Taylors talk on technology and
the workplace
INDUSTRY SPEAK
CID asks a wide range of
local experts whether regional
branded designer products are
good for the industry or just
an easy way for designers and
suppliers to get their name out in
the market
DESIGNER Q&A
Lebanese furniture designer
Nada Debs speaks to CID about
her furniture collections and how
her multi-cultural background
has helped blend traditions
and styles from Middle Eastern
patterns to Western modernity
and Japanese minimalism

CASE STUDY
Bringing back the standalone
boutique culture of fashion to
the industrial surroundings of
Al Quoz, The cARTel is a retail
space in Al Serkal Avenue, unlike
any fashion store in the city with
a black and white colour scheme
and futuristic touches
CASE STUDY
CID explores HBAs masterful
fusion of Mediterranean, Arabian
beach and Beaux-Arts inuences
at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island
resort in Abu Dhabi, notable
for its soft natural palette of
creams, blues and golds and a
heady mixture of sumptuous and
luxurious materials
VOLUME 9 ISSUE 4
32 10
38
32
28
46
38
CONTENTS
52 SHOW REPORT
The second year of Dubais
exciting trade fair Design Days
Dubai introduced an even larger
presentation of galleries and
pieces. CID visited the four-day
event to determine the collectible
design market in the UAE
and spot the unique pieces of
creative furniture designers that
are hard to nd on a regular day
in the city
FEATURE
This months feature explores the
hospitality design sector in the
Middle East with a special focus
on technological advancement
and its effect on hotel spaces
and visitors, the eclectic mix of
styles as well as leading products
that have supplied the many lux-
urious hotels across the Middle
East from Dubai to Manama
SUPPLIERS YOU SHOULD
KNOW
An in-depth look at the suppliers
you should know in the bathroom
industry with a section outlining
new trend developments for
this years products and styles.
Companies include Delta Faucet,
Roca, Geberit, Hansgrohe,
Artecasa and TOTO
PRODUCTS
The hippest and sleekest
items on the market, ranging
from lighting, furniture, to the
latest developments in modern
bathroom design
OPINION
Sylvie Johnson, textile designer
and creator of Sylvie Johnson
Haute Couture, speaks about
the most important elements in
interiors today
88
52 46
63
71
63
79
Oculus /
Jumeirah at Etihad Towers
Lasvit [lasvit]
noun
Origin: Czech Republic
Meaning: love and light
Designer and manufacturer of decorative bespoke light sculptures and glass art installations for the worlds hotels, restaurants, palaces, and
other public areas
The emotion felt when embracing true beauty and radiance in the same moment
Light Design Experience
www.lasvit.com
COMMENT
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EDlTORlAL
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L
ast month was certainly a busy one for the
region's design industry. The big event was, of
course, Design Days Dubai, the subject of our
cover story. The 2013 installment was even bet-
ter than last years inaugural show, with some absolutely
stunning pieces on display.
My personal favourite was an incredible installation
called Analog Project by Italian duo Andrea Mancuso and
Fmllla Serra. Un frst glance lt appears tc be sketch cf
iconic furniture pieces, but is in fact a computer gener-
ated ccmpcsltlcn wlth black wccllen nylcn wlres. lt really makes ycu take a step
back and ask 'hcw dld they dc that!'
Speaklng tc CID, show director Cyril Zammit emphasised how Design Days is
mcre than a furnlture shcw, wlth many ltems clcser tc artwcrks, hence the tle-ln
wlth Art week.
Attendlng the varlcus arts events ln uubal, frcm Al Serkal Avenue tc ulFC, lt's
clear there is a passionate creative community that is highly active. The creative
vlbe ls certalnly mcre palpable than when l frst came tc uubal almcst fve years
ago, signalling that the emirate has a growing appetite for good design.
Shcwcases llke ueslgn uays uubal pull the lndustry tcgether, and thls wlll
continue with Cityscape Abu Dhabi in April and Index the following month.
ln addltlcn, we are puttlng the fnlshlng tcuches tc cur ccffee table bcck
Objects of Desire, now in its third year. This time around weve discovered so
many innovative pieces created by local designers that were spoiled for choice.
Fcwever, lf ycu'd llke ycur creatlcns tc be ccnsldered fcr lncluslcn please dc get
in touch with the team at Commercial Interior Design.
Moving on up
OLIVER EPHGRAVE
oliver.ephgrave@itp.com
Receive Commercial Interior Design
every month. To subscribe, please
visit: www.itp.com/subscriptions
Cover image:
Design Days
Dubai. Photo by
Murrlndle Frew
DESIGN UPDATE
PRECIOSA HOSTED A WORKSHOP FOR DUBAIS DESIGN INDUSTRY TO ILLUSTRATE THE FIRMS HISTORY OF
DECORATIVE LIGHTING IN THE MODERN AGE
Guiding light
controlling light intensity, colour
and music synchronisation.
Bejvl explained that the purpose
of the presentation was to show
the wide range of capabilities in
lighting design and to illustrate
Preciosas concept creations for
numerous projects, highlighting
the method of creating a philoso-
phy prior to the actual creation
and design of a certain project.
He also mentioned that Preciosa
believes strongly in nurturing
young designers and training
them at an early stage. Looking
at projects by young talent in the
region, Bejvl said: I have seen a
few examples and I think that in-
novation is not missing at all here
which is a positive sign. [Young
designers] know how to present
their work and thoughts.
Standing in the dimly lit upper
fccr cf kaw Ccffee, 8e|vl flcked
through slides, explaining how
mcdern technclcgy ls lnfuenclng
tional lighting is no longer the only
design focus for Preciosa.
Decorative lighting is not only
about the classical anymore. It
now combines contemporary
design, he commented.
Leading the presentation was
Preciosas chief designer, Jaroslav
Bejvl, who explained how the com-
panys designs are now integrating
contemporary elements and mod-
ern technologies through the use
of lighting systems, interactivity,
UAE: The world appears to be
advancing at breakneck speed
and the design world is now trying
to catch up. Bearing this in mind,
Czech manufacturers Preclcsa
hosted a workshop on March 5,
2013, ln Al ucz's kaw Ccffee
shop, inviting Dubais design
crowd to discover the changing
concepts of lighting design.
Fcllcwlng the frm's hlstcry cf
decorative lighting, managing
director Ondrej Soska said tradi-
DESIGN UPDATE
www.designmena.com Commercial Interior Design | APRIL 2013 11
Preciosas long history of classical
design. He explained that when
the company started out with very
classical chandeliers, the focus
was mainly on retail but with the
rise of commissioned projects, the
frm started tc adapt tc ccmmer-
cial design and with that came the
adaptation to modern technology,
which in turn created new ideas
and concepts.
We had to learn everything
from the beginning, he said.
How to communicate ideas to a
new type of customer, how to cre-
ate concepts that are based on a
philosophy and learning to respect
the requirements of the client. We
had to start thinking of space as
an architectural object and not as
scmethlng we have tc fll."
He added: The environment in
which we are working is shaping
us, he said. And working with
a lot of young people, there is
always a continuum of new ideas.
It is a logical step for us when we
want to develop further with the
advancement in technology.
One of the innovative designs
that stood out was the Flamentum,
a chandelier designed by Bejvl
himself. The piece appears to
create illusionary images through
spots of light; however, Bejvl
explained that the impression
is created through a creative
lighting solution. The chandelier
has a frame but you dont see it
because you are concentrating on
the cables whlch are fbre cptlc.
And cn thls fbre cptlc are crystal
pearls which are made in different
lengths that create the overall
shape, Bejvl explained.
He went on to say that the con-
cept for the Flamentum is based
on lightness. Due to the movement
of the crystal, different shapes can
be created, with the light enabling
many versions. When its properly
installed and you have it on eye
level, it starts to communicate with
you and the surrounding space,
he added.
Moving onto the topic of
lighting design in the Middle East,
where Preciosa has worked on a
large number of projects, Bejvl
commented: When it comes
to modern design, demand in
the Middle East is similar to
everywhere else in the world but
when it comes to classical design,
lt ls very speclfc."
He added: For many years we
have been perceived as a classical
chandelier manufacturer and the
more unusual projects were done
for the Middle East, mixed with the
classical Arabic style.
Speaking of lighting trends,
Bejvl stated that minimalism and
clear llnes are lnfltratlng the
market, and the combination of
decorative lighting with technical
architectural lighting is a form that
is becoming very popular.
Its good to have innovative
and unique ideas, he said.
But at the same time, if you
want tc succeed ln the feld, ycu
should know how to be humble,
Bejvl concluded.
DESIGN UPDATE
INDIGO LIVING UNVEILS ITS FIRST 2013 COLLEC-
TION INSPIRED BY THE CATWALK AND THE VIBRANT
COLOURS OF SPRING
Living it up
UAE: ueslgn frm lndlgc Llvlng
dlsplayed lts frst 2013 Sprlng ccl-
lectlcn at an excluslve prevlew cn
February 28, 2013, at lts fagshlp
shcwrccm ln uubal.
lnsplred by the whlteness cf
Sprlng]Summer 2013 catwalks,
managlng dlrectcr, }chn McLennan
spcke abcut hcw lnterlcr deslgn
and fashlcn are startlng tc cverlap.
"Fashlcn and hcme furnlture are
ccmlng clcser and clcser tcgether,
merglng the runway and the hcme.
Sc we fcllcw a lct cf fashlcn
trends, alsc archltectural trends,
and deslgn trends and get cur
lnsplratlcn frcm all these areas."
Fe ccntlnued: "Une thlng that
ls very prcmlnent cn the catwalk
ls that there ls a lct cf whlte. And
lt's nct cnly whlte-whlte - lt's cff-
whlte, lt's eggshell, lt's bcne, lt's
cream. There are a lct cf shades cf
whlte. And wlth thls huge varlety
ycu can create scme wcnderful
lccks and feels."
McLennan added that the sprlng
seascn made a great lmpact cn the
frm's ccllectlcn, refectlng fresh-
ness, cptlmlsm and an upllft tc the
new year.
"Thls was cne cf my lnsplratlcns
- everythlng shculd be brlghter,
fresher and cleaner and as sprlng
ccmes ln new cclcurs, everythlng
gets llghter, and everythlng ls wak-
lng up wlth all that fresh cclcur,"
he stated.
when deslgnlng a lct cf the new
ccllectlcn, McLennan explalned
that he used a whlte neutral base,
and then started accentlng.
"lt ls llke havlng the perfect
black dress and then addlng dlf-
ferent accesscrles tc lt," he sald.
"lt's very versatlle and lasts fcr a
number cf seascns."
ln terms cf ccllectlcns, the Mllan
Ccllectlcn draws lnsplratlcn frcm
the lcft-lcck, fccuslng cn clean
ccntempcrary deslgn, whlle the
Lllle Ccllectlcn ls lnfuenced by
tradltlcnal Aslan deslgn, fuslng
Fast and west, featurlng tradltlcnal
leg shapes cf a Chlnese cablnet
updated ln brlght, whlte fnlsh.
Uther statement pleces lnclude
the Snakeskln Stccl made frcm
ceramlc, ln the splrlt cf the Year cf
the Snake, whlch can be used fcr
bccks, drlnks cr seatlng.
lndlgc Llvlng's lnltlal entry tc
uubal was ln 2005, and came
abcut thrcugh ccmmerclal
prc|ects, wcrklng cn a number cf
hctels and servlced apartments.
McLennan ccmmented that he's
been seelng a shlft ln hcspltallty
deslgn whlch ls ncw lncllnlng tc-
wards hcmellness and ccmfcrt.
"The hcspltallty slde cf cur busl-
ness ls mcre custcm-made fcr the
prc|ect," he sald.
"8ut we are fndlng that a lct cf
develcpers that dc, say, servlced
apartments dcn't want that ccm-
merclal hcspltallty lcck. They want
mcre hcmey feels, and we have a
lct cf dlfferent ranges sc wlth that
we can mlx and match."
NORDIC FURNITURE BRAND ISKU PLANTS ROOTS IN THE MIDDLE EAST
The Finnish Line
ings and co-ordination with other
trades, llke llghtlng and fccrlng.
It is challenging to create a mid-
dle ground where school furniture
prcducts, speclfcally deslgned
to have a long lifetime, work in
ccn|unctlcn wlth rapldly changlng
technclcgy. 8y wcrklng ccllabcra-
tlvely wlth teachers, prlnclpals,
students and e-learning software
ccmpanles tc ldentlfy pedagcglcal
issues, Isku creates pilot project
set-ups fcr testlng.
Prc|ects heavlly rely cn cbserva-
tlcn and feedback frcm students
tc gauge future needs. "The klds
usually kncw best ln the feld
of learning and how to use the
equlpment," Ulln ncted.
Isku is one of the companies
involved in the Future Learning
Finland programme, a project
almed at tcp-quallty educatlcnal
learnlng sclutlcns.
Spreading its reach, in the UAE
Isku provided desks and chairs for
the classrccm reft cf Tctal Acad-
emy ln Abu uhabl, as well as cther
projects, ranging from pre-schools
tc unlversltles.
Ccllabcratlng wlth fcrestry ccm-
pany uPM, lsku created the Kaava
chalr uslng uPM's 6rada plywccd,
a mculdable ccmpcslte cf wccd
and pclymer. Strcnger than
plywccd, lts thlckness ls reduced
by apprcxlmately half. 8ecause
the materlal can be cut tc shape
befcre belng heated and sculpted,
it can assume shapes traditional
plywccd cannct. Fcr example,
Kaava's stand-cut attractlcn ls a
side detail where two planes over-
lap. Apprcprlately named, Kaava
means "pattern" ln Flnnlsh.
Mukula, a cclcurful, lcw uphcl-
stered stccl that ls creatlvely hung
cn lsku's accustlc wall vla an lnte-
hot seller, Isku regards achieve-
ment dlfferently. lsku's deslgn
dlrectcr Anttl Ulln explalned: "we
really belleve ln lcng-lastlng, gccd
deslgn, whlch ls cur way tc make
lt ecclcglcal. lt's nct abcut the cc-
currlng trend at the mcment.lt's
maklng lcng-lastlng prcducts."
wlth a fccus cn educatlcnal
and cffce furnlture, lsku dlffers
from other manufacturers in that
it designs and produces 95% of
lts cffce and schccl furnlture ln
hcuse. Ulln added that whlle lsku
excels at prcduct develcpment, lt
wants to keep it in Finland rather
than cutscurclng.
Fe explalned that ancther
strength cf the frm ls lts tallcr-
made prc|ects. wlth a team cf 15
interior architects in Finland, Isku
offers full interior design services
in conjunction to furniture offer-
lngs, lncludlng laycuts, 3u render-
UAE: In Finland, it is said that
gccd deslgn ls sc abundant and
lnfused lntc everyday llfe that
lt's typlcally nct even nctlced -
unless lt's lacklng. As the lcngtlme
vanguard of functionalism and
quallty prcducts deslgned fcr
the masses, Flnland's capltal
Felslnkl was deslgnated wcrld
ueslgn Capltal 2012, an hcncur
ccmmemcratlng a clty whlch
admlrably uses deslgn as a
vehlcle fcr scclal, fnanclal and
cultural advancement.
As an 85-year cld, thlrd-gen-
eratlcn famlly furnlture ccmpany
based ln Lahtl, Flnland, lsku ls
deeply rccted ln that Flnnlsh
deslgn tradltlcn.
