An ITP Business Publication June Vol.8 Issue 6

ROYAL OPERA HOUSE MUSCAT

23 Marina Dubai Judgement Time AT HOME WITH BEST INTERIORS MEET CID AWARDS 2012 JUDGES

Rocco Forte Hotel | Abu Dhabi

…WHERE…W THE STYLISH, INNOVATIVE DESIGN IS BO RN O UT O F THE C RAFTSMANSHIP O F WHO LE G ENERATIO NS O F G LASSMAKERS

PRECIOSA GULF, FZCO PRECIOSA JAFZA View LB 19 CUSTOMER CENTRE Office 2407 Jebel Ali Free Zone Opletalova 3197 P.O.Box 18185 466 67 Jablonec nad Nisou Dubai, United Arab Emirates Czech Republic P + 971 – 4 – 884 8234, Ext. 202 P + 420 488 115 555 F + 971 – 4 – 884 8235 F + 420 488 115 665 M + 971 – 50 – 551 9086 E [email protected] E [email protected] WWW.PRECIOSA.COM CONTENTS

JUNE 2012 VOLUME 8 ISSUE 6

6 DESIGN UPDATE 21 INDUSTRY SPEAK The latest social media craze to hit designers is Pinterest, the online pinboard. But does the website really help interior designers or hinder them?

24 PROFILE Find out more about furniture 2634 51 distributor, Human Space.

26 DESIGNER Q&A We speak to Dale Najarro about his journey through various design cultures and get advice for fresh design graduates.

34 CASE STUDY CID takes an exclusive tour of the prestigious Royal Opera House Muscat, and reports on its palatial-style interiors.

42 CASE STUDY Best Interiors is responsible for the design of 23 Marina, the second-tallest residential building in the world, located in Dubai, UAE.

51 FEATURE We take a look at the latest trends in kitchen design.

55 WALL AND FLOORING SUPPLIERS YOU SHOULD KNOW

61 PRODUCTS What’s new on the market.

72 OPINION Abeer Ayash, holistic artist, and mind, body, energy practitioner with The Third Eye speaks about the importance of colour in design and its infl uence. 42

www.designmena.com Commercial Interior Design | JUNE 2012 3 IlBagnoAlessi One (sanitary ware, bath tubs, shower enclosure and furniture) is produced and distributed by Laufen Bathrooms under License of Alessi Spa Italy HAND FINISHED. MADE. HEART ILBAGNOALESSI One,designbyStefanoGiovannoni Combined withthelovefordetail,exceptionalbathroom conceptscometolife: LAUFEN bathrooms are created withSwissprecision andhighqualitydemands. United Arab Emirates: German HomeforBathroomsUnited ArabEmirates: German & Kitchens [email protected] Kuwait: EnterprisesSanitaryWare &Cont.Co.W.L.L. +96522617175/[email protected] Saudi Arabia:Articasa +96622524402(Jeddah), 614800720(Riyadh)[email protected] Yemen: AlDhayaniEst.For GeneralTrading [email protected] Oman: AhmedMohsinTrading [email protected] Lebanon: Georges Nassr+9611482462 [email protected] LAUFEN SHOWROOMSINTHEMIDDLE EAST COMMENT

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EDITORIAL The road ahead Senior Group Editor Stuart Matthews Editor Jenny Eagle Te l : + 971 4 4 4 4 33 6 3 e m a i l : je n ny.e a g l e @ i t p .co m Reporter Devina Divecha Tel: +971 4 444 3502 email: [email protected] was fortunate enough to sit on the INDEX 2012 steer- ADVERTISING ing committee this year, along with Pallavi Dean, Sales Director, Construction Group Yazan Rahman Te l : + 971 4 4 4 4 3351 e m a i l : y a z a n . r a h m a n @ i t p .co m design director, Pallavi Dean Interiors, Sinmar Al Sales Manager Teri Clarke Said, managing partner, Internal Line Interior Design Te l : + 971 4 4 4 4 3 67 9 e m a i l : t e r i .c l a r ke @ i t p .co m Business Development Manager, Saudi Arabia I Rabih Naderi and Richard Wagner, architect, director of events, AIA Tel: +966 1 2068697 email: [email protected] (American Institute of Architects) Middle East. STUDIO Dmg events will make a number of changes to the show Group Art Editor Daniel Prescott this year including a late night opening til 9pm on the Senior Designer M i c h e l A l A s m a r third day, a VIP party at Attitude in Al Quoz for key buyers PHOTOGRAPHY on the j rst night and an agreement with the Egyptian Chief Photographer Jovana Obradovic Senior Photographers Isidora Bojovic, Efraim Evidor Furniture Export Council to partner UAE designers with Egyptian manufacturers Staff Photographers L e s t e r A l i , G e o r g e D i p i n , J u l i e t D u n n e , Murrindie Frew, Verko Ignjatovic, Shruti Jagdeesh, Stanislav Kuz- and display their furniture in the Bastika old quarter of Dubai. m i n , M o s h L a f u e n t e , Ru e l P a b l e o , R a je s h R a g h av

Scarlet Opus will no longer run its Trends Tour and instead, both myself and PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION Dean will organise a showground tour, picking out the best companies to look out Group Production & Distribution Director Kyle Smith Deputy Production Manager Matthew Grant for in the coming months. Production Coordinator Nelly Pereira Managing Picture Editor Patrick Littlejohn There will be exhibitors from up-and-coming designers from Hackney, in Lon- Distribution Executive Nada Al Alami

don, and the Contemporary Majlis Design Competition will have two winners; one CIRCULATION picked by a judging panel and the other, a People’s Choice award. Head of Circulation & Database Gaurav Gulati

It’s exciting to see changes in the format of the show to make it even bigger and MARKETING better for guests. Next year, the event company plans to launch a more concise Head of Marketing Daniel Fewtrell Marketing Manager Michelle Meyrick online exhibitor directory and will move the show to May 2013, in conjunction ITP DIGITAL Director Peter Conmy with The Ofj ce Show. Internet Applications Manager Mohammed Affan Don’t forget the annual Commercial Interior Design Awards will be held during Web Designer Meghna Rao INDEX 2012 on Tuesday, September 25, at Jumeirah Emirates Towers and you only ITP GROUP Chairman Andrew Neil have until July 25 to submit your nominations online. Managing Director Robert Serafin Finance Director Toby Jay Spencer-Davies Board of Directors K M Jamieson, Mike Bayman, Walid Akawi, Neil Davies, Rob Corder, Mary Serafin

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The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised t o seek specia lis t ad vice be fore ac t ing on infor mat ion cont ained in t his publicat ion which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the reader’s particular circumstances.