Translated, lsku means "a
hlt", embcdylng the ccmpany's
alm tc create a wlnnlng prcduct.
whlle many buslnesses vlew a
successful prcduct as a trendy
DESIGN UPDATE
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Smartglass redefines environments in an instant,
creating multi-functional spaces that adapt and
respond to your needs.
Each panel of Smartglass is bespoke, so whatever your requirements, we
manufacture to order providing the perfect design solution for your project.
Contact our sales team for a quote or more information:
Call +971 4313 2397 or Email info@smartglassinternational.com
Kempinski Hotel, Manama, Bahrain
gral magnet, was a collaboration
with the Aalto Universitys School
of Art, Design and Architecture.
Olin noted that Isku and the
University work together on at
least two projects a year. Oc-
casionally, a project idea is taken
into production. While looking for
new solutions for school environ-
ments, one of the students came
up with the idea for Mukula. It was
an immediate hit.
Later, Isku furthered the idea
to add a educational value for
younger students; they made the
stools in geometric shapes tri-
angles, circles, and squares.
Mukula and Kaava both re-
ceived honorary mentions in the
international design competition
2012 Fennia Prize.
lsku's cffce prcduct Stcne
cffers a sleek cpen cffce sclutlcn
for dense areas. An 11m
2
area
yields four work spaces. With ca-
bling hidden inside partition wall
voids and a horizontally sliding
desk surface, Stone has a clean,
simple aesthetic. Furthermore,
the desk height is adjustable elec-
tronically and acoustic provisions
are included within the partition
walls and cabinets.
Although public furnishings
are Iskus core business, it
also designs and manufactures
residential products and a sleek
kitchen line called Kokopuu.
With its collaborative spirit
and interest in international dis-
semination of design, it was only
natural that Isku plant roots in
the Middle East. With locations
primarily concentrated in Finland,
Sweden, Russia and the Baltics,
Isku celebrates a new location
in Dubai and has future plans to
open a Saudi Arabian venue.
DESIGN UPDATE
Geberit concealed cisterns
Safely hidden behind the wall, with a Geberit concealed cistern only the actuator plate is visible. Geberits in
waII technoIogy aIIows unique beauty from hoor to ceiIing. Geberit aIso put sustainabiIity at your hngertips
with water saving duaI hush actuators.
Geberit's conceaIed cisterns used around the worId oher unsurpassed quaIity and years of troubIe-free per-
formance and with a wide range of design solutions give you the aesthetic freedom to create the bathroom
you have always wanted.
For more information pIease visit www.geberit.ae
Hidden
Inno-
vation
DESIGN UPDATE
STEELCASE OFFERS INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE ON HOW TECHNOLOGY INFLUENCES OFFICE DESIGN
Tech talk
Available with an HD videocon-
ferencing option, external team
members can view and interact
with content and each other simul-
taneously, as if they were in the
same room at the same time.
In fact, a videoconferencing
session was held during the event
with German-based Christian
Neubauer, Steelcases product
manager MEMEA category leader
for integrated technologies. The
experience was comfortable and
seamless. media:scapes design
took into consideration more
inclusive and natural sightlines in
comparison to older videoconfer-
encing models.
media:scape is available in ad-
dltlcnal ccnfguratlcns - a lcunge
formation, a wheeled mobile cart,
and a table-top version. Designed
and control is the new status
symbcl - wcrkers want freedcm tc
choose where and how they work.
Fcwever, thls new cffce landscape
hasnt developed without hiccups.
Transient workers and virtual
teams need the right tools and
space to effectively connect.
An integrated furniture range
by Steelcase, media:scape is
designed with media solutions to
foster collaboration and connec-
tion. media:scape is comprised
of tables with co-ordinated media
housings, and a distinctive interac-
tive puck to connect a laptop.
Whiteboards can be part of the
system too.
Compared with the old axial
conference table model where
the VGA cable holder held power
over the media and the meeting,
media:scape table shapes are or-
ganic to promote equality instead
of hierarchy. The puck allows all
team members to share. One puck
serves one laptop, so multiple
pucks can be accommodated.
UAE: Steelcases Dubai showroom
at Design House was the venue of
Technology Tuesday, an interac-
tive dialogue on technology and
design among architecture and
interior design representatives in
the local community.
A Steelcase initiative supported
by Uffce lnsplratlcns, the event
on March 12, 2013, addressed
the topic of how technology is the
single greatest force driving the
changes in the way we work, live
and behave, and hcw lt lnfuences
the way cffces are deslgned.
Technology Tuesdays forum fo-
cused on two germane workplace
issues: real estate optimisation
and enhancing collaboration. It
noted the bygone ways of station-
ary, dedicated cubicles and im-
mobile data supports.
Back then, technology embed-
ded in that environment rather
than bringing it to the environ-
ment, noted Christopher Buck,
Steelcase managing director
Middle East.
Changes in technology have
given rise to smaller work spaces
wlth wlreless lnternet and fat
monitors, or even no computers
as many employees work with a
laptop. With an increased mobile
workforce, many companies have
adcpted hct desklng - wcrk space
parking spots that can accommo-
date multiple mobile employees
at phased intervals. Hot desking
minimises work spaces as well as
area requirements.
Space gained by condensing
workspaces is being integrated
back lntc the cffce area ln the
form of new shared spaces, or in-
between spaces. Creating a setting
ripe for team collaboration invites
creativity and innovation. These
areas are also where employees
prefer to work.
Steelcase attested: Choice
DESIGN UPDATE
tc ft ln an cpen plan space, lt
wcrks dcuble duty as a casual
meetlng area cr chlll-cut space
when nct actlvated.
Securlng a seat at a hct desk
space cr a bccklng meetlng area
ls prcblematlc fcr mcst mcblle
emplcyees, especlally when travel-
llng. A Steelcase wcrkplace survey
ccnducted cver ten years lndlcated
that /0% cf wcrkers are sald tc
waste up tc 30 mlnutes a day
searchlng fcr ccllabcratlcn space.
kccmwlzard ll ls a Steelcase sclu-
tlcn that allcws users tc fnd and
reserve a rccm cr an cpen ccllab-
cratlve space frcm a smartphcne,
a netwcrk PC, cr the tcuchscreen
ltself. The small dlsplay physlcally
mcunts tc the space, sc cn-slte
emplcyees can vlsually see the
schedullng status ln real-tlme. lt
dlsplays green cr red dependlng
cn avallablllty.
6estures ls a new cffce chalr
speclfcally deslgned tc acccmmc-
date users lnteractlng wlth mcblle
devlces, such as tablets and phcne
textlng. Addresslng nlne dlfferent
pcstures speclfc tc these actlve
E
X
C
LUSIV
E
D
I
S
T
R
I
B
U
T
O
R

O
F
E X P O
R
M
I
M

S
P
A
I
N
functlcns, the 6esture chalr ls set
tc debut ln late 2013.
Partlclpatlng ln Tuesday Techncl-
cgy prcvlded an excltlng lnslght
lntc scme cf Steelcase's prcactlve
sclutlcns tc lntegratlng techncl-
cgy lntc tcday's wcrkplace. As
technclcgy ls ever evclvlng, lt ls
evldent the tlme has ccme fcr cf-
fce deslgn tc change.
DESIGN UPDATE
NOWY STYLS ERANGE OFFICE FURNITURE IS INSPIRED BY MODERN DAY TECHNOLOGY
All in the details
UAE: The expression design is in
the details is an appropriate way
tc descrlbe ekange, 8h Uffce Sc-
lutions executive furniture system
manufactured in Poland.
Une cf hcwy Styl 6rcup's fve
brands, 8h Uffce Sclutlcn, ccllab-
orated with London design studio
Platform to create a system that
has been descrlbed as refned,
modern and discreet.
Surprlslngly, ekange's lnsplra-
tion draws from modern-day
technology itself ergonomic
prcducts frcm Apple, Scny and
Phillips. The e in eRange refers to
its association with state-of-the-
art electronics.
Platfcrm's deslgners, 6ernct
Oberfell and Jan Wertel, trained
with the designer of Apples iMac,
kcss Lcvegrcve. Lcvegrcve's lnfu-
ence is apparent. With its reduced
form and understated organic
lines, eRange physically expresses
ties between modern day and
Bauhaus-era functionalism.
Despite its attractive design,
much of eRanges allure resides in
what one doesnt see or hear.
Cabling mechanisms completely
hidden inside the furnitures struc-
tural components offer a sleek
and ergonomically considered
access cn wcrk surfaces. Sllent
drawers are standard on eRanges
desks, pedestals and side boards.
Door and drawer hardware were
dismissed in favour of clean lines
and a gentle push-to-open mecha-
nism. Top quality leather lines its
desk drawer interior and provides
a textural contrast to the sheen of
the frame and wood veneer desk
top. eRanges primarily neutral
palette options of white, black or
grey are offset by a myriad of wood
specles, staln fnlshes and glass
cabinetry options.
A perfect partner to eRange is
6rammer Uffce, hcwy Styl's ffth
brand cfferlng hlgh-end 6erman-
made cffce chalrs wlth a patented
6llde-Tec mechanlsm, develcped
with orthopaedic specialists to
prcvlde fuld mctlcn whlle seated.
Coined as intelligent sitting
comfort or dynamic sitting,
6llde-Tec autcmatlcally ad|usts the
chair to the sitters body weight.
Lec ll and 6alllec, twc executlve
cffce chalr llnes ln 6rammer's
portfolio, share eRanges quest for
simple, elegant design. Finished
wlth tcp graln leather, 6rammer
designs for the discerning client.
hcwy Styl 6rcup has been
represented ln the 6ulf reglcn by
Al Shaya Tradlng Cc LLC fcr fcur
years. hcwy Styl ls avallable ln the
uAF, Kuwalt, atar, Saudl Arabla,
and soon in Oman.
Selva Middle East L.L.C.
Sheikh Zayed Road, 4th interchange, Dubai Tel.+971 4 3411933
Fax +971 4 3411799 info@selva-me.ae www.selva-me.ae
Exclusive Dealer in Abu Dhabi :
Eldiar
Marina Mall, Basement Level, Abu Dhabi Emirate Tel.+971 2 6814100
Exclusive Dealer in Kuwait:
Dia Behbehani Furniture
Al Tilal Complex, Shuwaikh, Block 42, Jahra Street, Kuwait Tel: +965 2 2252590
FURNI SHI NG I S LI VI NG THE HERE AND NOW.
SALONE INTERNAZIONALE DEL MOBILE MILANO april 9 - 14 2013 hall 10, stand E 23 F 30
DESIGN UPDATE
DORMAS DUBAI SHOWROOM PRESENTS DESIGN SUPPLY IN AN ORIGINAL FORMAT
Opening doors
UAE: On the busy Sheikh Zayed
Road in Dubai alongside luxury
car brand showrooms, Dorma has
unveiled its World of Access, a
280m
2
celebration of its doors in a
sleekly designed setting. A gallery
of sorts for all that links space
A to space B, it aims to present
Dormas full potential.
The man behind the project
concept is Mario Dreissman, who
explained: What we see is the
aspect of design and aesthetics
becoming more and more impor-
tant, that the entire surround of
the door looks appealing.
We see a gap, and a showroom
is a great way to communicate that
and to really provide a forum for
exchange within the community.
Thats the key idea, and from there
you start to develop a concept.
The frst ucrma shcwrccm
appeared ln hew Ycrk, a dlffcult
market to bellwether the concept.
Whereas in Dubai the companys
market share varies between 20-
40% depending on the product, in
the US it is apparently tiny. It was
a 1927 building with no electricity,
no lighting, nothing, bare walls.
For its second and latest show-
room Dorma partnered with Becc
on the design, which is the leading
exhibition agency for koda and
was responsible for the renovation
of BMW World one of the most
famous showrooms in Europe.
The choice of Dubai represents
an expectation of a stronger focus
on interiors in the region, along
with the founding of a group
interior division, as the building
market shifts towards renovation.
We built a mock-up at our plant
in Ennepetal, Germany, which was
expensive but it paid to get the
feedback on the concept. For ex-
ample, the lighting was too hot, so
for green reasons we went to LED
lighting, and we won the German
Design Award for communication,
Dreissman explained.
We also have all kinds of
green certlfcatlcns that we have
on display there, so everything
that the designer as a target audi-
ence might want is there for them
to be able to touch and feel.
The location on Dubais arterial
route is aimed at architects and
designers to head there for a quick
meetlng frcm the cffce, settlng
the showroom aside from the
dusty industrial zones premises.
We believed that we needed
to be closer to our customer, as
well as their natural environment,
and the feedback we have got so
far is very positive. Many people
are curious because it is new, it is
something people talk about. One
experience we had in New York
and expect here too is that even
our competitors will come and visit
us, because it is so new, he said.
DESIGN UPDATE
DESIGNERS REPORT EXPLAINS HOW RAPID
TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGES ARE REDEFINING
WORKPLACE DESIGN
Thinking ahead
UAE: As the invasion of the cloud
and new technology into the
workplace continues, employees
frcm fcur generatlcns may fnd
themselves working together,
each with very different attitudes
towards the technology they use.
This difference in behaviour has a
direct impact on interior and prod-
uct designers, who have to cater to
the variety of needs by translating
them lntc cptlmal cffce deslgn.
Gerald Taylor, founder of Gerard
Taylor Design and creative director
of Orangebox, recently published
a report entitled Boomers & Mil-
lennials on why the new global
economy, the consumerisation of
workplace technology and genera-
tions seeing the world differently,
have revolutionised the workplace.
During a recent trip to UAE, Tay-
lor held a talk for CoreNet Global
members on these trends and
explained his research further. He
said: We are trying to draw a map
because we believe that the world
that we are living in is changing at
such a [fast] pace. As a furniture
company, how will we know the
future cf an cffce envlrcnment!"
He explained that the techno-
logical changes discussed in his
report are occurring very quickly
in Europe and USA compared to
the rest of the world, which is a
"scary" phencmena fcr deslgners
who work in those regions. Adapt-
ing and responding to these quick
changes is paramount.
Taylor emphasised how neces-
sary it is for designers to be open
to new ideas. This business
means making relationships with
clients. Our future depends on
making the right judgement calls
thrcugh the next fve years."
The global economy is the
"perfect stcrm", sald Taylcr, and
added, You cant stop this train,
but you can miss it. The new gen-
eratlcn sees the wcrld dlfferently."
Questions which Taylor
explained all designers need to
think about were: How will work
be defned ln 2018, and what wlll
cur wcrkplace lcck llke! lf we're
increasingly moving away from a
fxed desk, hcw are we gclng tc
bulld cffce envlrcnments acccrd-
ing to the needs of the 45-year-old
and 25-year-cld tc wcrk ccllabcra-
tlvely ln the same space!"
There are differences in atti-
tudes towards working and design-
ers need to deal with it as these
differences are neither good nor
bad, according to Taylor. With the
new workplace, we are connecting
pecple, nct furnlture," he added.
Societies change quickly so
youd think that by now, we would
be good at change. With interiors,
generations before us experienced
a lot of change. But were really
bad at lt," he explalned.
Taylor introduced the phrase
"the shcck cf the new" tc explaln
why people do not respond to
change very well, and explained
it through a moment in design
history. When Herman Miller
frst lnvented the Aercn chalr and
wheeled it out, the response was,
'lt's dlsgustlng. lt's nct even fn-
lshed! where's the uphclstery! Ycu
want me to say were going to buy
2,000 cf these!' lt was unadulter-
ated vitriol. Herman Miller all
credit to a great company, and
probably because they had spent
so much money by then went
ahead with it [anyway]. And it
prcfcundly changed the wcrld. lt
upped the benchmark as to what
you can expect from technology in
the wcrkplace. we are all benef-
clarles cf lt."
He concluded: Theres no es-
caplng thls technclcgy wcrld."
Sanitaryware, bathroom furniture, bathtubs, shower trays, wellness products and accessories: Duravit has everything you need to make life in the bathroom a
little more beautiful. More info at Duravit Middle East S.A.L. (Off-Shore), Elias Hraoui Avenue - Nohra Building - Furn El Shebbak, Second floor, Beirut, Lebanon,
Phone +961 1 283429, Fax +961 1 283431, info@lb.duravit.com. DURAVIT Middle East - SAL Off Shore - Rep. Off., Aspect Tower - Office #2406 Business Bay,
P.O.Box 390865 - Dubai, UAE, Phone +971 4 4274080, Fax +971 4 4274081, info@ae.duravit.com. Duravit Saudi Arabia LLC, Al Hamra district, Aarafat street,
Shahwan commercial center, 3rd floor Office number 4, P.O. Box 9135, 21413 Jeddah, Phone +966 2 66 580 54 / +966 2 66 410 38, Fax +966 2 661 76 94,
info@sa.duravit.com. www.duravit.com
A genuine Starck!
The bathroom by
Philippe Starck.
DESIGN UPDATE
A WHIFF OF PORTUGALS KITCHENS CAN NOW BE EXPERIENCED IN DUBAI THANKS TO THE AUTHENTICALLY
DESIGNED PICANTE RESTAURANT
Spice world
heartwarming, soul-comforting
food prepared and enjoyed in Por-
tuguese homes, said Gohlan.
The terracctta fccr tlles are
augmented by the ornate cement
tiles on the walls and the counter,
with all key materials sourced
from the busy streets of Portugal.
Simple wooden chairs in bright
blues, reds and greens add a rich
liveliness to the seating area,
as do the giant terracotta pots
with colourful spices, Gohlan
described. The beautiful wooden
tables have rustic maps of Portu-
gal on them which reiterate the
casual yet unkempt dining experi-
ence Picante is trying to portray.
Enabled to accommodate 90
guests, Gohlan added that the
open oven gives it that much more
of an authentic feel.
The interior is as welcoming
and warm as the rich heritage that
it pays homage to, he said.
Although being a traditional
dining space, Picante is still fresh
and contemporary; offering a
warm and relaxed ambiance
reminiscent of the charming home
eateries which are Portugals most
discerning dining destinations.
Gohlan concluded: Everything
about Picante is welcoming and
wholesome. We wanted to cre-
ate a restaurant where families,
friends and couples could feel at
hcme and en|cy an evenlng flled
with unmistakable Portuguese
home-style hospitality.
UAE: Blue shutters, lively ceramics
and white netted curtains make
up the new Portuguese restaurant
Picante, located in Four Points by
Sheraton in Bur Dubai.
Portraying a typical kitchen that
could be found in bustling cities
of Portugal, the design and cui-
sine of Picante pays tribute to the
freshness and rich spices of the
Western European country.
Like their cuisine, the Portu-
guese prefer simple and authentic
interiors, said Sanjeev Gohlan,
general manager, Four Points by
Sheraton, Bur Dubai. The theme
revolves around robust and rustic
dcor where the homely atmo-
sphere drives the brand to an
uncomplicated comfort.
He explained that in Portugal it
is common for the chef to interact
with guests, which encouraged
the addition of an open kitchen
design where the diners can watch
the chef work the pots and pans.
Its large windows with striking
blue louver shutters evokes a
cool Mediterranean feel, creating
a backdrop for the restaurant
whlch allcws natural llght tc fccd
through during the daytime. At
night, dimmed accent lighting on
the walls and tables create the
perfect atmosphere for meals.
Rich, heavy wooden furniture,
colourful ceramic tiles and
louvers, as well as our custom-
built oven combined with the
interactive kitchen, exemplify the
w
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w
.
a
r
m
a
n
i
r
o
c
a
.
c
o
m
A new bathroom concept
JORDAN. A. KAYYALI & CO (Info@kayyali-roca.net) Tel. +962 65690016. KUWAIT. ABDUL AZIZ IBRAHIM AL-RUMAIH & COMPANY (info@4alrumaih.com)
Tel. +965 24848880. LEBANON. O-TEC CO. FOR SANITARY WARES & TILES S.A.L (otec@oteccompany.com) Tel. +961 1868529. SAUDI ARABIA. MUHAMMAD
SALEH BAHARETH CO. ( MSB CO.)(amb@msbco.com) Tel. +966 26633462. U.A.E. - ABU DHABI. SANITARY MATERIALS CO.(info@sanitary-uae.com)
Tel. +971 26771363. U.A.E. DUBAI. HAMAD RAHMA ABDULLA ALSHAMSI GENERAL TRADING (info@alshamsi.com) Tel. +971 42666429.
ROCA Sanitario,S.A. Gold & Diamond Park, Building 5, Offce 111. P.O. Box 282337, Al Quoz branch, Dubai, UAE. Tel. +971.4.347.6400
Christopher Sharp
Laila Al-Yousuf
Toni ElKadi
Ed Bakos
INDUSTRY SPEAK
28 APRIL 2013 | Commercial Interior Design www.designmena.com
ARE BRANDED DESIGNER PRODUCTS GOOD FOR
THE INDUSTRY?
BETTER
TOGETHER
on whether something different
was created or new design ter-
ritory was traversed, versus a
mainstream product created and a
label attached.
Christopher Sharp, CEO and
co-founder of The Rug Company,
which carries a number of brand-
ed designer collections, added:
We encourage the designers to
suggest new ideas that challenge
us and push our manufacturing
techniques. We always say to the
designers: suggest anything and
we'll dc cur best tc fnd a way tc
realise your ideas. We are not
afraid of failure; not innovating is
more disappointing.
Fcspltallty deslgn frm Cham-
palimaud Design found inspira-
tion to create a branded fabric
line with clothier Holland & Sherry
because they encountered a void
in the marketplace and were un-
able to source an existing product
to meet their clients needs.
Managing director Ed Bakos
said: When we were redesigning
the Hotel Bel-Air we found it chal-
lenglng tc fnd a transltlcnal fabrlc
that was both luxurious and prac-
tical, something that had sophis-
tication and style. So our indoor/
outdoor fabric was born. Bakos
added that Champalimaud crafts
bespoke products for clients every
day, so it was natural to move into
product development.
Likewise, ceramic bathroom fur-
niture giant Duravit collaborated
with a designer whose design
presented an insurmountable
production challenge. Toni ElKadi,
Duravits area manager for the
UAE, Qatar and Oman indicated
T
he past decade or so has
experienced burgeon-
ing designer branding,
speclfcally wlthln the
interior design industry. Many
well-known designers have forged
alliances with manufacturers
to produce a branded product
representative of their name or
company, from ceramic tile lines
to furniture and rug collections.
Commercial Interior Design
asked industry stakeholders
whether branded interior designer
lines with manufacturers dilute
the interior design profession
to that of a sales scheme, or
strengthen it by celebrating and
promoting design success?
Interior designer Laila Al-Yousuf
of Pringle Brandon Perkins+Will,
commented: The key is to dif-
ferentiate between a designer
who is capable of leading new
movements in our industry
lnfuenclng cther lndustrles and
leaving a legacy behind where
their products are still widely
used and a designer whose
purpose is the commercialisation
of their name.
The former has researched, ex-
plored and made it their mission
to create a solution for a particular
design challenge. This is what
in turn inspires other designers,
thereby changing our industry for
the better. Meanwhile, the latter
turns the ideas of design into a
money making mockery of what
our industry should be about.
Perhaps the real challenge
lies in the ability to differentiate
between the two. One distinction,
as Al-Yousuf suggested, hinges
INDUSTRY SPEAK
Commercial Interior Design | APRIL 2013 29 www.designmena.com
that by fndlng a sclutlcn tcgeth-
er, lt represented grcwth fcr bcth
the deslgner and manufacturer.
uallty represents a seccnd
dlstlnctlcn. Sharp recalled that lt
was the metlculcus craft cf thelr
hand-made rugs that attracted
fashlcn deslgner Alexander
Mcueen tc ccllabcrate wlth The
kug Ccmpany fcr hls ccllectlcn.
hct cnly ls quallty cf the
prcduct lmpcrtant, but equally
sc cf the deslgner and lts vlslcn.
Sharp shared that hls ccmpany
dldn't crlglnally plan tc manufac-
ture deslgner-branded prcducts.
lts frst ccllabcratlcn materl-
allsed when he met fashlcn de-
slgner Paul Smlth ln hls shcp. A
casual chat evclved lntc The kug
Ccmpany's frst ccllabcratlcn.
After a few deslgner ccllectlcns
were made, mcre deslgners
apprcached the frm tc lnltlate
branded ccllabcratlcns.
Sharp revealed that the
ccmpany's llmlted capaclty
fcrced lt tc be very selectlve ln
addlng addltlcnal deslgner llnes.
Fe added: "we're nct lccklng
tc ccllect deslgner names, but
ccllect quallty deslgn. Fvery new
deslgner needs tc wrlte the next
part cf cur deslgn stcry and nct
ccver areas already explcred."
Sc, whc benefts frcm brand-
lng! Champallmaud ueslgn
belleves everycne dces. 8akcs
explalned hls ccmpany's brand-
ed prcducts make lt pcsslble fcr
ccnsumers tc acqulre Alexandra
Champallmaud's vlslcn at a
lcwer prlce pclnt. Thrcugh lts
prcduct, Champallmaud ueslgn
alsc hcpes tc attract future
lnterlcr deslgn cllents.
8akcs ccntlnued: "we beneft
frcm lncreased brand reccgnl-
tlcn, especlally ln lnternatlcnal
lccatlcns where we have nct
dcne a lct cf wcrk. Thrcugh
these ccllabcratlcns, we are
able tc leverage cur partner's
expanslve custcmer base and
new lnternatlcnal netwcrks."
Al-Ycusuf cffered a slmllar but
alternate vlew: "lt makes the
prccess cf selectlcn that much
easler fcr a cllent whc pcsslbly
already has a favcurlte deslgner.
Mcrecver, the deslgner ls defn-
lng a brand whlch, as a market-
lng strategy, establlshes a cer-
taln sense cf appeal and wcrks
cff an lndlvldual's deslre tc cwn
scmethlng fcr the sake cf whc lt
ls by, elther fcr a percelved level
cf quallty cr |ust fcr the name.
Thls can be advantagecus tc
us because the prcducts qulte
cften sell themselves."
Fcwever, she alsc vclced ccn-
cern that there ls a dlsadvantage
ln that branded prcducts can
partlally remcve the deslgner's
cwn creatlvlty frcm thelr deslgns
and can lead tc an element cf
lazlness where they are nct
explcrlng fresh alternatlves.
Althcugh the lncldence
cf branded prcducts have
lncreased ln lnterlcr deslgn
hcuses ln the past few years,
deslgner-manufacturer ccl-
labcratlcns are nct a new
phencmencn.
Fcr example, Casslna has
wcrked clcsely wlth lmpcrtant
archltects and deslgners, such
as Le Ccrbusler and Frank Llcyd
wrlght, slnce lts early days.
Textlle ccmpany Maharam cltes
lts lcngstandlng lnterdlsclpllnary
ccllabcratlcn wlth a multltude
cf deslgners, lncludlng 6lc
Pcntl and }csef Fcffmann.
These aren't thcught cf as sales
schemes, but rather trled and
true prcduct standards.
"whc better tc make prcducts
than the lnterlcr deslgners
themselves! They kncw what
the market needs, what wcrks
and what dcesn't. The lndustry
benefts when deslgners brlng
lnncvatlcn and style tc baslc
prcducts," sald 8akcs.
Llkewlse, Al-Ycusuf ccm-
mented: "As a deslgner, lt feels
llke a natural transltlcn...ueslgn-
ers have lnnate prcblem-sclvlng
skllls, as thls ls the ccre cf cur
|cbs. we llke tc lnvent and we
cften llke tc re-lnvent."
AMERICAN HARDWOOD EXPORT COUNCIL
1
2 3
Offices for Botn Foundation
T
he Botn Foundation originated
in Spain in 1964 to mitigate
the needs and promote the so-
cial development of Cantabria.
Today, nearly 50 years later the Founda-
tion continues to contribute to the
development of the society on all levels,
detecting and promoting creative talent
and exploring new ways to generate
cultural, social and economic wealth.
After a stunning renovation project
executed by MVN Arquitectos, the
Foundation has recently opened its new
cffces ln Madrld. Urlglnally bullt ln the
1920s, the building previously served
as a Silversmith workshop before more
recently being taken on as the Vinon
department store. Project architects Di-
ego Varela de Ugarte and Emilio Medina
Garca were inspired by the buildings
historic references, which led to their de-
sign attempts to retain the spirit of the
original industrial character. Exposure of
the original steel and brickwork depicts
the buildings past life and effectively
contrasts with the new construction
wcrk whlch features fnlshes cf malnly
oak, steel and glass.
A key objective was to create an open
plan, warm space allowing natural light
tc fll the whcle bulldlng. The blggest
structural change to the building and
one of the most attractive features of
the development is a two-storey high
atrium for the main lobby. One of the
roof trusses was removed and replaced
with a metal structure, creating an
opening for the skylight over the atrium
area. The direct daylight and plants in
the lobby bring a great character to this
meeting place. The ceiling is made up of
longitudinal solid slats of American red
oak and acoustic absorbent felt.
The red oak slats have a subtle colour
variation, which adds great character
and warmth to the open space. Further,
the grcund fccr ls lntended fcr publlc
actlvltles wlth a fexlble but mcdular,
clear open space.
MVN Arquitectos choice to use timber
fcr the fccr, walls and celllng adds
1
The renovation was
handled by MVN
Arquitectos
2
Double-height lobby
cn the grcund fccr
with reception desk in
the background
3
vlew cf the fexlble
space from lobby on
the grcund fccr
AMERICAN HARDWOOD EXPORT COUNCIL
PROJECT PARTICULARS
Architects: Diego Varela de Ugarte
and Emilio Medina Garca MVN
Arquitectos
Client: Fundacin Botn
Collaborators: Alfonso Garca del
Rey, Laura Snchez, Mara Pascu-
al and Alicia Castilla, Arquitectos
Technical Architect: Mara Lamela
Martn
Interior design consultant: Juan Luis
Lbano
Contractor: Ferrovial
Cruuud uur ceiliu: Moinsa
Flooring: Parquets Romn S.L.
Doors and wall panels: Teisa
Photography: Alfonso Quiroga
The frst fccr ls cffce space fcr the
senlcr management team cf the Fcunda-
tlcn wlth a prlvate area fcr meetlngs.
The dccrs as well as the wall panellng
have been veneered wlth Furcpean
cak, whlch ls alsc used fcr the fccrlng
thrcughcut the space.
The 8ctn Fcundatlcn ls dellghted
wlth the new deslgn cf the cffce space.