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www.designmena.com Commercial Interior Design | JUNE 2012 5 DESIGN UPDATE

Sweet tooth THE BIG ART COMPANY CREATES A WALL FINISH FOR VIVEL PATISSERIE BOUTIQUE USING A MARMORINO PLASTER EFFECT TINTED WITH THE COLOURS OF CINNAMON, PISTACHIO AND BISCUIT

UAE: The Big Art Company, which The Big Art Company has length and took over three weeks to test of time, but to also have strik- specialises in murals, j ne art, sce- designed multiple Vivel boutiques complete. “It is extremely rewarding ing elements to dej ne the brand.” nic artwork, trompe l’oeil and faux around the UAE, most recently in to be part of the design and sig- Each sweet, nougat, pastry and paint effects, has returned to Vivel Baku, Azerbaijan and was brought nature look of a brand and to also macaroon is hand-made, which Patisserie Boutique, in Dubai Mall, back to create further j nishes when grow with it,” said Chambers. means the shape and form are all to create a k ower garden, from now the patisserie launched its collec- “Our original contact with the slightly different. The display units until June 6. tion of teas and herbal infusions. client was purely for a decorative are created in diametric opposition, The j rm, founded in 2010 by “The striking black and gold project to an existing shop which to accentuate and highlight the Stephen and Samantha Chambers, packaging of the tea and traditional had become outdated and worn products. Simple and functional operates from a gallery and studio Persian motifs was the inspiration looking. We worked really well to- k oating slabs, solid lines with maxi- space in Al Quoz, Dubai, and behind the j nal j nishes, which gether and from that we were asked mum product display in dark wenge created a wall j nish, made from a have become the backdrop to all to grow the idea and develop the wood, stone and granite. Marmorino plaster effect and tinted the Vivel Patisserie boutiques,” concept and design of the shop. The main challenges were the with the colours of cinnamon, pista- added Chambers. “The brief was to create an over- imposing support columns close to chio and biscuit, for the patisserie. The j nishing touch to its k agship all look that captured the essence the main entrance. “We created a wall j nish that store in Dubai Mall is a large com- of the brand without overpowering “The column in Dubai Mall is complimented the Persian sweets missioned artwork painted in the it. Evoking a cosy, richness reminis- positively monolithic, but it became and cookies,” said Chambers. traditional Persian style depicting cent of Persian tea houses, but with the catalyst for creating a new j nish “It meant a lot of product tasting, a classic tea drinking ritual. Mural- the contemporary elegance of a to highlight rather than disguise which was no hardship, but we ist and managing partner, Steve European patisserie. The colours the structure. We used a jet black wanted to capture the essence of Chambers, hand-painted the piece and textures had to be edible, or- venetian plaster, to give a rek ective the sweets and bring a warmth and with the art department team. The ganic tones. The overall look had to marble feel with Persian stencils in richness to the shops.” canvas measures three metres in be simple and classic to stand the gold leaf paint,” added Chambers.

6 JUNE 2012 | Commercial Interior Design www.designmena.com DESIGN UPDATE

Bluehaus hires design director

TONY ARCHIBOLD, FORMER ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, RMJM ARCHITECTS, SET TO EXPAND BLUEHAUS INTERIOR DIVISION

UAE: Tony Archibold, former as- “This has added value to our sociate director, RMJM Architects, service offering and customers by has moved to Bluehaus Group as bringing an important element of design director. project delivery in-house, meaning Archibold worked in his previ- quicker, better and more consistent ous role for four-and-a-half years coordination. This has proved very delivering projects such as Capital successful and is a growing element Gate Tower, in Abu Dhabi, Oman of the business.” Convention and Exhibition Centre, Archibold is an architect by trade Muscat, and Europe’s 450 metre and graduated from university with tallest tower, in Istanbul, which he a module in interior design. He has designed and won as part of a com- lived in the UAE for j ve years and petition team, beating Fosters. prior to that ran his own architec- In his new role, he will be ture practice in France for four years expanding the interior design side renovating medieval castles. of the business and developing its “I love the idea that you can architectural services across the design something in the same Middle East while working along- way Charles Rennie Mackintosh side the company’s MEP division. created the Glasgow School of Art, “At Bluehaus, the MEP division is designing all the lights, cutlery, part of the interior design team and light j ttings, one design intent on that doesn’t normally happen in a all scales that is untouchable. We small j rm, only with multi-national want to take that idea at Bluehaus companies,” said Archibold. and turn it into something coherent “Where we have interior design for our clients,” he said. and MEP working together in a “I bought an 11th century châ- boutique setting, we can hammer teau in the southwest of France be- out the small details rather than tween the Dordogne and Toulouse, working with separate consultants. renovated it, and turned it into a There is a much tighter integration small guesthouse, called Le C hâ- working hand-in-hand with the teau de Marcenac. Following that, I team and we are all UAE based.” was asked to do other renovations Archibold will work with 30 peo- and build eco-homes in Bordeaux. ple including eight engineers in the Prior to that, I was a consultant MEP division at the j rm’s ofj ces architect in the UK. in Tecom, Dubai. It recently moved “I wanted to join Bluehaus be- from the Gold & Diamond Park. cause as a company it is ambitious Bluehaus Group designed its and well managed but it doesn’t own ofj ce with nine k exible spaces take the risks like some other j rms. for meetings and project rooms. They are very prudent which is “Apart from needing more space important in this climate.” and more importantly, more col- Siemens recently commissioned laborative space, we seized the Bluehaus to consolidate numerous opportunity to develop a workplace UAE corporate ofj ces into a single that is true to the business we building in The Galleries, Jebel Ali are. In mid-2011 Bluehaus Group in Dubai. Other clients include; established another division to its Dubai Chamber, Franklin Templeton business, MEP Services,” said Ben in DIFC, JPMorgan Chase and Al Ta- Corrigan, group director, Bluehaus. mimi, Sowwah Square, Abu Dhabi.

www.designmena.com Commercial Interior Design | JUNE 2012 7 DESIGN UPDATE

Inspired by design PAUL AND ELLEN BISHOP, OF BISHOP DESIGN ASSOCIATES, RAISE THE ROOF WITH THE LAUNCH OF THEIR BOUTIQUE SHOWROOM IN AL BARSHA, DUBAI