The hlghllght ls, wlthcut dcubt, the
stunnlng lcbby wlth strlklng tcnes cf red
cak set agalnst the cld brlckwcrk cf the
Sllversmlth wcrkshcp.
warmth tc thls area. ulegc varela sald:
"The use cf cak has been essentlal tc
emphaslse the ccntrast between cld
and new, and the wccd lccks great next
tc the wcrn brlckwcrk."
Fe added: "After lccklng at several
specles cptlcns, we chcse cak because
lt ccmblnes the warm tcne and hard-
wearlng characterlstlcs we were lccklng
fcr ln thls unlque prc|ect." All cf the cak
ln the bulldlng has been treated wlth
cclcrless cll tc shcw the graln cf the
tlmber wlthcut alterlng lts natural tcne.
4
Uak was chcsen after
careful ccnslderatlcn
5
Tcp vlew frcm the frst
fccr cf the dcuble-
helght lcbby wlth
wccden lantern under
the maln skyllght
6
Clcsed cffce, maln
atrlum and prlvate
meetlngs area cn the
frst fccr
7
vlew frcm the frst
fccr cf prlvate area
fcr meetlngs clcsed
wlth u-shaped glass
8
6rcund fccr: vlew
frcm the end cf the
fexlble space tcwards
the lcbby ln the
backgrcund
4
6 7
8
5
INTERVIEW
Commercial Interior Design | APRIL 2013 33
INTERVIEW
www.designmena.com
CI D MEETS NADA DEBS, A DESI GNER WHO FUSES J APANESE, MI DDLE
EASTERN AND MODERN TRADI TI ONS I N CONTEMPORARY FURNI TURE
Perfect
blend
1
INTERVIEW
1
Nada Debs
2
SLICE Console
outwards a rather reversed hierarchy
from a more typical approach of working
from the shell of the space inwards.
About her process, Debs adds: Actu-
ally, I think it should be that way. I think
about what is really needed, and whats
functional, an emotional function.
Debs found an emotional tie when
returning to her Lebanese roots in Beirut
after a 40 year absence. She discovered
designs for modern Middle Eastern
furniture to be almost nonexistent. This
void made her determined to use her
multi-cultural background to create
furniture appealing to a global market.
However, she found the traditional
Middle Eastern craft, although beauti-
ful, wasnt fascinating to people
anymore. When I saw how Middle East
craft was done, it was over the top; ev-
erything was crowded and ornamental.
No one appreciated it. But theres such
beautiful workmanship put into it. We
have to be able to see it. I needed to
show it in a more minimalist way.
That is what Im trying to express
in the work. I brought it down to its es-
sence, she explains.
By mixing the minimalism of Japanese
design and the Arabesque patterns
H

ad Rudyard Kipling met
Nada Debs, he may not have
penned his famous 1889
line East is East and West is
West, and never the twain shall meet.
Debs grew up in Japan, studied in
the United States, started her company
in the UK, and now lives and works in
Lebanon. From what may appear to be
an array of polar design forces, Debs
has beautifully synthesised into contem-
porary and high-quality interior furniture
and accessories.
Although trained as an interior
architect, Debs immediately gravitated
towards furniture design, even though
she only had one furniture design
course at the Rhode Island School of
Design (RISD). She recalls her desire to
design something that she could touch
and feel; it needed to be a functional
object. She explains: When something
is functional, you need it; it becomes
|ustlfable tc make."
For Debs, it was a natural transition.
In fact, when designing interiors, which
she also offers, the starting point with
a project is the furniture objects that
are needed in the room rather than the
interior space. From there, she works
found in marquetry, Debs created the
East & East collection in 2000. The line
is a harmonious combination of the Far
East and Middle East.
She reveals: In Japan, the philosophy
less is more is most evident. They pare
things down to the minimum to express
themselves. So, she fused the crafts-
manship from the Middle East with the
purity of lines and simplicity of shape
and form from Japanese design.
Debs designs utilise both traditional
materials, such as walnut, oak, tin,
brass and mother of pearl as well as
contemporary materials like stainless
steel, resin, concrete, laminate and
wood acid-washing processes. I like to
play around. The idea is that furniture
has to relate to our lifestyle. It cant be
seen as an antique thing of the past; it
has to adapt to our living.
She describes the process of tradi-
tional Arabic marquetry, which origi-
nated in Damascus: the craftsmen melt
tin in a mould, form it into tubes, and
then create strips by running it through
a hand-operated machine. The strips are
ft lntc thlnly chlselled wccd, "llke llttle
fences, Debs adds. The wood is further
carved and the mother of pearl added.
2
INTERVIEW
Her marquetry interpretations vary from
punchy pclka-dct, 60s lnsplred fcrals,
calligraphy, inlaid buttons, random
linear expressions to more traditional
Islamic patterning.
Through Debs designs, the company
has helped encourage the preservation
of local Arab craftsmanship, which is of
high importance to her.
Debs explains that it is challenging
tc fnd craftsmen because they need tc
have the right personality they have
to be calm and patient. It has to be in
your DNA, she opines.
She explains that its often a family
business, and they actually have one
family they work with all of the sons
and brother-in-laws included. They have
added a few women to their hand-craft
workforce as well.
One manufacturing challenge, she
explains, is struggling with consistency.
Right now, Im only manufacturing in
the Arab world, and working with crafts-
men. They dont see things in a modern
3
PEBBLE Low Table
3
way. One time it works, the next time
they dont make the same thing. On the
other hand, maybe that is the beauty of
hand-made, she muses.
Whereas Debs East & East Collection
is a blending of primarily Japanese and
Arablc lnfuences, her Ccntempcrary
Collection mixes Western with Arabic
deslgn. uebs ldentlfes twc pleces frcm
this line which best represents this
bridging of Western and Eastern ap-
proaches: the Pebble Table and the Star
Arabesque Bookshelf.
What I like is it appeals to people of
all backgrounds. In a lot of my pieces,
the Arabs see scmethlng affllated tc
their identity, whereas in Europe, they
identify it with the exotic. Maybe in the
States or in Asia its a functional thing
its a practical piece, not just something
decorative to look at.
The Vintage Meets Arabesque line
uses forms from the 50s and 60s. I
adapt with the times, she remarks.
She notes that a designers job is to feel
the collective needs of the people and
analyse what it is they are seeking, and
its usually an emotional need.
Right now, the vintage look is really
in, she says. Using plastic laminate as
well as wood, the pieces have a mid-
century feel, but with Debs hand. The
line is more colourful and fun.
We actually named the furniture
from famous cinema houses in Beirut
from the 50s, 60s and 70s. Some of
the movie house monikers include Pic-
cadilly, Strand and Opera.
Available internationally, Debs
products are represented in New York,
Geneva, Cairo, Amman, Paris, Dubai,
Canada, and recently Saudi Arabia. In
Beirut, the Nada Debs Gallery show-
cases both the East & East and Contem-
porary Collections while her two Nada
Debs Boutiques carry only the home
accessory collections. However, Nada
Debs ships worldwide. Future plans
include an extension in the Far East as
well as a soft furnishings collection.
INTERVIEW
In addition to furniture design and
manufacturing, the Nada Debs brand
also includes accessories, interior de-
sign services and art installations.
She also created Concrete Carpet,
which was an art piece designed for
The Future of Tradition The Tradi-
tion of Future exhibition at Munichs
Hausderkunst Museum. It mixes the
calligraphy tradition of Japanese Kanji
and Arabic calligraphy in a contempo-
rary geometric typeface, she describes.
It was shortlisted for the prestigious Ja-
meel Prize 3, an international award for
contemporary art and design inspired by
Islamic tradition. Partnered with the Vic-
toria and Albert Museum and sponsored
by the Abdul Latif Jameel Community
Initiatives (ALJCI), the Jameel Prize illus-
trates the link between traditional Islam-
ic art and a contemporary discipline.
Nada Debs blurs the lines between art
and craft, traditional and contemporary,
functional and decorative and East
and West. More than just furniture, her
designs connect the traditions, skills
and aesthetics of the world and encour-
ages them to thrive.
4
STAR Arabesque Table
5
KHATT Low Table
6
STAGGERED Chest of
Drawers
4
5 6
CASE STUDY CASE STUDY
1
Colour
Blind
THE CARTEL S BLACK CARPET LAUNCH I NTRODUCED
FASHI ONI STAS TO THE MONOCHROMATI C DESI GN
OF THE AVANT- GARDE STORE I N AL SERKAL
AVENUE, DUBAI
CASE STUDY
I
f a black carpet event doesnt prick
your ears then a wearable art store
ln uubal's creatlve hub defnltely
should. The cARTel introduced its
novel concept on February 27, 2013, in
Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz, where the
showroom is located. Masked in two
extremes of black and white, The cARTel
goes back to the standalone boutique
culture of fashion.
Founded by duo Peter Richweisz and
Shub Qureshi, who also created fashion
magazine Desert Fish, the plan to create
a space like The cARTel has long been
on the agenda. It targets an audience
1
Main area of
The cARTel
2
Door separating
the studio and
retail space
2
that is fashion-conscious, with a style
that is missing from commercial circles
in Dubai. Positioned between high-end
and high street, The cARTel features
one-off designers from across the globe
to deliver fashion the way it isnt done in
any part in the city.
Sitting at the back of the showroom
on leather couches and armchairs, Rich-
weisz, Qureshi and managing partner,
May Barber reveal the journey of ideas
turning into reality.
It is covering a similar segment in
fashion detailing as Desert Fish covers
in publishing, explains Richweisz. Its
quite niche and addressing a particular
audience. Thats why we are not in the
shopping mall. We are in the art district
cf uubal where pecple ccme tc fnd
some sort of urban culture rather than
have a typical Middle East shopping
centre experience.
Sipping his espresso, he adds: We
realised this quite a long time ago and
eventually it all came together in 2013.
Agreeing, Qureshi explains that the
purpose was to bring back the artistic el-
ement in fashion done in haute-couture
style where designers are the ones who
actually hand-paint the clothes.
CASE STUDY
3
Peter Richweisz,
Shub Qureshi and
May Barber
4
Seccnd fccr cf
retail space
"lt's abcut gettlng away frcm the
whcle mass prcductlcn ln huge factc-
rles cf Chlna where everythlng ls cn the
same ccckle-cutter sllhcuettes, and gc-
lng back tc the crlglnal ldea cf 'fashlcn
is art, she says.
wlth deslgners frcm }apan tc Turkey,
as well as locally based designers who
create excluslvely fcr The cAkTel, lt ls
cbvlcus that the styles wlll result ln an
eclectlc mlx. Frcm here, the ldea cf the
mcncchrcme lnterlcr was bcrn.
"8aslcally, l wanted tc avcld cclcurs,"
says klchwelsz. "we knew lt was gclng
tc be a multl-brand stcre, we knew lt
was gclng tc qulte eclectlc ln terms cf
fashlcn. lt wculd have been challenglng
tc have a strcng cclcur because wlth
scme cf the clcthlng pleces, lt mlght nct
have wcrked sc that's why we used thls
klnd cf mcncchrcmlc black and whlte,
whlch became cur brand ldentlty."
Fe adds: "l alsc wanted tc avcld
stralght llnes. lf ycu lcck at the space,
its quite square and uninteresting. So
we wanted tc break lt up and create an
unusual perspectlve...dlstcrtlcns."
"8lack and whlte are neutrals sc they
beccme the backgrcund, the canvas,
whlle the clcthes beccme the art. 8ut at
the same tlme, they dcn't appear very
muted, but rather lrregular because cf
the ccmplex gecmetry, sc lt prcvldes an
edge, says Barber.
Anna Szcnyl, the archltect behlnd
the shcwrccm, whc ncw wcrks wlth
develcpment ccmpany Meraas, later
explains that there was no direct design
brlef and thlngs started tc really take
shape during the design process. Only
cne thlng was vltally ccmmunlcated at
the beglnnlng cf creatlcn: each deslgner
shculd have thelr cwn dlsplay space.
Creatlng thls was a challenge, acccrd-
lng tc klchwelsz: "we wanted tc glve
excluslvlty tc the deslgners because at
cther multl-brand stcres, everythlng ls
cverfcwlng and ycu dcn't get the rlght
separatlcn. At scme pclnt ycu dcn't
even kncw whlch deslgner ls whlch. 8ut
here, every unlt belcngs tc a speclfc
deslgner sc we had tc thlnk cf an ar-
rangement that dcesn't lcck llke a trade
show with cabins.
Tc answer tc thls excluslvlty chal-
lenge, Szcnyl created multlple black and
3
4
CASE STUDY
white open cabins made from painted
MDF boards in a futuristic style.
I always like playing with forms and
studying them, states Szonyi. The
units are very simple but they have a
twist that makes them really interesting
and hard to understand in terms of
gecmetry when taklng a frst glance."
She continues: We wanted to make
them from acrylic sheets but the budget
did not allow us to use that material.
However, I believe the painted MDFs
wlth the hlgh glcss fnlsh glves an amaz-
ing result as well.
Regardless of how amazing the end
result appears, Szonyi admits that the
units were a challenge in terms of ar-
rangement. The arrangement was not
easy as the place is not huge compared
tc the number cf unlts we had tc ft
within it, she reveals.
There werent so many options to
play arcund wlth sc we had tc fnd the
mcst effclent laycut."
Richweisz continues: Another thing
is that a lot of retail outlets in Dubai
5
Shipping containers
used fcr cffce space
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CASE STUDY
6
Black and white
became the logo of
The cARTel
7
Metal stalrcase fts
in with the vibe of the
industrial locale

8
Uffce space
9
Futuristic furniture
8 9
6 7
have gct thls cver-the-tcp feel whlch ls
nice for certain brands, but we wanted
tc keep lt mcre urban, a llttle mcre rug-
ged as we are in an industrial and art
district so we didnt decorate it with red
carpets and chandellers. we wanted the
cppcslte pclnt cf vlew fcr the deslgn."
Pclntlng tc the bulky black steps
runnlng acrcss tc the seccnd fccr where
the units and clothes continue to be dis-
played, he says: "Fcr example, we kept
this metal staircase to accommodate to
the lndustrlal amblance."
More tributes to the industrial status
of the location can be seen through the
fccrlng cf the space. "we used epcxy
palnt tc keep the mccd and style cf the
warehcuse where the texture and the
fact that you can create monochromatic
patterns made us declde cn lt as an
absclute cptlcn," says Szcnyl.
Challenges continued when the time
came tc lntegrate an cffce alcngslde
the retall area. The result! Ancther lnte-
gration of industrial design that looks
bcth strlklng and perfectly sultable tc
the rawness cf the dlstrlct. "we came up
wlth the ldea cf uslng shlpplng ccntaln-
ers which is again a kind of industrial
sclutlcn," says klchwelsz.
Barber adds that another motive was
tc create a deslgn that ls adaptable, as
the future is always an unknown and a
tlme fcr franchlslng may ccme scmeday.
The team wanted to create a signature
space that cculd be recreated else-
where, as 8arber pclnts cut, lt's a falrly
slmple deslgn.
Because Desert Fish ls alsc belng put
tcgether ln the same space, as well as
the fact that The cARTel team works on
many phctc shccts fcr the shcwrccm,
the rear cf the warehcuse ls stlll kept as
a phctcgraphy studlc, bcastlng a large
space sultable fcr events and launches.
"we have a slldlng dccr that prcvldes
this connection to the studio and The
cAkTel space, but at the same tlme,
each one has its own identity, so we
control the communication between
twc areas dependlng cn the need,"
klchwelsz states.
when speaklng cf the future,
klchwelsz admlts that there ls a "blg
questlcn mark". Fe gces cn: "lt's pretty
much a new ldea, a new shcpplng expe-
rlence. lt's cutslde a shcpplng mall and
you actually have to make an effort to
drlve dcwn here."
Fcwever, drlftlng tc a happler frame
cf mlnd, he ccncludes: "8ut ln terms cf
whcever steps ln here, l always get pcsl-
tlve feedback."
DUBAI
1
Shining gem
CI D EXPLORES HBA S FUSI ON OF MEDI TERRANEAN, ARABI C BEACH AND
BEAUX- ARTS I NFLUENCES AT THE ST. REGIS SAADI YAT I SLAND RESORT
CASE STUDY
T
he St. Regis Saadiyat Island
Resort, Abu Dhabi, sits nestled
like a gem between a Gary
Player-designed golf course and
the white powdery beaches of the Ara-
bian Gulf. Epitomising St. Regis heritage
cf excellence and elegance, lt ls the frst
luxury beach resort in Abu Dhabi.
Opened in late December, 2011, the
resort is a recent addition to the brands
pcrtfcllc and the frst cf three rescrts
planned for the Middle East.
Created in 1904 by John Jacob Astor
IV, the brand has continually strived
tc be the fnest hctel ln the wcrld. Ac-
cording to a statement: Every St. Regis
address ls a unlque refectlcn cf lts
location, a showcase of architecture and
design that continues the distinctive
crlglnallty cf the frst St. kegls hctel."
1
Lobby.
2
55&5
th
, The Grill.
2
Designed by Hirsch Bedner Associ-
ates (HBA), the resorts interiors artfully
marry a contemporary Mediterranean
architectural style with local Arabic
beach lnfuences, all wlth a gentle ncd
to the original Beaux-Arts classic on
New Yorks Fifth Avenue.
HBAs challenging design interpreta-
tlcn dellvered, wlth refnement and
tasteful moderation.
The Arabian Gulf is celebrated
throughout the entire resort. According
to HBA associate Ira Imerlishvili: The
most distinguishable feature is the mil-
lion dollar view you see upon entering
the resorts dramatic lobby. The entire
back wall is made of frameless glass
overlooking the sea, offering amazing
unobstructed views unlike any other in
Abu uhabl."
Archltectural frm wccds 8agct
designed the resorts arch-shaped
footprint to capitalise on water views at
every possible juncture, connecting the
exterior to the interior. HBA carried the
beach narrative throughout, with a natu-
ral palette of creams, blues and golds.
Conveying tendrils of seaweed, rib-
bons of blue and green Italian marble
interweave amongst tumbled and
pcllshed 8lancc uellcatc marble fccrs
in the lobby area. Custom tufted wool
rugs in rich ochres, golds and blues
carry through the aquatic theme with
watery imagery of sea kelp, anemones
and coral.
walls cf hand-rubbed plaster prcvlde
a subtle backdrop to the bespoke glass
llght fxtures. ueslgned and manufac-
tured by Preciosa Lighting, the signature
CASE STUDY
3
Sontaya restaurant
exterior.
lobby chandelier in subtle golds and
ochres combines hand-blown glass,
cut crystal, metal frames, and LED light
tubes programmed to pulsate.
Preciosas sculptural glass references
depictions of sea creatures; the chan-
delier is additionally set off by an inset
gold mosaic dome. A chandelier trio,
also by Preciosa, energises the lobby
staircase with a stand-out and decidedly
modern combination of acrylic, crystal,
and fbre-cptlcs.
Furnishings in the lobby and adjacent
drawing room support the relaxed at-
mosphere of the beach concept without
being contrived. Pleasantly gnarled
driftwood table bases with glass tops
are offset by rattan, leather in deep
chocolate, misty grey velvet upholstery
and airy, loosely woven drapery. Cleft
slate mixed with black and gold glass
mosaic walls at the nearby Sucre Patis-
serie provide a dramatic contrast to
the colourful display of macaroons and
chocolates made by the hotel.
Equally as striking is the Manhattan
Lcunge, alsc cn the maln fccr. 8esldes
its namesake, another touchpoint
referencing its New York lineage is the
signature artwork over the bar, typical of
all St. Regis addresses.
New Yorks St. Regis bar displays
Maxwell Parrishs famous Old King
Cole mural. This piece, created by a
local artist, abstractly references Abu
Dhabis past by incorporating an Arabic
thread, dark wood mashrabiya panels
backed by persimmon upholstery mix
wlth tlmber fccrs, cpulent rugs, cnyx
lanterns and a high ceiling.
The Manhattan Lounge is masculine
and invitingly dark, departing from the
lighter tempo of the rest of the resort.
According to the St. Regis: The Manhat-
tan Lounge is primed to become a water-
ing hole and powerhouse room for deals
and discussions.
55&5
th
, The Grill is the resorts dis-
tinguished restaurant, and additional
reference to its New York pedigree. 55
th

Street and 5
th
Avenue is the physical
location of the original St. Regis hotel.
F8A deftly fused ccmplexlty wlth clarlty
in the restaurants interior. Marble walls
oriented to accentuate horizontal stria-
tions are enhanced by black marble hori-
zcntal bandlng, reachlng frcm the fccr
tc lts lcfty celllng. 8lack wccd tlmber
3
fccrs and smcky venetlan glass chan-
deliers are contrasted by an intricately
framed ceiling. Playful glass bauble
llght fxtures break up the gecmetry cf
the space whlle subtly hlntlng at fzzy
champagne bubbles.
A cleverly woven brushed metal
wall surface, additionally framed and
backlit, nods at an Art Deco inspiration.
8lack leather furnlture plays a subdued
step-sister to the princess of the room
the walls, ceiling, and exquisite light
fxtures. Ccmpletlng the experlence ls
an upper level loft, complete with genu-
ine red brick walls and bespoke light
fxture lntegratlng as refectcrs a feld cf
overturned glasses.
Clean lines of a timber beam ceiling
and folding green glass exterior walls
complement the contemporary Asian
fusion theme of Sontaya restaurant.
Open and airy, Sontaya sits amidst a
maze of pools overlooking the Gulf. Its
geometry is discreetly punctuated by
the warm dlsc-shaped refectcrs cf lts
tlered pendant llght fxtures. Flsewhere,
high-gloss white walls ornamented
by horizontal decorative tile and a
jade green glass feature entrance wall
CASE STUDY
4
Ocean Suite bedroom.
5
Grand staircase.

6
The Manhattan
Lounge.
7
Iridium Spa.
6 7
4 5
enhances Sontayas minimalist and
contemplative setting.
Maximising tranquillity is a way to
describe the St. Regis Iridium Spa. As
the hotel relayed, the name was inspired
by the Greek goddess Iris who tran-
scends the sea and sky as a messenger
and manifests as a rainbow. Iridium
is also one of the worlds rarest and
most precious metals. Meshing the two
inspirations with HBAs skilful design
nonetheless makes Iridium Spa a truly
luxurious destination.
Diverting from the typical pastel,
dreamy spa interior, Iridiums interior is
visually complex for a spa, yet excep-
tionally relaxing. With a neutral palette
heavily reliant on blacks and greys, the
spa presents a mysterious environment
to promote deep introspection. Intricate
high-contrast tile work in jacuzzi areas
hint at Islamic geometry, as does the
sumptuous iridescent circular mosaic
lnlald fccr at the spa's receptlcn. Muted
silver leaf metallic inset ceiling domes,
crushed paper-like chandeliers with
sclntlllatlng fbre-cptlcs, and a black
and gold mosaic hamam are just a few of
the unique details that make Iridium Spa
a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
Intertwining the public spaces to the
private guest rooms is stylised imagery
of local mangrove trees interpreted in
the corridor carpet pattern. The resorts
377 guest rooms carry on the same
Mediterranean resort theme. The palette
ls natural and restful, stcne fccrs are
softly honed.
Candice DCruz, director of marketing
and communications, St. Regis Saadiyat
lsland kescrt says a slgnlfcant 30%
of each guest room is dedicated to the
bath. Rustic stone insets, an overhead
doorless shower, and separate his/her
cpen vanlty areas, casually fnlshed
with sliding rattan baskets harmonise
the bath with its tranquil setting. Sooth-
ing browns and creams are punctuated
by turquoise coral bed quilts to resonate
the 6ulf's waters. hatural fbre cn cabl-
netry fronts delicately echoes sea grass.
Frcm sea tc sand, tc the lnfuences cf
the Mediterranean, to the luxury of the
gilded age, HBA designed truly special
interiors at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island
Resort. Citing the vision of the Astors,
the St. Regis brand has sought to create
a collection of distinguished destina-
tions, each with its own vivid and dis-
tinct personality. If each property could
be likened to a precious stone, the St.
Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi
would be a radiant pearl.
WHERE THE STYL I SH, I NNOVATI VE DESI GN
I S BORN OUT OF THE CRAFTSMANSHI P
OF WHOL E GENERATI ONS OF GL ASSMAKERS
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort | Abu Dhabi, UAE
PRECIOSA GULF, FZCO
JAFZA View LB 19
Of ce 2407 Jebel Ali Free Zone
P. O. Box 18185
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
P + 971 4 884 8234, Ext. 202
F + 971 4 884 8235
M + 971 50 551 9086
E sales@gulf.preciosa.com
www.preciosalighting.com
SHOW REPORT SHOW REPORT
1
SHOW REPORT SHOW REPORT
Days to
remember
ONE OF ART WEEK S MAJ OR HI GHLI GHTS, THE SECOND DESI GN
DAYS DUBAI WOWED THE CROWD WI TH I TS QUI RKY PI ECES,
I NSTALLATI ONS AND LI VE PERFORMANCES
SHOW REPORT
I
t was dlffcult tc mlss the cclcssal
whlte tent stretched acrcss ucwn-
tcwn uubal wlth the 8ur| Khallfa
lccmlng as a backdrcp, but mlsslng
what was lnslde wculd have been an
even blgger lcss.
8ack wlth lts array cf ccllectlble
deslgn pleces alcng wlth newly featured
lnstallatlcns, llve perfcrmances and
publlc talks, ueslgn uays uubal man-
aged tc create a blgger hype ccmpared
tc lts launch last year.
wlth a 30% grcwth ln partlclpatlcn,
lncludlng a larger number cf reglcnal
exhlbltcrs, lt ls safe tc say that ueslgn
uays uubal has establlshed ltself ln the
Mlddle Fast, bcastlng gallerles frcm
slx ccntlnents whlch makes lt the mcst
glcbally dlverse deslgn falr ln the wcrld.
1
Scuthern 6ulld
gallery.
2
Feadless hcrses by
Khalld Shafar.
2
"Last year was an lntrcductlcn, we
had |ust cpened the dccr," says ueslgn
uays uubal dlrectcr, Cyrll Zammlt. Fe
explalns that there had been a ma|cr
mlsunderstandlng cf the falr's purpcse
ln the reglcn, and thls year almed tc set
that reccrd stralght.
"Thls ls nct |ust a furnlture exhlbltlcn,
the pleces are mcre deslgn cb|ects,"
Zammlt clarlfes. "They dc cf ccurse
have functlcnallty, but there ls a greater
deslgn aesthetlc."
Zammlt mentlcns that many were
surprlsed tc fnd that the cb|ects were
fcr sale, but stressed that ueslgn uays
uubal ls, ln fact, a ccmmerclal deslgn
falr. "There ls a dlfference between
the pleces here and the mass prcduc-
tlcn that ls gclng cn, there ls actual
craftsmanshlp whlch glves the pleces lts
value," he says, whlle addlng that thls
year has resulted ln "strcng sales."
Fe ccntlnues: "Slnce the anncunce-
ment cf ueslgn uays uubal, twc new
deslgn gallerles have cpened ln uubal,
bcth brlnglng fne and rare ccllectlble
deslgn tc the market, chccslng tc stcck
mcdern deslgn pleces and classlc lccns
cf the 20
th
century.
"Thelr success lndlcates hcw much
the market ls ncw ready tc welccme
hlgh-end deslgn, wlth many ltems belng
clcser tc wcrks cf art than furnlture."
Althcugh less cf a surprlse than
last year's launch, the 2013 edltlcn
held hard-tc-fnd cb|ects and cne-cff
lnstallatlcn pleces all under cne rccf.
wlth classlc cb|ects such as Uscar
SHOW REPORT
3
Construction series.
4
You Fade to Light.
5
The Analog Project
series.
Niemeyers benches to todays it tech-
nology, 3D printing, Design Days Dubai
was without question a must see for all;
whether design enthusiasts, collectors
or interior designers and architects.
Many of the pieces and installations
for this years preview were exhibited
especially for Design Days Dubai, grant-
ing the fair greater exclusivity.
One such installation called Time
Dubai by Humans Since 1982, was pre-
sented by 8russels frm vlctcr Funt ues-
ignart Dealer. Made from 288 special
two-handed analog clocks and powered
by 576 electrical engines, all clocks
housed together make what appears
to be a giant digital display, creating a
choreography of 576 rotating hands to
form extensive texts beside elaborate
customised patterns and graphics.
Another installation, and one of the
highlights of the fair, was from The
Analog Project series by Italian duo
Andrea Mancuso and Emilia Serra, the
frst cf lts klnd ln the reglcn. The lnstal-
lation appears as a sketch but is in fact
created through a computer grid with
the use of simple black merino woolen
nylon wires built by hand, merging soft-
ware with craftsmanship. Aiming to pay
homage to the origins of modern design,
the installation features pivotal pieces
including a Le Corbusier chaise lounge,
a Mackintosh chair, a Noguchi table and
a Frank Lloyd Wright chair.
The visual impact of the three
dimensional sketch is set to challenge
conventional spatial representations.
Additional architectural elements of
Middle Eastern culture are also inte-
grated with the inclusion of chandeliers,
fashioned in the traditional Islamic style
seen in mosques.
Using the Middle East as an inspira-
tion could be observed throughout
the fair, with many galleries exhibiting
pieces that evoked direct nods to the
UAE as well as more loose concepts
based on the region.
One of these pieces called Ja-ri by
designer Jihoon Ha presented by Korean
_Croft Gallery is an organic sculpture
based on a traditional Korean mat made
from ABS forms and painted in coral,
giving the viewer the feeling of sitting on
a ridgeline of the desert.
3 4
4
SHOW REPORT
La Gallerie Nationale, a gallery
based in Dubai and located in Al Serkal
Avenue, featured Italian designer and
monumental artist Helidon Xhixha, who
exhlblted ln the Mlddle Fast fcr the frst
time.
Displaying his many sculptures of
stainless steel, the bookcase called
Desert Dunes made from Cor-Ten steel
was created especially for the exhibi-
tion, taking its inspiration from the
beauty of the desert.
"l vlslted uubal fcr the frst tlme ln
2011, and during a road trip to Ras Al
Khaimah I noticed the shapes of the
dunes and the way they look when the
light is cast upon them, says Xhixha.
His technique involves capturing and
sculpting light through an intervention
by folding and turning the steel inside
cut. ln 2012, Xhlxha's frst mcnument,
the Elliptical Energy was installed in
the UAE at the entrance of the Melia
Hotel in Port Rashid Melia, inspired by
the night lights of Dubai.