UAE: Husband and wife team, Paul incorporate them in our showroom and Ellen Bishop, of Bishop Design design and it would give our clients Associates, has partnered with local a great opportunity to see and suppliers to launch a showcase of appreciate your products/j nishes/ design at its ofj ces in The Pinnacle quality j rst hand’.” Building, Al Barsha, Dubai. The duo put a business plan The showroom is not open to the together for the designed show public and is strictly by appoint- space in 2008/2009 but had to ment only and the products are put it on hold during the recession. exclusively sold to clients the j rm They decided to revisit the idea six has designed for. months ago and had an event to “We wanted our clients to get celebrate the launch recently. inspired by design and to be able to “The business idea is quite ‘touch and feel’ our creations, not simple but unique and built on a only on a material board but in real concept, which to my knowledge, life,” said Ellen Bishop. has not been done before in this “It is often difj cult for customers region,” added Bishop. to visualise your design even with “We were extremely pleased by the help of state-of-the-art visuals, the result as 10 out of 12 suppliers material and furniture boards. agreed on coming onboard with us Secondly, Paul and I realised the and, of course, it was important to suppliers we deal with do not get them to be able to have some say in enough exposure and the chance to what products we selected.” display their products well enough. The Bishops said over the years, Often they invest money in show- they have managed to identify gaps rooms, which the end user rarely in products offered in the Middle visits. Therefore, we sat down with East. As a result, the pair travelled a selected few after we had signed worldwide for two to three months 5,000 square feet and simply said: sourcing and setting up business ‘Would you be interested in display- deals with different suppliers in ing your products with us and Hong Kong, Singapore, Bali, the we will display them in ways you UK and Scandinavia to offer clients might not have thought of before, products they might not have seen

THE SUPPLIERS JAB Middle East: fabrics, hand-tufted carpets & wallpapers Ohpopsi: wall covering and selected printed artworks Stepevi: shaggy rugs MTE Middle East: woven vinyl flooring Bolon from Scandinavia Casa Mia: flooring, wall tiles and bathroom finishes & fixtures Ashtaar Interiors: interior contracting and manufacturer for all furniture pieces designed by Bishop Design LLC Vitra: office furniture Planika: fire places ProjInteriors Italia: exclusive Italian lamps, backlit crystal mirror and divider

8 JUNE 2012 | Commercial Interior Design www.designmena.com DESIGN UPDATE

before and would like to have in Marie-Noelle Swiderski, managing their projects. director, Blanchard interior design They also worked in partnership and architecture. with Ashtaar Interiors, which did all “The launch gave us an opportu- the contracting for the showroom nity to showcase our partners’ prod- as well as the designed furniture ucts with its application in synergy pieces by Bishop Design. with the design idea/theme. Our “It is incredibly important for us clients got a chance to feel and ex- to give our clients unique pieces plore the intricacies of each design and designs and not just items from element showcased in the various a catalogue, which is unfortunately mock-up areas,” added Ellen. what some designers do in this Bishop Design has since been region,” said Ellen. commissioned to work on vari- “Once a customer pays a de- ous restaurant concepts in North signer a fee, they expect to get an America, Europe and Africa, as well edge, something that will surprise as continuing projects in the UAE and thrill them and items that the and GCC. restaurant next door does not have. It has been expanding its ser- Therefore, Paul and I designed a vices to both the residential, leisure few pieces of furniture which we and retail sector with work includ- also display in our showroom. ing FIFA approved football arenas “This has turned out to be a great and classical mansions in London. success and we are now expanding “We have also recently been on that idea.” taken by surprise by a number of The launch was attended by opportunities which arose following suppliers including Paul Galvin, the showroom launch. This was MD, Ohpopsi, JAB Middle East, never in the business plan so it is and interior designers, such as very exciting for us,” said Ellen. www.designmena.com Commercial Interior Design | JUNE 2012 9 DESIGN UPDATE

Bright future for Bahrain DWP PLANS BAHRAIN EXPANSION AS IT OPENS A SECOND OFFICE IN KSA

BAHRAIN: dwp remains positive “We feel the recovery is starting Dwp has over 45 employees in to Bahrain and design the interiors about the future of Bahrain’s design to take place. Bahrain should make Bahrain, and opened an ofj ce in of a 11,000m2 22-storey building in industry as it continues to rack up a complete comeback and that is the Kingdom in 2006. Seef to accommodate 650 staff. projects in the country and sign on why dwp is making a concerted The spill over into Saudi Arabia The design had to respect concept new clients. commitment to stay in the region. is notable with contracts ranging guidelines by Future Brand. The company recently exhibited “The future is bright in Saudi from masterplanning a 100,000m2 “The work saw an upgrade of at Gulf Interiors 2012, at Bahrain In- Arabia too, we are landing new proj- resort, projects for Aramco, design- all existing building services and ternational Exhibition & Convention ects constantly and there are good ing the Gulf International Bank j nishes: lift lobbies, lifts, kitchens Centre, to show its commitment things to come. So far, the start of HQ, creating Al Khobar Gardens and toilets, in addition, to ofj ce to the region and to showcase its 2012 is looking bright, with dwp residential development for Jenan and client areas,” said Linda Van latest projects. These include the opening another ofj ce in Jeddah, and producing the roll-out design Der Walt, regional business devel- Intercontinental Regency Hotel, WTC before the second half of the year.” concept for Sigma Paint retail opment director, dwp Middle East. and Moda Mall, the ofj ces of Credi- Glassberg said overall, the level stores, throughout the Middle East. “Each k oor had its own graphics, Max and the headquarters of Zain, of trafj c at the show was less than “Bahrain has seen some tumultu- relating to its function; j nance as well as the Sigma Paint store, of two years ago when it exhibited at ous uncertain times of late and and IT. These were designed by which modij ed versions are rolling GulfBid 2010. He put this down to a many would be forgiven for backing Future Brand, for the Zain corporate out in Qatar and Oman. level of uncertainty in the market. away or bowing out of the market, ofj ces. The furniture was primarily “We are j nding the design trend “There is still uncertainty in the while things settle and level off. from Vitra, with classic pieces from both in Bahrain, as well as Saudi market, but having a successful F1 Particularly the design and architec- the Eames collection and worksta- Arabia, is moving from a classic helped ease many concerns. Most ture industry are affected, when a tions by Hayworth.” design to a transitional look, which of the people I spoke to believe the socio-economic climate is shaky at Brenton Mauriello, CEO, dwp, still incorporates simple and second half of this year will show a best,” said Glassberg. said it tries to understand clients’ elegant Arabic patterns,” said Neil turnaround for the Bahrain develop- Zain telecommunications asked needs against practicalities of the Mark Glassberg, MD, dwp, Bahrain. ment market,” he added. dwp to relocate its HQ from Kuwait environment, location and function.