Commenting on the design fair, the
designer says that it was fantastic and
very well organised.
Closer to home, Emirati designer
Khalid Shafar displayed many
collaborations that promoted Emirati
culture and traditions, working
with French cabinet-making brand
Moissonnier. He produced two cabinets
6
Desert Dunes by
Xhixha Helidon.
7
Oscar Niemeyer
bench.
6 7
entitled Headless Horses to tell the
tales of two legendary horses that
had achieved victories at the Dubai
World Cup but tragically died. His other
collaborations included carpets inspired
by Talli embroidery presented by Tai
Ping, as well as a live performance
called Illusion to display the pearling
industry in the UAE.
Another Dubai-based gallery,
}+A, lccated ln Al ucz and a frst
time exhibitor at Design Days Dubai,
previewed an interesting proposition
for the city itself. The project is called
OszoTM5- Vision by Leipzig-based
new media artist and designer Ritchie
Riediger. The object, made from glass
and steel, represents a horse the
glass makes it a three-dimensional
object, signifying the duality of surface
and reallty. The deslgn frm's plan ls
to erect this lighting piece as urban
decorative art in Dubai, with the horse
representing a vital part of Bedouin
history.
Partner at Carpenters Workshop
Gallery, Julien Lompbrail who exhibited
last year, calls the Middle East the new
world. He adds: I love the energy, its
really going up in the region. In the old
world [Europe], things are slowing down
but here its all so fresh. Its great to
share this enthusiasm.
Last year, Carpenters Workshop
displayed an assortment of entertaining
interactive lighting features with this
years preview leaving us just as satis-
fed wlth rAndcm lnternatlcnal's plece
You Fade to Light, which is both an art
piece as well as a functional mirror and
a light source that could be dimmed us-
ing a remote control.
The fusion of technology and crafts-
manship is one of the trends for this
years show as well as using simple
materials in a new way.
There have been two main materials
this year, says Zammit. One of them is
wood which is always being recreated.
l was, fcr the frst tlme, lntrcduced tc
something called black Tasmanian
wood. Also copper such as silver cast
and bronzed which can be seen in
Based Upon gallery.
Sustainability also played a major role
with the live performance Construction
Series by Studio Swine presented by
Thompson Reuters in collaboration
with Brazilian gallery +Coletivo Amor
de Madre. Using materials from
construction sites in the city, the aim
was to convert construction waste into a
furniture collection live at the fair.
Judging by the sheer number of en-
thusiastic visitors at the second edition
of the event, it can now be said that the
region is opening up to the myriad pos-
sibilities of great design.
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of Scandinavia
SHOW REPORT
Design
Days
Dubai
TOP
10
CID picks the showstopping
pieces that caught our eyes at
Design Days Dubai 2013
Thls lnstallatlcn, speclfcally deslgned fcr ueslgn uays uubal, was the lntrcductlcn
plece tc the exhlbltlcn by vlctcr Funt ueslgnart uealer, lccated at the very frcnt cf
the falr. The lnstallatlcn ls made cf 288 speclal twc-handed analcg clccks, pcwered by
576 electrlcal englnes. All 288 clccks tcgether fcrm what appears tc be a glant dlgltal
dlsplay, creatlng a chcrecgraphy cf 576 rctatlng hands wlth extenslve texts beslde
elabcrate custcmlsed patterns and graphlcs.
Time Dubai by Humans Since 1982
hlcknamed the '8razllan green cne', the Sushl ll chalr by 8razlllan Campana brcthers,
exhlblted by Perlmeter Art & ueslgn, ls a plece frcm the deslgners' Sushl ccllectlcn
whlch ccntalns rlngs that are remlnlscent cf the fccd ln lts name. The plece ltself
ls made up cf felt, textlles, as well as synthetlcs that are rclled lntc ccncentrlc rlngs
welded cntc an lrcn structure.
Sushi II by Fernando and Humberto Campana
Fxhlblted by Scuthern 6ulld gallery, thls lnterestlng ltem ls
lnsplred by an angler fsh, sultable as bcth a llghtlng plece as
well as a seatlng nest. Fcr Fefer, whc usually deslgns slmllar
nests fcr anlmals, thls ls hls frst lnterlcrs plece. The prcduct
ls made up cf a steel substructure, ccvered ln leather, net and
sheepskln. The net ls wcven by cne cf the last fshermen net
weavers, whcse name, Audrey, was glven tc the plece as a
trlbute tc her craftsmanshlp.
Audrey by Porky Hefer

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BLOSSOM
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Crystal Palace Collection: architecture.swarovski.com/shopfinder
SHOW REPORT
Industry Gallery exhibited the Molecular chair,
designed by Antonio Pio Sarachino, which has now
become somewhat of a pop culture icon, gracing the
covers of countless magazines. The piece itself is
what the designer calls a fun object which plays
on the Baroque chair. Composed of an iron frame,
every recycled wool ball is hand sewn onto the
structure, produced through a felt process. Although
it has a somewhat futuristic feel while displaying the
'sclentlfc' structure cf the chalr, lt ls made ln true
Italian fashion with traditional craftsmanship.
Molecular chair by Antonio Pio Sarachino
The Dodai bench by Peter Marigold is made in col-
laboration with Japanese furniture company Hinoki
Kogei, created from a log split into two pieces
which are each opened up and set opposing each
other. Exhibited by Sarah Myerscough Fine Art, it
lncludes a ccverlng frcm wcven grass called 'lgusa'
and wooden rods. The covering can be rolled back
and the interior space used for storage. The piece
is held together with coloured bungees stretched
over dark hardwood turned knobs. The wood used
ls a type cf }apanese Cypress called hlba. 'ucdal'
means 'base' ln }apanese, and lt lccsely references
architectural beams laid on house foundations.
Dodai by Peter Marigold
Illuminated sculpture Milk Drops, by glass artist Jeff Zimmerman and exhibited by R 20th
Century Gallery, is a beautiful three dimensional installation that feels almost alive when
ln the mldst cf lt. Made frcm hand blcwn glass that ls mlrrcred, Zlmmerman's wcrk takes
inspiration from nature. He describes the process of blowing glass as a frozen moment in
nature". Mllk urcps ls a creatlcn that ls lnsplred by the fcrms ln nature, refectlng the way
things grow. Its delicate simplicity is what makes this piece truly incredible.
Milk Drops by Jeff Zimmerman
SHOW REPORT
Second time exhibitor at Design Days Dubai,
Carpenters Workshop presented the City Lights
wall light created by Frederik Molenschot, which
combines a bronze structure with LED lights shoot-
lng upwards. The name cf the fxture mlmlcs lts
inspiration which aims to re-enact the ambiance of
driving past street lamps at night or looking over a
city while in an aeroplane.
City Lights by Frederik Molenschot
Dubai-based J+A Gallery displayed the work of
Leipzigs new media artist and lighting objects
designer Ritchie Riediger. This colourful lighting
piece is created through the recording of burning
wood which was then converted into frequencies
slgnlfed by the dlfferent cclcur rlngs. The llghtlng
fxture, remlnlscent cf a lava lamp, changes cclcurs
and is hand made from Borosilicate glass tubes,
acrylic glass, chrome-plated brass, including
electrical parts. Every tube is individually manufac-
tured by the artist.
OszoTMO- Fire by Ritchie Riediger
The Ja- ri exhibited by Korean _Croft Gallery, which can be used as a lounge chair, is made
up of an ABS form and painted in coral. Using the idea of a traditional Korean seating mat,
the organic forms give the viewer the feeling of sitting on a ridgeline of the desert. An unex-
pected plus is that it is surprisingly comfortable.
Ja- ri by Jihoon Ha
Made up of 100,000 tooth picks dyed
in natural vegetable dye, creating six
shades from grey to black, Australian
artist Lucy McRaes Prickly lamp, exhib-
ited by Broached Commissions gallery,
creates a physical emotion of living in
a deeply harsh environment. In this
case, the living conditions of Australian
women during the colonial period pro-
vided the inspiration. The pointy body
of the lamp evokes a protective skin,
serving as a metaphor for the womens
lives. The striking design piece includes
other materials such as wood, brass,
as well as steel. Through its texture and
form, the lamp has an anthropomorphic
Prickly lamp by Lucy McRae
CASE STUDY
1
At your
service
HOTEL DESI GN SPECI ALI STS DISCUSS THE CURRENT
I NNOVATI ONS, TRENDS AND PROJ ECTS I N THE
REGI ON S HOSPI TALI T Y SECTOR
B
esides being places for relax-
ation and indulgence, hotels
have ncw beccme a refectlcn
of new technologies, innova-
tions and trends, and the aspirations
of nations. With the legendary Burj Al
Arab and the more recent Yas Hotel,
hospitality design has long been one of
the major accomplishments that put the
Gulf region on the map.
According to John OGorman, sales
manager of Smartglass International:
The region seems to be introducing
an indigenous spirit for hospitality into
international chains.
We look at Marriott, Kempinski,
InterContinental and Fairmont, amongst
others, and see that they are offering
unique regional experiences not found
elsewhere in the world.
Observing some of the new additions
to hospitality design in the region,
OGorman notes: From incorporating
private dining areas for families, to the
latest technologies for the in-room expe-
rience, the region is at the forefront of
commercial hospitality design.
One of Smartglass Internationals
upcoming regional projects includes
the Indigo Hotel in the King Abdullah
Financial District in Riyadh, KSA, where
the frm used Prlvacy Smartglass, ccm-
bining the functionality of an opaque
screen with the aesthetic of clear glass,
in the conference facilities to allow for
privacy-on-demand.
Speaking of predominant styles,
OGorman comments that transpar-
ency has become a major factor incor-
porated into designs of hotel spaces,
using guest rooms with very few parti-
tions that obstruct natural light as an
example of this trend. The Kempinski
Grand & Ixir hotel in Manama, Bahrain,
utlllsed Prlvacy Smartglass ln all /60
guestrooms as a screen between the
bedroom and the bathroom, he adds.
Guest room experience is now hugely
impacted by bathroom design with new
trends and styles taking over the global
market. Today designers and architects
are looking to the hotel bathroom as the
new frontier of the guestroom, turning
what has long been a mostly functional
space into a haven and means of es-
cape, says OGorman.
He explains that interior designers are
tackling this new wave in several ways;
one, by opening up closed and cluttered
bathrooms, and two, increasing the
1
Bonnington Hotel,
Dubai.
FEATURE
2
Kempinski Hotel,
Manama, Bahrain.
3
Rocco Forte Hotel,
Abu Dhabi.
3
2
level of light and space. The drive to
create additional space within existing
boundaries has been working in har-
mony with the opening up of buildings
to provide more light.
Wall partitioning within guest rooms
diminishes both light and space but has
been seen as necessary for bathroom
privacy, he explains.
Smartglass Internationals solution
to this puzzle is the Privacy Smartglass
which creates a bright open space
and not only lets more light into the
bathroom, but also gives the impression
of increased area throughout the entire
room.
Daryl Barker, managing director at
Bagno Design/Sanipex agrees with the
notion of creating a spa-like space for
hotel bathrooms rather than having a
simple, functional room. Showering
is a high point of the hotel guest room
experience, he adds.Old showers are
out; rain showers are in with oversized
bathtubs bringing luxury. Many new
hotel designers place a large, freestand-
ing tub in the middle of the suite sur-
rounded by glass shower doors.
He continues: A deep soaking bath
and a rainfall showerhead are all stan-
dard in the bathrooms of the recently
opened luxurious JW Marriott Marquis
rooms which Bagno Design supplied.
In addition to the JW Marriott Marquis,
Barker also mentions projects including
the two new St. Regis Hotels located in
Abu Dhabi.
Speaking of bathroom trends, Barker
states: Nature is visible with the de-
mand fcr scfter fnlshes utlllslng prcd-
ucts such as marble, copper, bronze
and Bagnotec re-constituted stone,
especially for basins and bathtubs.
Moving onto styles that are pre-
dominantly found in hotels in the Middle
East, Barker says: Projects in this area
vary hugely due to the cultural diversi-
ties; however, a softer more classical
look is gaining ground in the luxury
hospitality sector.
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FEATURE
4
JW Marriott Marquis
Hotel, Dubai.
5
Hues Boutique Hotel,
Dubai.
4
5
Drawlink Groups junior architect,
Dafni Gkosiou, comments on the devel-
opment of hotel design in the Middle
East: Incorporation of European-styled
furniture mix and balance between Gulf
and European styles where local pat-
terns are kept but are minimalised with
the introduction of new products and
more natural materials.
This balanced mix can be observed in
the Rocco Forte Hotel in Abu Dhabi with
its 11-storey curved structure with green
and blue glass panels that refect the
colours of the Arabian Sea. Oliga Polizzi,
who had overseen the design of all the
hotels properties, blended European
and Middle Eastern styles to create a
traditional yet modern look.
Al Reyami Hospitality and Retail
division has undertaken the complete
ft cut wcrks cf the hctel's hcche bar]
restaurant as well as parts of the hotels
spa and swimming pool facilities.
Subhash hamblar, deputy general
manager, hospitality and retail division,
A need for fex|b|e room ut|||sat|on, |noreas|ng demands on oomfort and sty|e and new pr|or|t|sat|ons |n
||v|ng quarters suoh as an upgrad|ng of wet rooms are some of the oha||enges of modern |nter|or des|gn:
Hawa AG takes them on w|th a oont|nuous|y expand|ng range of h|gh-qua||ty hardware for spaoe-sav|ng
s||d|ng, fo|d|ng and staok|ng so|ut|ons. P|ann|ng a v|s|t to www.hawa.oh |s therefore a|ways worthwh||e
for aroh|teots, p|anners and prooessors a||ke.
Hawa Middle East FZE, Jebel Ali, Dubai, UAE, Tel. +971 4 887 36 94, Fax +971 4 887 36 93, www.hawa.ch
Hawa sliding hardware: open for refreshing elegance.
FEATURE
Al Reyami, says: The use of the sun
dlal wall feature wlth sandstcne fnlsh ls
effective as it gives the space a timeless
look while bar glass panels add to the
overall panache of this bar/restaurant.
Regarding the spa design, Nambiar
comments: Hailed as one of the most
sensorial spas in the emirate with its so-
phisticated wet rooms and Vichy shower
sulte, the use cf marble fccrlng, cell-
ings, special mosaics, and feature glass
panels from Al Reyami Glass in each
of its private rooms makes it a perfect
blend of opulence and tranquility.
Contrary to traditional and classical
styles, Gkosiou says technology also
plays a big role in hotel design, from
products to actual interiors and archi-
tecture. Using Yas Hotel as an example,
Gkosiou states that high technology in-
corporated with design is making it big
in the market, with structures, curves,
organic forms and spectacular shapes
focusing on better visual design.
Speaking of technological innova-
tions in hotels, Jonathan Peters, com-
mercial director, Interior International
says: Technological advancement
with equipment capable of being pre-
programmed to suit individual taste for
lighting, air-conditioning, music, interac-
tive television, communications systems
and entertainment is now all readily
available in the market, and it is com-
monplace for our in house CAD design
team tc wcrk wlth these speclfcatlcns."
In terms of new projects develop-
ment, Peters reveals: Last month we
completed a package of joinery, furni-
ture and upholstery for The Jumeirah
Group at their new VIP Lounge at the Ju-
meirah Beach Hotel. This is an exclusive
6
area for those guests, and their children,
which include a separate games room
with custom PS3 stations, and a crche
ftted cut wlth custcm stcrage spaces
in brilliant colours of the rainbow with
specialist joinery and carefully selected
soft upholstery suitable for all areas.
When it comes to the sector's require-
ments moving forward, Peters states
that sustainability is well and truly on
the design agenda.
Current movement is now towards
a variety of custom products that are
green and environmentally friendly.
It entails setting up a factory with
very speclfc materlal management,
handling, and procedural capabilities,
which are then audited to accredited
standards. This is no longer just a state-
ment, or a rubber stamp of approval,
he asserts.
6
JW Marriott Marquis
hotel, Dubai.
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also known as ewater+
Tornado Flush is an integral feature in every new TOTO toilet.
This completely new fushing system cleans and fushes
both the rim and bowl in an innovative way
CeFiONtect is a glaze applied to all TOTO ceramic products,
leaving them with a long-lasting fnish that prevents the
build-up of mould, limescale and waste matter.
For a bathroom to be comfortable, it has to ease the stress of
everyday life. WASHLET does just that with its range of integrated,
automatic, sensor-activated functions.
Available with soft close seat & cover
T
he frst reccrds
ldentlfylng the use cf
baths reach back tc
apprcxlmately 3,0008C.
Fcwever, they dld nct exlst fcr
hyglene reascns, but rather
fcr rellglcus purpcses. water
usage was vlewed as a purlfylng
element fcr bcth the bcdy and
scul. ln that aspect, nct sc much
has changed tcday.
Fcwever, shlfts ln trends ln
tcday's bathrccm market are
always ln the wcrks, and 2013 ls
nc exceptlcn tc thls rule.
Scme trends, such as ecc-
frlendly sanltary ware and
fnlshes aren't new, but thelr
lnfuence stlll runs deep. lvan
Zupancvlc, head cf lnternatlcnal
prc|ect sales and expcrt, Laufen
sald: "The blggest technclcglcal
advancements are ln the realms
cf water-savlng. Alcng wlth dual-
fush tcllets, whlch are ncw pretty
much standard lssue ... there
has been a sharp rlse ln demand
fcr lnfra-red, senscr ccntrcls cn
bathrccm brassware."
Thls trend can be seen ln
Tctc's ewater, whlch mlsts the
tcllet bcwl surface after each
use, easlng malntenance whlle
decreaslng dependence cn
cleanlng chemlcals.
Fcclcgy cn the mlnd, bathrccm
deslgn tcday ls very much
lnsplred by nature. lt's nct cnly
refected ln a stlll strcng natural
palette cf sccthlng earth tcnes,
but the materlals themselves.
8agnc ueslgn recently
launched a llne cf stcne baslns,
whlch aslde frcm belng attractlve,
are durable and easy tc malntaln.
Llkewlse, Lencvc has
lntrcduced lts Sand Stcne vessel
Slnk, hand-carved frcm a slngular
sclld blcck cf natural stcne,
whlch ls then further shaped and
pcllshed. Meanwhlle, natural
lmagery, such as Papllllcn by
Slcls, deplcts butterfles ln
cclcurful marble mcsalcs whlle
kAK's west wccd mlmlcs tlmber
wccd fccrlng, but ln pcrcelaln.
Alcngslde the nature theme,
bathrccms stlll lean tcwards
creatlng a spa atmcsphere -
upscale, serene, and uncluttered.
Large shcwers wlth ample glass
fcr natural llght, frameless
dccrs and celllng as well as
slde-mcunted shcwerheads, llke
6rche's kalnshcwer F-Serles,
remaln strcng.
Mlnlmallst and clean aesthetlc
llnes, but alsc easy malntenance
ls a trend. }udd Lcrd, dlrectcr cf
lndustrlal deslgn, uelta Faucet
Ccmpany, sald: "we're seelng
clean, mlnlmallst deslgn dressed
ln warmer, tradltlcnal fnlshes
such as shades cf brcnze. There
ls a mcve tc ellmlnate hardware,
wlth hldden, bullt-ln handles fcr a
cleaner lcck."
Mcst bathrccm manufacturers
have ccllabcrated wlth a famcus
deslgner cr archltect tc create
a branded llne whlch mcre
artlstlcally ccnnects pleces tc the
bath envlrcnment. Fcr example,
bcth uuravlt and Fansgrche
have Phlllppe Starck llnes.
Addltlcnally, an Armanl bathrccm
ccncept ls ln the kcca famlly.
whether lt's fcr cleanslng cr
a retreat fcr renewal and re-
energlslng, bathrccms are spaces
lncreaslng ln lmpcrtance as well
as area. Flxtures and sanltary
ware manufacturers must
ccntlnucusly keep up wlth the
grcwlng demands cf the market.
wlth the bathrccm an
lmpcrtant part cf cur llves,
Commercial Interior Design
speaks tc bathrccm suppllers
ycu shculd kncw.
BATHROOM
SuPPLlFkS YUu SFUuLu KhUw
SUPPLIERS YOU SHOULD KNOW
Tell us about your company?
Delta Faucet Company is one of the
largest and most awarded Ameri-
can manufacturers of residential
and commercial faucets. Founded
by the Masco Corporation in 1954,
with the introduction of the single-
handle taps, the manufacturer
owns the Delta and Brizo faucet
brands and has an extensive line of
commercial products, both manual
and electronic. At Delta Faucet
Company, we are committed to
Roca is dedicated to the design,
production, sales and marketing
of bathroom products as well
as ceramic wall and floor tiles
for the architecture, building
and interior design sectors. The
company employs over 20,200
people, has 72 production
plants and is active in more than
135 countries spread across five
continents. Roca works closely
with prestigious designers,
architects and interior designers
such as Moneo, Chipperfield,
Herzog & de Meuron, Benedito,
Giugiaro and Schmidt & Lackner.
Through constant research and
development, Roca promotes
initiatives which help protect the
environment.
What are your best selling
products?
Roca is a bathroom solution pro-
Dubai); Al Khaleej Palace Hotel,
Dubai; Dubai International Airport
(Terminal 2); Jumeirah Lake Towers
(Dubai); Kempinski Hotel (Bahrain);
and Aramco Building, Dammam.
We are currently working on a
number of private villas in the UAE
besides a number of residential and
commercial projects.
Whats sets you apart?
We go beyond excellent design to
incorporate smart thinking that
anticipates peoples needs, provid-
ing thoughtful innovations and
inspirational designs.
where de we hnd yeu?
Delta Faucet Company sells
products in more than 53 countries
including 11 markets in the Middle
East the UAE, Saudi Arabia,
Oman, and Kuwait.
These products are also sold
through builders and contractors.
Please visit our website at-http://
worldwide.deltafaucet.com/inter-
national/where-to-buy/index.html
for further information.
Delta Faucet
Roca
environmental sustainability and
we place a high priority on products
that address todays environmental
concerns, like water conservation
and water quality.
To that end, Delta Faucet Company
invests in internal processes and
systems that provide innovative
solutions and ensure exceptional
customer satisfaction.
products?
Diamond Seal products are our
bestselling range. Diamond Seal
Technology combines a durable
Diamond Valve (a ceramic cartridge
embedded with diamonds) with
InnoFlex PEX waterways. The valve
requires no lubrication, eliminates
wear on seals, and ensures like
new operation for the life of the
faucet, lasting up to 10 times longer
than the industry standard.
Diamond seal technology is avail-
able on a vast range of kitchen and
bath products. Kitchen faucets
include select models from the
following ranges: Addison, Trinsic,
Linden, Fuse, Pilar and Cassidy,
while bath faucets include select
models from Addison and Lahara.
Whats new?
Delta Faucet recently launched
H2Okinetic hand-showers and
showerheads. With a full range
of options to meet the needs
of any homeowner, H2Okinetic
showerheads are now offered at a
rate which is less than the industry
standard of 10 litres per minute
thus using up to 40% less water
than their standard counterparts
showerheads. H2OKinetic technolo-
gy hand-showers and showerheads
are available with Addison and
other contemporary shower ranges.
What projects have you been
involved in?
Projects that the company has
undertaken in the region include
the Rolex Tower (Twin Towers
vider and has everything related
to bathrooms (Vitreous China/
Porcelain Element/Khroma/
Meridian), mixers (Thesis,
L90, L20), bathtubs (Becool,
In-flow, Easy, shower column
S-Lim, Victoria-T), basins (Urbis
and Sofia), and accessories
(Hotes2.0 and Nuova).
Whats new?
Roca has shown its leadership in
the bathroom sector through the
establishment of a new concept
of showrooms called Galleries,
in which our values, goals and
objectives and desires are trans-
mitted to the end customer.
Roca now owns such Galleries in
Barcelona, Madrid and Lisbon,
and in 2011 a New London Gal-
lery, designed by Zaha Hadid.
Zaha Hadid Architects and Roca
were delighted to announce the
opening of a brand new flagship
space, the Roca London Gallery,
at Imperial Wharf close to Chel-
sea Harbour. Zaha Hadid and her
team created a design that is not
just purely visual; it also uses
the art of precision and control
to help the visitor understand
the relationship between the
architecture of the space and the
design of Roca bathroom prod-
ucts. The Roca London Gallery is
intended to be much more than
just a display space.
The Roca Galleries represent an
investment in the brand on a
global scale, with the aim of cre-
ating unique spaces facilitating
social and cultural encounters in
the cities that play host to them.
The Roca London Gallery joins
the elite Roca Barcelona, Madrid
and Lisbon Galleries.
What sets you apart?
Roca is one of the largest family-
owned businesses in Europe,
and the fact that the family
runs the business and invests
more than 2% of the company
turnover on research, innovation
and design give us the edge
to improve our products, and
invent new products that gives
solutions to the bathroom sec-
tor and satisf y the taste of the
consumers everywhere.
You can visit the Roca web site
www.roca.com
Call +971(0)43476400
Our regional office is located
at Emaar Gold & Diamond Park,
Building 5, office 111,Sheikh
Zayed Road, Dubai.
Or you can email us at
info.dubai@roca.net
Arte Casa is a supplier of ceramic
tiles, sanitary ware, bathtubs, whirl-
pccls, spas, fxtures, bathrccm
accessories, antique marbles and
mosaic tiles which was established
in 2005, operating in the UAE.
Renowned for the uniqueness
and superior quality of its products,
Arte Casa utilises the creativity of
its prestigious suppliers. These
refned brands were carefully se-
lected for their globally recognised
distinction, eminence and time
honoured traditions. The contem-
porary forms and functions of these
products convey elegant artistic
designs at the same time as revolu-
tionary advanced technologies.
These ascribed creations stand
out with their sophisticated fabrica-
tions, classic designs and endless
variety of forms and colours.
Arte Casas operating objective
ls tc refect the lmage cf a tcp nctch
company, through offering our
clients state-of-the-art products
with the best quality in the world
represented by the best interna-
tional suppliers.
Our second equal goal is to
provide our customers the best
services with a professional ap-
proach and follow up on projects
by emplcylng hlgh quallfed
resources and forming alliances
with established organisations in
the industry.
We have supplied a number of
projects in the UAE for instance
Shoreline apartments Palm
Jumeirah, Falcon City of Wonders
Dubai, Fairmont hotel Abu Dhabi
and Kempinski hotel Riyadh.
What are your best-selling
products?
From our retail store, our best sell-
ing products are mainly tiles from
ltallan and Spanlsh frms, because
they use quality raw materials and
innovation in design.
Whats new?
We always try to have new bath-
Arte Casa
room products following the trend
of the market and taste of our
customers. Our suppliers present
new ranges every season matching
the fashion in our range as well as
the new technologies.
We would like to emphasise our
twc new mlxers brands "6lcrglc"
and "Altmans" whlch stand cut fcr
their design and beauty.
What sets you apart from other
companies?
Arte Casa has the biggest show-
room in the UAE with 22,000ft
2
of
space, which allows us to display
the widest range of products with
more than 150 brands from certi-
fed suppllers wcrldwlde.
This variety gives us the ability to
cover all types of customers along
with different tastes in the core of
our business.
Arte Casa has the widest range
of tiles in the market along with
unlque sanltary fxtures prcducts
and wccden fccrs.
The frm ccvers retall buslness as
well as projects in the entire UAE,
through our staff who are based in
Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Once you enter our showroom,
cur quallfed staff members wlll
assist you and provide you with
the design of your dreams adding
personal touches to the design.
How can we contact you?
ARTE CASA L.L.C.
Dubai Showroom
Al Joud Building, Al Quoz 1
Shelkh Zayed kcad (Fxlt /3)
between 3
rd
and /
th
interchange
Shcwrccm T: +971/ 380 8999
Uffce T: +971/ 380 8777
F: +971/ 380 8555
P.U. 8cx 7/176 uubal, uAF
Abu Dhabi Showroom:
Corniche Street, Al Sawari
T: +9712 667 6161
F: +9712 667 0100
PU 8cx 108/00, Abu uhabl, uAF
www.artecasa.ae
info@artecasa.ae
Geberit is the leading sanitary
brand focusing on two product
lines sanitary systems and pip-
ing systems.
Geberit represents long tradi-
tions, vast know-how, reliability
and innovation. As the market
leader in sanitary technology, we
pioneered the concealed cistern
and wall-hung WC solutions.
products?
Geberits concealed cisterns
used around the world offer
unsurpassed quality and years
of trouble-free performance,
and with a wide range of design
solutions give you the aesthetic
freedom to create the bathroom
you have always wanted.
Whats new?
The new actuator plates Sigma10
network of technical consultants
for its customers, being well
positioned with our experts
locally throughout the Gulf
region. We apply competence and
expertise at every stage of the
building project, from working
with the interior designer and
architect, planning with the
MFP ccnsultant untll the fnal
implementation, and delivery on
the building site with the MEP
contractor. What differentiates
us from the competition is this
support network works closely
with interior designers, architects
and MEP contractors and focuses
on demonstrating the superior
quality and value of the Geberit
products, the ease of installation
and maintenance.
UAE : +9714 447 0914
KSA : +966 2 668 3468
Kuwait : +965 2 225 1902
Qatar : +974 4 495 4605
sales.gulf@geberit.com
www.geberit.ae
Geberit
and Sigma50 combine maximum
functionality with aesthetics.
The new Sigma10 with the
stcp-and-gc fush feature radlates
an aura of reduced and almost
minimalistic elegance.
All touchless actuator plates
in Sigma10 come with automatic
fush actuatlcn and dual fush
technology. This feature won the
Sigma10 a six-star rating from the
wFLL water effclency label.
The new Sigma50 showcases
glass as a material, which makes
it seem even lighter than the pre-
vious version. In its simplicity, it is
certaln tc lend a fcatlng elegance
to the bathroom of the future.
The shower toilet Geberit
AquaClean Sela, with its simple,
modern lines and innovative
technology, is brilliant in every
respect. This product integrates
the entire technology and connec-
tions for power and water supplies
in the streamlined ceramic ap-
pliance. Openings in the ceramic
appliance are covered with an
elegant housing attachment, mak-
ing installation and maintenance
as easy as can be.
involved in?