10 JUNE 2012 | Commercial Interior Design www.designmena.com

DESIGN UPDATE

Meet the judges THIS YEAR’S COMMERCIAL INTERIOR DESIGN AWARDS 2012 WILL BE HELD AT EMIRATES TOWERS ON SEPTEMBER 25. MEET THE JUDGING PANEL WHO WILL CHOOSE THE BEST ENTRIES THIS YEAR

UAE: Entries are ofj cially open for The awards will pay tribute to the willingness to stray from tried and Emirates Towers, Dubai on Tuesday, the 6th annual Commercial Interior projects, interior design j rms and tested formulas. September 25, at 7pm. Design Awards 2012 and appli- designers making their mark on the The awards are open to individu- The Commercial Interior Design cants have until July 25 to submit region’s interior design industry als, companies and organisations Awards 2012 ceremony will include their nominations online including and will herald work that displays working in the Middle East and 13 categories covering projects, images and supporting information. original thinking, creativity and a the event will be held at Jumeirah design j rms and individuals.

CYRIL ZAMMIT DARIUSH ZANDI KEVIN MCLACHLAN MARCOS BISH FAIR DIRECTOR, DESIGN ARCHITECT & OWNER HEAD OF INTERIOR MANAGING DIRECTOR, DAYS DUBAI TOTAL ARTS DESIGN GAJ SUMMERTOWN

Design Days Dubai, a show Zandi has more than 28 years of McLachlan has over 10 years Bish is one of the co-founders dedicated to collectible and design and planning experience experience in the region and of Summertown Interiors, which limited edition design, took in the Middle East, including more than 25 years in design in was set up in 1997. place in March this year, and working as a senior architect the UK and Middle East. A passion for sustainability, was the first of its kind in the and town planner for Dubai After running his own award he tries to inspire others through Middle East and South Asia. Municipality. He is chairman winning leisure design practices, ‘Green Action’ workshops to Zammit was approached of UAE Architectural Heritage Arcadia Design and QM Design, adopt green principles. The by Ben Floyd, one of the Society English Chapter and in Scotland, he joined LW Design Summertown office itself was co-founders of Art Dubai, to founder Total Design/Total Arts. group, in Dubai, where he was the first interior fit-out company start the fair and the project Zandi’s love for Dubai began responsible for hospitality to occupy LEED Gold status. kicked off in August 2011. upon arrival in 1978, when its projects including the Hyatt “The calibre of design work He coordinates with global souks and wind tower houses Regency, Kempinski Mall of in the region just keeps getting design galleries and renowned reminded him of his childhood Emirates, Raffles Wafi and better and better,” said Bish. designers and professionals in Tehran. He created the nightclubs such as Trilogy at “As a fit-out contractor, the from the design industry to masterplan for the Deira Creek Madinat Jumeirah and New Asia/ quality of our work must establish Design Days Dubai as Corniche project and worked China Moon at Raffles Wafi. start with a foundation of the definitive design. on the restoration of Sheikh In 2007, McLachlan was superior design. Exceptional “With Design Days Dubai’s Saeed’s house and some of asked to create an interiors designers understand how to first edition behind us, I can the houses in Bastika. He has division for architecture firm conceptualise their work within bring my vision of design, which helped maintain the traditional RMJM, where he and his team the possibilities of project is more targeted on limited buildings of Dubai in many created Abu Dhabi National execution, while still pushing edition products. They are often areas, both through restoration Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). design boundaries, honouring a the key component of a good and design in keeping with the Other projects include Capital client’s brief and respecting the interior design,” he said. city’s distinctive architecture. Gate, and Yiti Resort Oman. local environment.”

12 JUNE 2012 | Commercial Interior Design www.designmena.com DESIGN UPDATE

You may nominate your own followed by the awards ceremony, a (Gold), which will present an award www.constructionweekonline.com/ company, a supplier, a business gala dinner and post event session for Outstanding Use of American cidawards and click on the nomina- partner, or client. Self nominations to mingle with guests and winners. Hardwood for a Middle East project tions tag to submit nominations. are also accepted. Sponsors so far include Famco and Roca (Silver). For sponsorship call Teri Clarke, The agenda for the night will (Gold), Preciosa (Gold), AHEC, the To submit your category entry for sales manager, on 04 444 3679 or include a networking reception, American Hardwood Export Council the CID Awards 2012 go to http:// email [email protected]

ANA SEIXAS KAREN HAY LINSEY THOMSON PALLAVI DEAN MARKETING DIRECTOR, DIRECTOR AND FOUNDER HERIOT WATT DESIGN DIRECTOR, INTERFACE STICKMAN UNIVERSITY, DUBAI PALLAVI DEAN INTERIORS

Seixas is responsible for Having worked in Hong Kong for Thomson was appointed as a Dean launched Pallavi Dean developing and executing B2B 10 years, and Dubai for the past teaching fellow at Heriot Watt Interiors in 2011. Prior to that, marketing strategies for carpet seven, Hay set up Stickman in University Dubai Campus in she was an associate interior tile manufacturer, Interface. 2009 with business partner, 2011. Prior to that, she was a designer at GAJ and won She is also Sustainability Marcos Cain. The interior design senior designer at RMJM and Commercial Interior Design Ambassador advocating the consultancy has a team of 18 worked for a private investment Middle East Young Interior company’s ‘Mission Zero’ staff, focusing on the hospitality firm in construction projects. Designer of the Year 2010. policy for a zero environmental industry, namely boutique She wants to broaden “For me, great interior footprint by 2020. hotels/resorts, restaurants, students’ design awareness and design changes the way I feel. Seixas is a LEED Accredited bars and spas. It works with 5 creativity through the interior Whether it’s a hotel lobby, an Professional (AP) and played star hotel chains in the GCC and design programme at HWUDC. office or somebody’s home, a role in the development Asia. Clients include; Shangri-La “However creative a design great spaces are the ones where of Interface’s Middle East & Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels may appear on completion, it is everything clicks to create a Africa office and showroom in & Resorts, Hilton Hotels and Abu important to explore the initial positive impression. The interior Dubai, which was designed to Dhabi National Hotels. origin of the design vision and to architecture, the space planning, comply with the US LEED rating “We assess every project follow the weighted process to the lighting, the textures, the system. Her interest in interior as a blank canvas ready to its realisation,” she said. “With fixtures, the furniture. It’s rare design is inspired by Interface’s dress,” said Hay. “The team my extensive knowledge in all these stars are aligned, but sustainable products, which are understands the importance of construction project execution in we see some fine examples in used by global firms Facebook, not only unique design, but field the Gulf, I will evaluate attention the Middle East. One thing I’ll be Google and the BBC. She is a expertise and quality service to to detail and quality for each looking for is a commitment to fan of contemporary and modern ensure sustainability and this is entry. Not only must the design sustainability. There’s no excuse design, and admires Philippe what I will be looking out for in itself speak volumes, but the not to in a region like ours with a Stark and Patricia Urquiola. entries for the CID Awards.” matter of its finishing is crucial.” such a high carbon footprint.”