Al Bahar towers Abu Dhabi, Deer
felds Tcwn Centre Abu uhabl,
Twin Towers Qatar, Avenues
Mall Kuwait, Marriott, Conrad &
Hilton Hotels Jebal Omar, Makkah
KSA, Burj Rafal Riyadh, and
Takhasussi Hospital Riyadh.
What sets you apart?
Geberit provides a tight support
Hansgrohe represents high-quality,
design-oriented products around
the world. We are passionate about
water, and that is why, for more
than 100 years, we and our near
3,400 employees worldwide have
been setting trends and standards
in state-of-the-art bathroom
fttlngs. what began ln 1901 as
a metal workshop in the small
Black Forest town of Schiltach, has
grown to become an internationally
successful company. Hansgrohe
stands for cutting-edge technology,
inimitable design and products that
have won numerous awards.
Best selling products?
Our best selling products are
mostly the Axor Starck Lines. The
enfant terrible of design aka
Philippe Starcks minimalist yet rich
approach to bathroom design is
very popular in the Gulf countries,
years in a collaboration between
Axor, the designer brand of Hans-
grohe SE, and Philippe Starck. It
combines an organic minimalist
design with a new shower spray
technclcgy, whlch has 90 cutlets tc
provide a larger spray surface area.
we are settlng up mcre fagshlp
stores throughout the Middle East
to give our Middle Eastern clients
the opportunity to experience the
luxury, premium design and quality
of our Hansgrohe and Axor brands.
We work as well on the expan-
sion of our dealers network
within the region and have recently
presented our new product ranges
at the inauguration of our Bahraini
distributors newly renovated
showrooms, the Al Abbas and Al
Haji Galleries on Segaya Road in
Manama, Bahrain.
Ycu can fnd cur lccatlcns,
contact details and a list of regional
distributors here:
http://www.hansgrohe-middleeast.
com/dealers
Hansgrohe
as well as Antonio Citterios archi-
tectural approach which results in
the strong, timeless and masculine
Axor Citterio line.
On the Hansgrohe side the
Raindance shower range has an
unmatched airpower technology
which mixes water with air for an
optimal shower pleasure experi-
ence this is still a best seller
especially since it was upgraded
with the select button technology
which increases the users shower
comfort. Our EcoSmart range is also
a big hit in this region which suffers
frcm water scarclty and defclts.
involved in?
We have been very successful
and have won some remarkable
projects in the region, from the
Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi to the
Qatar Pearl, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
and Hotels on the Palm Jumeirah
in Dubai, The Royal Opera House,
Oman, and King Abdullah Financial
District and Faisaliah Hotel, in
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia among others.
Whats new?
The new Axor Starck Organic col-
lection was developed over three
TUTU was establlshed ln 1917 ln
Japan. With manufacturing and
sales cffces wcrldwlde, we have
a sales turnover of US$5 billion
with 30,000 employees. We aim to
provide high quality products and
TOTO
enhance the comfort of our users.
Our overall goal is to meet our TOTO
Green Challenge through environ-
mentally friendly products.
Best selling products?
Washlet, self-powered Auto Fau-
cets, self-powered Sensor Flush
valves, Clfcntect water clcsets and
wash basins as well as urinals with
Fuzzy logic software.
Whats new?
The new eWater function mists
the water closet bowl after each
use, making a clean bowl easier to
maintain and reducing the need for
chemicals during cleaning.
involved in?
Dubai International Airport, Dubai
Mall, uubal Metrc, Fmlrates Uffce
Towers, Bahrain Financial Towers,
DFC Intercontinental & Crowne
Plaza Hotel, Dubai Festival City, Jal
Hotels, Dubai Marina Mall & Hotel,
Park Hyatt Hotel, Dusit Hotel, Al Ain
Mall, Four Seasons (Qatar & Saudi
Kingdom Tower) Cleveland Clinic
Abu Dhabi, Conrad Hotel Dubai,
Dubai Airport T2 expansion and
Saudi universities just to name a
few.
How do we contact you?
TOTO Asia Oceania
(Middle East Branch)
LU8 19- 1701]1702, }ebel All Free
Zone, PO Box 261804, Dubai, UAE
T: +971/ 886 5983
F: +971/ 8865986
asia.toto.com
Changing Perspectives by Discovering Innovations.
Concepts
Products
Service
Lindner is your partner of choice when it comes to Building New Solutions in all areas of
interior nishes. Our strength is to combine aesthetically appealing materials with superior
quality and functionality.
We are looking forward to supporting you by offering products tailored to your needs:
Raised Floors - Demountable Partitions - Suspended Metal Ceilings - Lightings - Chilled Ceilings
Lindner Middle East LLC
One Business Bay Tower, Ofce 2702
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
middleeast@Lindner-Group.com
www.Lindner-Group.com
Metro Dubai - Red Line
PRODUCTS
COLLECTION 2013
Sonia Rykiel Maison is the home collection by
renowned French fashion designer Sonia Rykiel.
This newly launched third collection of fabrics is
audacious, sensual and provocative with irregular
horizontal and vertical stripes, graphic nuances
and strong colours. The vivid geometric designs
are unpredictable while motifs and materials
offer a dash of intrigue.
New on the market
SONIA RYKIEL MAISON is
available from Lelievre Dubai
TEL: +9714 339 4645
dubai@lelievre.eu
BAY CHAIR
Produced by Bene and designed
by uK rm PearsonLloyd, the new
8ay chair is one for teamwork,
meetins and informal et-
toethers in open communication
areas. lt automatically adapts to
chanin users, accommodatin
exible work strateies. The soft
desin brins a human touch to
the ofce, the desiners delib-
erately re|ected the traditional
'machine-like' aesthetic, oin for
a simple form that incorporates
intuitive heiht ad|ustment and
an automatic weiht adaption for
back-rest counter pressure that
encouraes sharin.
hEwT0h
Followin the inspiration of the
hewton dinin table, 8oco uo
Lobo has now conceived a console
table derived from an exclusive
desin. 5eeminly defyin the
laws of physics, the monumental
console is redesined and made
from aluminum with a black lac-
quer, varnished with hih loss.
BOCO DO LOBO
TEL: +351 917 59 17 90
www.bocodolobo.com
BENE
TEL: +431 534 261239
www.bene.com
lhTulTl0h
The two-tone metal ribbon of the
lntuition dinin table evokes the
mysterious feminine instinct.
Carefree and unexpected swirls
are uided by emotions and
desires, featurin a matte black
metal swirl with a metallic inte-
rior and lass top, varyin from
smoked, bronze or clear lass.
This luxurious dinin table, with a
KOKET
TEL: +1 703 369 3324
www.bykoket.com
The spheres and semi-spheres
that complete this futuristic
console are old plated. lt is ideal
for any modern livin rooms,
bedrooms and hotel lobbies.
matte black base, would look per-
fect in a feminine interior settin,
perfect for contemporary or more
traditionally decorated spaces.
The base can be customised in
old, pewter or copper.
Pk0uuCT5
FEDRO
A chair without legs, Fedro repre-
sents a new concept in seating.
Ergonomic in design, it balances
on two narrow skids, allowing us-
ers to rock back and forth as they
please. Lightweight, portable,
stackable and comfortable, Fedro
was conceived by the noted Mila-
nese fashion, textile and acces-
sories designer, Lorenza Bozzoli.
Fedro was inspired by, and named
after, her son, who would balance
in front of the TV on the seat of an
old chair, its legs removed, while
playing video games. The chairs
birdlike form inspired its colour
schemes, all based on tropical
birds of Latin America.
INFUSED VENEER
Infused Veneer is a collection of ar-
chitectural wood panels from B+N
Industries. Unlike other decorative
wood veneers which are topically
printed, B+N infuses imagery and
graphics into the wood grain with
a UV-cured dye. A clear protective
top coating is applied to assist
in fade and scratch resistance.
Fabricated as 1,200x2,400mm
panels, it is available in a variety
of patterns and wood species
B+N INDUSTRIES, INC.
TEL: +1 212 912 3870
www.bnind.com
DEDON available at Nakkash Gallery
TEL: +9714 282 6767
www.nakkashgallery.com
HAIKU
US-based furniture designer and
manufacturer BRABBU Design
Forces has launched the new
Haiku mirror, made from bamboo,
which is considered in traditional
Chinese culture to represent many
qualities such as uprightness and
tenacity. Bamboo grows quickly
in forests such as Haiku Forest of
Maui, Hawaii, being an important
BRABBU
TEL: +351 914 470 214
www.brabbu.com
nishes, such as maple, cherry
and walnut. Utilising a special
cleat system, the panels are
designed with a substantial wood
backing for accommodation of
shelving and other wall hardware.
It can be used for decorative or
display walls.
source for food and building
materials for many centuries.
This copper ring of bamboo is the
perfect complement to put above
a sideboard to add integrity,
elegance and simplicity.
PRODUCTS
CAFE DEL MAR / MEYDAN BEACH JBR - DUBAI - UAE
MEYDAN BEACH JBR - DUBAI - UAE
When it comes to FIRE for HOTEL PROJECTS
make sure to work with the best...
PLANIKAs Fire Line Automatic is specified in the
most prestigious locations all around the world.
PLANIKA UAE
T: +971 529 235 226
www.fireline.planikafires.com
www.thekontainer.com
MINUSCULE
The name 'minuscule' represents the informal and understated style which typies
Scandinavian design. Minuscule emerged as the result of a series of experimental
workshops involving Danish designer Cecilie Manz and the Republic of Fritz Han-
sen. The seat shell features hand-stitched upholstery in a lightweight yet durable
textile with elegant leather detailing that follows the contours of the shell. The
curve of the shell is kept in place by a frame designed in plastic. The straight lines
of the under-frame have been softened, like the curves on a pebble washed up
on the seashore, a concept that served as a source of inspiration for the design
details. The outer shells upholstery is available in two tones of grey, with the inner
shell in a choice of colours including rust orange, ochre, and dark ultramarine blue.
FRITZ HANSEN
TEL: +45 2519 0796
www.fritzhansen.com
PRODUCTS
20 - 23 May, 2013, Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE
To register for your free visit please go to:
theofceexhibition.com/visit
r
To register for your free visit please go to: www.indexexhibition.com/visit
20 - 23 May 2013 Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE
Organised by Part of Knowledge Partner Intelligence Partner
SIMBOLO
The Simbolo chair is part of Al-
treformes new collection to be ex-
hibited in Salone Mobile in Milan
this year, entitled Dreams.
The design mission was to chal-
lenge one of the materials used in
the creation of furniture alumin-
ium to give life to new, original
and daring products, while recall-
ing the world of dreams.
Designed by Garilab by Piter
VALDE
Straight, convex and concave ele-
ments are at your disposal in any
of the numerous wavy, circular
and upright arrangements of the
Valde reception desk. The high
gloss front surface is illuminated
with LED lighting, and the selec-
tion of HPL or wood-colour fronts
complements the white body of
the reception counter. Horizontal
aluminum slats emphasise the
shape and the modern character
of the body.
MDD MIDDLE EAST
TEL: +9714 323 5010
mdd.mena@mdd.eu/
ALTREFORME
TEL: +39 0341 6381
info@altreforme.com
ALYA
In order to create the Alya
pendant lamp, Italian designer
Gabriele Rosa has explored and
interpreted the uid shape
originated by the natural bending
of a thin aluminium sheet. Alya
meaning lightness in Arabic
embraces the space with light-
NEMO
TEL: +39 0362 372493
www.nemo.cassina.it
The desktop made of tempered
white glass perfectly matches the
glittering front. Cool light per-
fectly harmonises with whiteness,
while with the bright front, the
colour is emphasised. LED light-
ing can also be found under the
upper desk top and at the base of
the counter.
ness and dynamism. lts exible
and suspended aluminium struc-
ture supports a hih efciency
luminous LED source.
Perbellini, the chair is available in
a black and white-striped version,
with decorations and aphorisms
dedicated to dreams. It can also
be customised in terms of colour,
patterns and text.
PRODUCTS
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Teri Clarke, Sales Manager, Tel: +971 4 444 3679, Email: teri.clarke@itp.com
DESIRE
100
O B J E C T S O F
MAY 2013, DUBAI
Commercial Interior Design will once again be launching its
100 Objects of Desire Volume III coffee table book at an exclusive
gathering of interior design professionals in May 2013.
CIDs 100 Objects of Desire Volume III will feature the latest collection of inspirational items and
the book remains a permanent xture on interior designers coffee tables long after publication.
To nd out how your products can be featured in this exclusive collection of the most desirable products
available and showcase your items in front of the local interior design community, contact us today.
PLATINUM SPONSOR SILVER SPOSNORS GOLD SPONSORS
Y
ear after year, things have been
changing in interior design around
the world. In the UAE market, it is
fascinating for me to discover whats
interesting to people in terms of dcor nowa-
days. What do people want in their interiors?
Answering this question may seem simple
but its not, as project details have become
more important than the general appearance
of an interior space. People want something
special and unique; they need comfort,
beauty and an altogether poetic experience.
The home needs to be structured but with
elegance, for example, using textiles panels
as a piece of art is superb for a living room.
For me, a piece of fabric is much more than
simply putting together warp and weft. A fab-
ric must dress up a particular space, making
it come alive and creating an intense feeling.
Im not shy of dipping into old swatches to
accurately translate the impressions it brings
back from my travels.
Silver yarn curtains need to be minimalist
and chic as every part of the house has to be
thought of in terms of detail and harmony.
For every project I try to create a link be-
tween my creations and the different materi-
als as well as the environment of the house,
whether lt be a marble fccred space cr cne
with high windows with natural lighting.
Although less is more seems to be applied
to many projects when it comes to interiors,
most clients still prefer to have interiors with
warmth, so we can still play with materials
such as leather, horsehair, silver and gold
yarns as well as a wide range of colours.
When I am working and creating, every
piece has an intensity and character of its
own, be it fabrics for yachts, screens or pan-
els for residential houses or theatre curtains
for palaces. All these textiles are more than
mere materials; each has a spirit of their own
which is something most clients appreciate.
Interior design does not only develop
through different trends but mirrors a certain
period and style, which is why I like to place
clients in a lovely haute couture cocoon.
Fabrics and textiles are back in more high-
end projects with clients no longer wanting
to live in a clinical atmosphere but rather
prefer to mix aesthetic pleasure and comfort,
minimalism and warmth, giving interiors a life
and soul of its own.
My many trips to the UAE have helped me
tc lmmerse myself ln the speclfc character-
istics of a clientele whose ideas are often
very fxed, and whc want tc be entlrely bcund
up with the realisation of projects. This is a
requirement that is very motivating for me, as
well as for all designers working in the region.
In the UAE, clientele give you the possibil-
ity to go further into your creations because
they have an open mind to improve and learn
from new interior experiences.
Finally, what is most important is working
for a client whom you are certain will trust
your eye and your taste for design. This gives
you energy and motivation to create a suc-
cessful space.
Sylvie Johnson is a textile designer and cre-
ator of Sylvie Johnson Haute Couture for dcor
and interior design
OPINION
BY SYLVIE JOHNSON
LIVING IN
COUTURE
2012 Masco Corporation of Indiana
Andian
with
DIAMOND
Valve
IMPRESSIVE INNOVATION.
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See more innovationsfrom faucets to showers to accessoriesat
worldwide.deltafaucet.com/international
Visit us at
worldwide.deltafaucet.com/international/where-to-buy/index.html.

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