www.designmena.com Commercial Interior Design | JUNE 2012 13

DESIGN UPDATE

Blanchard boss to leave Dubai MARIE-NOELLE SWIDERSKI, MANAGING DIRECTOR, BLANCHARD INTERIOR DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE PLANS TO MOVE BACK TO CANADA

UAE: Marie-Noelle Swiderski, MD, Swiderski will move to Vancouver detailed tailor-made designs, from Blanchard interior design and ar- to pursue other projects in a differ- architecture, to interior architecture, chitecture, is leaving Dubai after six ent environment and her last day in design and decoration.” years to move back to Canada. the ofj ce is June 28. The j rm hired Patrick LeLarge as Swiderski will remain as director “Although I remain a director design director last year, who was of the company and her title role of the company, the managing previously lead designer at The will pass onto her colleague of j ve director role of Blanchard in Dubai Studio Harrods, in London. He won years, Mehmet Aktash, at its studio will be taken on by my colleague, two commendations for Kitchen in Design House. Mehmet, whose integrity, profes- and Bathroom Designer of the Year “Six years have k own by. They sionalism and uniquely versatile 2007 and did a Chic Green installa- have brought many achievements, technical and creative mind, will tion for Blanchard promoting sus- a few setbacks, several life-dej ning ensure the horizon stays clearly in tainable design using three used realisations and many, many ex- sight at all times,” she added. freight containers at INDEX 2011. treme highs,” she said. “I have no “He is supported as always by Swiderski said in an email to cli- doubt I will be returning to Dubai, our design team’s complementary ents she wanted to thank everyone if only to install my most precious talents and experiences, vouching for all their help, support, patience, “Our dedication and focused projects as they completely come to for an extremely promising, suc- good humour, generosity and integ- hard work, with all our clients, is life, to say hello and to soak up the cessful future, continuing to deliver rity, ‘navigating the temperamental what has made the Blanchard stu- sun I will undoubtedly miss.” our holistic approach of lovingly waters of this strong-willed market’. dio what it is today,” she added.

www.designmena.com Commercial Interior Design | JUNE 2012 15 DESIGN UPDATE

CID ROUNDS UP WHAT’S HAPPENING ON THE WEBSITE, TWITTER AND BLOGOSPHERE

FIVE MOST READ STORIES ON THE WEBSITE COMMENTS OF THE MONTH

How deep will the actual hotel be and how long will it take to build? Dubai needs some more wonders like this. Can one enter the hotel directly from the shore through a tunnel? Why not? Maybe one day we will build an underwater airport... Nothing is impossible..

Anand Channar on ‘Drydocks World to build underwater hotels in Dubai.’

Looks a lot like Frank Loyd Wright’s Mile High Tower, actually getting closer to it would be better. The Kingdom Tower proportions are still in need of some further finesse. I am sure they will get there as it took a 1 Rock-carved desert stadium proposed for Al few tries to get the Burj Khalifa right too. Ain

Richard Krent on ‘Tapered form of Kingdom Tower is ideal, say experts.’

2 Blanchard boss leaves Dubai after six years

3 Dubai’s Princess Tower wins Guinness World Nothing beats a blackboard, chalk, notebook, pencil and pen. [...] Computer usage from a young age is a good idea – but too much of Record overhead projectors is a bad idea, expensive, ineffective and bad for the environment. 4 Pictures: Buro Happold’s Inj nity Loop Bridge B Jayraj on ‘Regional schools must focus on learning spaces rather than ‘gloss’, says 5 Floating stadium proposed for World Cup expert’

BLOGS OF THE MONTH TOP TWEETS

Max Fraser | @maxfraserdesign A designer declared to me that he’d never write a blog. “I don’t have time; I’m dyslexic + I wouldn’t k nd it interesting to read about me!”

dwp_design | @dwp_design dwp designs receive 3 shortlistings for Asia- Pacik c Hotel & Commercial Awards 2013 in 3 categories#dwp #designworldwidepartnership INTERFACE BLOG MENA DESIGN RESEARCH CENTER #design Carpet and tile j rm, Interface, has its own blog The MENA (Middle East and North Africa) Design to write about the latest news in design, which is Research Centre believes designers can improve Nandish Jagad | @nandish2003 not just limited to k ooring. With a roster of a doz- the world rather than just being “makers of beau- Architecture drawings without the computer, en bloggers with various specialties, posts range tiful things”. The j rm wants to promote a diverse pen, pencil, colour or shading. http://tinyurl. from design shows across the world including understanding of design thinking through the com/7mnlclc #architecture Greenbuild, NeoCon and the Milan Furniture Fair, implementation of research and collaborative to discussing sustainability. multidisciplinary projects in the region. The blog Wendy Lepkoff | @wendyinteriors Nearly three years old, its posts also discuss the details case studies the entity is working on, I think that blinds and draperies take the lead j rm’s vision to be carbon-neutral by 2030. along with commentary on current design. role in setting the ambiance of any room. What interfaceflorblog.com menadesignresearch.com do you think?

16 JUNE 2012 | Commercial Interior Design www.designmena.com Fastest dry time The Dyson Airblade™ hand dryer dries hands in just 10 seconds.

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Hitting a high note AMERICAN OAK LENDS NATURAL WARMTH TO OSLO OPERA HOUSE

ust like many other port towns, Oslo has nal lines. It is a miraculous carpet on which one forecourt and foyer are clad or covered with redesigned its waterfront. The Opera can walk, sit, picnic, dance, skate, or descend 38,000 radiant white plates of Carrara marble. House, which is the largest cultural build- into the water or ski. The foyer is open all day, The outer wall on the north side and a zone on J ing to be completed in Norway since with four bars, restaurants, shops, and toilets. the sea front are furnished with the Norwegian Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim (c.1300), The rich-in-form ensemble of surfaces has granite species Ice Green. The public areas on is said to be an important symbol of what considerable dimensions: 207m x 110m. the front or west side have huge glass walls Norway represents as a nation and will express Including the forecourt, it is 242m long. Resting for the unobstructed view over the Oslofjord; the role that opera and ballet have in society. on piles up to 55m, the colossus of concrete in one of them a colossal solar panel is inte- The construction of the new Opera House is and steel reaches down to 16m below sea grated. At the back, the business facilities are the single largest cultural-political initiative in level. In the underground, vault spaces like accommodated over four storeys and a cellar, modern Norway. Its base area is the equivalent underground stages, dressing rooms, storage, such as workshops, rehearsal rooms, ofj ces, of four international standard football j elds rehearsal rooms and technical gear are located. dressing rooms and storage. They all are k ex- and the building has 1,100 rooms grouped in The project accommodates 1,100 bigger and ible and adaptable; the functionality of them is numerous sections. smaller rooms for more than 600 people. indicated by the horizontal aluminium cladding Designed by architectural j rm, Snøhetta, The building itself is typij ed by a hard exte- with a pattern that comes to life by the light. the Opera House design is poetic, but also rior (natural stone and glass) and a soft interior Walking into the foyer is a comforting break- concrete; it takes away room from the city, but (oak). The roof, large parts of the outer walls, through. Dej ning the scene is a high curving also gives it back. It is the mediator between wall of oiled oak: rough Baltic oak forms the two quarters and it connects land and sea. The outside of the curves and smooth American architectural team chose for monumentality, white oak forms the inner side of the curves but not for one that towers as a sculpture. On and the ceiling. Even from a distance, through the contrary, the monumentality is a social one: the glass walls the wood shimmers. The foyer a public proscenium on a human level. is a grand, open room with a variety of lighting The venue is a landscape and a building. In conditions and views to the surroundings. This that sense, it conceals its actual musical func- space is characterised by its simple use of ma- tion and has a double use. The roof, rising to terials and minimal details. American white oak 32m, is designed as a public space with excit- was chosen by architects Snøhetta AS of Oslo ing refractions, stairs, corners and elements and New York for the main foyer. like the 54m high k ytower, in an austere but Bosvik AS - a Nowegian-based interior pleasing play of horizontal, vertical and diago- designer and contractor - was tasked with

18 JUNE 2012 | Commercial Interior Design www.designmena.com AMERICAN HARDWOOD EXPORT COUNCIL

All kinds of music is, in principle, performable. Electronic amplij cation is not necessary for optimal acoustics. The rek ecting walls and ceilings make the acoustics sharper, while broken surfaces scat- ter the sound. The k oor of the orchestra pit is made up of plywood on joists for a correct balance be- providing around 3,000m2 of white oak panels, tween sound reproduction and communication which were used to clad the tall undulating among musicians and a good reverberation of wall, separating the foyer and auditoria. This low frequencies, so that the total soundscape 'road to the theatre' runs via winding corridors smoothly multiplies to the auditorium. PROJECT PARTICULARS alongside stairwells up to the third balcony The oak k oor minimises the absorption of low Project Location: Kirsten Flagstads plass 1, of the Big Auditorium. They are completely frequencies whilst the wood-veneered seats, Oslo boarded with oiled American white oak: k oors, their upholstering and the listeners altogether Client: Statsbygg Oslo walls, stairs and ceiling, symbolically stating bring reverberation and absorption in balance. User: Den Norske Opera & Ballett the movement from reality to fantasy. After all On a high level also oak boards are applied in Design: Architectural firm Snøhetta Oslo modernity outside, this is dej nitively a special an acoustic transparent screen, so that sounds Contractors: Scandiaconsult Drammen; experience. It is also enhanced when you enter don't move to unwanted areas. Veidekke Group Oslo; Johs. J. Syltern Åfjord the Big Auditorium: rek ecting the intimacy of American white oak has become the j rst Engineering: Reinertsen Engineering the past. Walls, balconies, balustrades and a choice for architects and designers around Trondheim; Ingenior Per Rasmussen circular acoustic ceiling element are designed the world for both public and private projects Voyenenga, Erichsen & Horgen Oslo in German oak while the k oor is of Polish because of its k exibility, stability and attractive Acoustics: BrekkeStrandArup Oslo/ oak. Only the contemporary pattern of lines straight grain, which makes it suitable for most Winchester and surfaces on the red seats stops the time applications. On top of this, it comes from the Theatre advice: Theatre Projects Consultants machine. Moreover, every seat has a screen on sustainably managed hardwood forests of the London the back of it which can be translated into eight United States, where the hardwood growing Surface area: 39,000 m2 languages depending on which opera plays. stock has increased from 184,090 million cubic Building costs: Approximately € 500 million The horseshoe shape and high ceiling have feet in 1953, to just under 400,000 million good natural acoustics and long sightlines. cubic feet in 2007.

www.designmena.com Commercial Interior Design | JUNE 2012 19

INDUSTRY SPEAK

Pinterest — friend or foe? PINTEREST IS THE THIRD LARGEST SOCIAL NETWORK IN THE WORLD. TO USE IT, YOU FIND THINGS YOU LOVE ON THE INTERNET, AND ‘PIN’ THEM ONLINE. BUT, SOME USERS HAVE QUERIED THE SITE’S LIABILITY FOR COPYRIGHT BECAUSE IT ALLOWS IMAGES TO BE COPIED WITHOUT GIVING CREDIT TO THE CREATOR

growing number of working on an eclectic mix of a s a c o n c e p t d e s i g n f o r a p r o j e c t . people and businesses contracts from supermarkets and “Where we use images as inspira- are using Pinterest to cinemas to car testing centres and tion and for fragments of the advertise their busi- retail units. detailing, others look at project A Emma Stinson nesses for free, driving sales via “Pinterest is one of the few images and simply say “I want the displays, while others see it websites that enables us to that” or “I want my restaurant to as a hobby, sharing images and search for inspiration under one look exactly like this one”. That is videos online. roof, whereas searching individual one of the downsides of the web,” To use it, networkers j nd things blogs would be incredibly time she said. they love on the internet, and consuming,” said Stinson. “This problem has always been then “pin” them to their board. “With Pinterest there seems to around but since the rapid growth They can also follow other users be a much larger, or rather, a more in popularity of Pinterest it has and re-pin their pins. There is an concise database of images and become a dominant issue. As a iPhone app for viewing designs most importantly if the search designer there is nothing worse and capturing them with a images are categorised properly, than being asked to copy other phone’s built-in camera, and con- then the images are usually put designers’ work. In fact it is just verts can either follow users they up by other designers such as our- plain wrong, drawing inspiration like or via categories like ‘Home selves, meaning the image carries and looking at j nishes in-situ is Décor’ or ‘Interior Design.’ a lot more relevance. We haven’t very different to copying and this Despite its popularity, legal started pinning yet, but once we is the downside of the website.” experts have queried the site’s do start our own boards we will Laura Bielecki, senior interior liability for copyright lawsuits be- end up putting together an online designer and blogger GAJ, said cause it allows the copying of im- library and one that we can export Pinterest is the latest and fastest ages that are often copyrighted. to our iPad or phones, which will growing social media site in the Laura Bielecki While some brands may not mind make it much easier and faster world that has taken off with ex- if it drives sales, photographers and commercial organisations are less than pleased. Designers If an artist or photographer is happy for their work should be careful when posting their work, as those photos can to be shared, by all means go ahead. If not, the be reproduced without giving credit to the creator. site needs to address these legitimate concerns. Emma Stinson, owner, Studio Em design, said for her, the site when discussing project details treme power but in recent months across the site within hours of is a brilliant one-stop portal for with clients.” the site’s copyright policies have someone pinning a single image. research and her team is using it However, Stinson added, as been under scrutiny. “If you are media savvy, you for all phases of a project, from much as Pinterest is a friend from She added the site has now can take advantage of the site’s pre-concept to concept stage and a research point of view it can had legal consult and revised its ability to send you to the source design management. be a hindrance because even terms including a “no pin” meta webpage of the original pinned She said there are so many though designers all across the tag script for websites which do content. This means that if you blogs that showcase different world had discovered the site, so not want their images/content share your portfolio or blog im- types of projects but very few have non-industry professionals, pinned by Pinterest users. This is ages directly from your site you show a full range of case studies. which allows people to throw a important to know if you do not will end up with a potentially “In our agency, we are currently few images together and label it want your online portfolio spread large quantity of hits back to your

www.designmena.com Commercial Interior Design | JUNE 2012 21 INDUSTRY SPEAK

website — a fantastic opportunity the ones that interest me to my after image onto their boards for ing ‘pinners’. Your best bet is to for ROI,” said Bielecki. boards. The greatest feature is current or future projects making search for interior design related “The site lets each user “cu- that I can write text below each them easy to recall when things topics and follow the users who rate” themed “boards” (folders) image to classify it and search for get tight. I often spend the j rst 10 look like they have content you of visual content. People can it later or remember what I liked minutes of my lunch hour perus- are interested in. save images from others boards, about it or what project I wanted ing the latest visuals presented to “The site is a fast and efj cient upload their own images or pin it for. However, for the time being, me and j ling them away.” visual media sharing tool that directly from websites and blogs. all boards are public.” For those that are interested in connects people to varied inspira- Guests can also share pin boards Bielecki added when design joining, the site is still by invita- tion and information. With nearly having multiple curators. As a de- ofj ces have picked up a swarm of tion only. The other option is to 12 million users in only a two-year signer, it means I can have boards fast-paced projects there typically apply online and wait for Pinter- timeframe this site has made a for hospitality, retail, residential, is no time available for research est’s approval of your application. dramatic impact for designers bathrooms, kitchens, accessories and conceptual development. Once accepted, start creating of all avenues (fashion, graph- etc. where I can collect a range “This means k ipping through boards that you want to pin visu- ics, interiors architecture etc.), of images relating to the topic. magazines, websites, personal als to. “Consider starting off with advertisers, bloggers and forward It also means as a company, a j les, past projects, suppliers broad topics like Residential and thinking companies with a grasp whole team of designers can catalogs etc. is no longer a fast as you learn more, create specij c on how this tool can be used,” contribute to a single or series enough feasible option for pulling boards like Kitchens, Bathrooms, she added. of boards. By adding likeminded inspiration images,” she said. Foyer’s etc,” added Bielecki “Its mission is to connect professionals to my proj le I can “But for j ve to 15 minutes a “Once you have Pinboards everyone in the world through the see their updated visuals and pin day, designers can pin image ready, you can add some inspir- ‘things’ they j nd interesting.”

DEVINA DIVECHA, REPORTER, COMMERCIAL INTERIOR DESIGN, GIVES HER OPINION ON PINTEREST AND WHETHER IT’S USEFUL OR NOT.

On the surface, Pinterest looks like a really cool online scrapbook, A photographer and lawyer, Kirsten Kowalski, has been in the news where users are encouraged to ‘organise and share things you love’. earlier this year after she looked closely at its terms of service and In spite of the website being used by millions of people across the deleting her inspiration boards (not her account). She found that ac- world, I cannot, in good faith, become a Pinterest user until the copy- cording to the law, the general public do not have the right to share or right infringement issues are resolved. As a writer and an amateur reproduce content unless they created it themselves or got consent photographer, holding copyright of my works is important. As the from the creator to do it. She also found users are completely respon- owner to my creations, I should be allowed to decide how and where sible for the content they pin, so much so that users will have to shell to share my work. Posting text or photographs on the internet does out money for their lawyer, for Pinterest’s lawyer and, in addition to not mean I give up my copyright. I still possess it, as do many other being sued by the artist whose work was infringed upon, can even be artists who use the internet as a means to share their work, and in sued by the hosting j rm for violations. the way they choose. However, positive changes seem to be on the horizon. As a result Pinterest users aren’t, as a rule, sharing their own work. They’re of her blog post, Pinterest founder Ben Silberman got in touch and pinning and sharing other people’s work, who may not be happy discussed the points of concern and have said changes to the terms for their work to be distributed without their consent. Granted, of use are in the works. Pinterest’s Terms of Service does warn users not to post content There are a few ways out for people who think their work’s copy- that infringes other people’s copyright, yet that’s something people right is being infringed – there exists a Digital Millennium Copyright generally don’t read anyway. Act (DMCA), where if anyone complains under the DMCA, the hosting Another issue with Pinterest is technical — while whatever images server is obliged to take the offending content down. shared on its website do link back to the owner, the images are The website itself is trying to provide a temporary j x to those con- hosted/uploaded on Pinterest’s own server. If ever linked to these cerned about copyright by providing an “opt out” code for blog and hosted images, the original author of the images cannot be credited. website owners, who can incorporate into their websites preventing When users pin something, it’s giving a third-party website the right people from pinning their work. to host the image on its server and even the right to sell it. Designers, photographers and artists dej nitely want more expo- Users need to realise Pinterest is not just showing us a thumbnail sure, but once a website is lax with protecting rights as a creator of and linking back to the original site — it’s storing the full-sized image. work, faith is something that needs to be restored effectively. Once Why then would anyone bother j nding the source if you can see the that’s done, I’ll join Pinterest without hesitation. high res image on the inspiration board? This means trafj c and hits If an artist or photographer is happy for their work to be shared of the owner’s website suffers in the process. by Pinterest, by all means go ahead. I think the website is a great In this way, users are unknowingly making themselves liable to get idea to inspire people through visuals, but it needs to address these into legal trouble, as opposed to Pinterest being held responsible. legitimate concerns j rst.

22 JUNE 2012 | Commercial Interior Design www.designmena.com *HEHULW0RQROLWK Bathroom design UHGHƬQHG

,PSOHPHQW\RXULGHDVIRUDQHZEDWKURRPHƪRUWOHVVO\7KH*HEHULW0RQROLWK sanitary modules for WCs with integrated cistern combine timeless design with VLPSOHLQVWDOODWLRQ7KH\DUHDYDLODEOHLQPDQ\GLƪHUHQWJODVVFRORXUVDQGFDQ EHFRPELQHGZLWKYDULRXVFHUDPLFDSSOLDQFHVSURYLGLQJ\RXZLWKORWVRIIUHHGRP RIFKRLFH)RUPRUHLQIRUPDWLRQSOHDVHYLVLW̛ ZZZJHEHULWDH PROFILE

Human Space

WHO ARE WE? Human Space is a mid to high range furniture distributor based in the UAE, specialising in the supply and installation of ofj ce furnish- ings. We supply to many blue chip companies, and carry brands from a range of countries including the USA, Italy, Germany, China and the United Kingdom. Our staff is trained in ergonomic seating and can demonstrate how to correctly use desks and chairs in order to improve a company’s experience with the products they purchase. Most of the companies we represent are part of the Green Building Council, and furniture supplied by them can help with LEED credits. We are a very environmentally-aware j rm and actively promote the use of furnishings that are recyclable and made of recycled materials. We pride ourselves on the quality of our furniture, the knowledge and expertise of our team, and our delivery and post-installation services. We believe in forming a long lasting partnership with our customers and support- ing them with all of their ofj ce furniture needs. We carry ranges from many different manufac- turers and AED14 million of stock. With such a wide variety of furniture, we aim to meet all of our clients’ styles and expectations.

WHAT’S NEW? We are in the process of expanding our team and bringing in some fantastic new members including a new sales director and others, which will bring our sales team up to 10. We have recently opened a new 5,000-square- foot warehouse in Al Quoz, near the Mall of Emirates, due to record breaking sales over the last six months. This means we can bring cli- ents more products with shorter delivery times and more choice. Currently we are focusing on creating stronger partnerships with our suppli- ers and getting in touch with our customers, by presenting at exhibitions and becoming more active in the community.

24 JUNE 2012 | Commercial Interior Design www.designmena.com PROFILE

OUR BEST SELLING PRODUCTS? All Sunon workstations and desking are products that people seem to be keen on; these products combine quality, functionality and value, for which companies don’t have to break the bank to obtain. Okamura from Japan is always a big hit with clients, the Contessa chair being desirable to anyone who has experienced it. Allsteel offers a well-rounded portfolio — its products are highly revered by clients and sales people alike. Our clients also favour Martex for its beautiful Italian executive desks, particularly the Kyo which won a Design Award from the Interna- tional Interior Design Association (IIDA) for Best Casegood at the Ofj ce Exhibition 2012, which took place recently. Other products that are popular with clients come from Humanscale (USA), Dauphin (Ger- many) and Loft (UK).

WHAT PROJECTS HAVE YOU WORKED ON? We have been involved with many projects and supplied to many notable clients. Some of our favourite projects include: • Coca Cola • TNS • Abbott Laboratories • Intercontinental Hotel Group • Global Process Systems (GPS) • Dubai World Central • Zurich Bank • American School

CONTACT DETAILS? We have a large showroom located in Dubai on Sheikh Zayed Road behind the Movenpick hotel next to Lamcy Plaza. Tel: +9714 357 4393 Our other ofj ce is located in Abu Dhabi just off Airport Road near the British School, Al Khubairat. Tel: +9712 443 3363 www.humanspace.com [email protected] http://www.facebook.com/HumanSpaceDubai

www.designmena.com Commercial Interior Design | JUNE 2012 25 DESIGNER Q&A An Open Mind An Open

DALE CESAR NAJARRO COMBINES HIS GLOBAL DESIGN EXPERIENCES TO ACHIEVE PERFECTION IN HIS INTERIORS PROJECTS

26 JUNE 2012 | Commercial Interior Design www.designmena.com DESIGNER Q&A

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A senior designer at Design Work Portfolio, Dale Ce- 1 sar Najarro landed in the UAE in 2005, and worked Final visual of a sky as an architect and designer at Samuel Creations SA lounge of a resort A until 2010 when he joined his current j rm. hotel in Korea. Najarro graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Cebu Institute of Technology, Philippines. His j rst award 2 was the Annual Design Award for Architecture Students 1985 Final design of cigar while competing against students from four architecture bar in Korean hotel. schools in the Philippines. Since graduating from university, he has worked with 3 various architectural and engineering j rms, and gained ex- Initial design concept perience in architecture and interior design in creative space sketch of sky lounge 2 planning and graphic work. and viewing deck of a During his j rst few years as a professional, he was exposed resort hotel in Korea. 3 to different Asian design cultures found in countries like the Philippines, Hong Kong, Vietnam and China. It was after this he set up his own private design practice in the Philippines, working on residential and commercial proj- ects, both as an architect and interior consultant. It was during this time he kindled his interest in photography and furniture design and has been slowly building up his portfolio in both. “Deciding that the time was right to spread out my wings to a more diversij ed culture environment, I came to the UAE,” Najarro said. At Samuel Creations SA, the majority of projects he handled related to hospitality. He then had a chance to be www.designmena.com Commercial Interior Design | JUNE 2012 27 DESIGNER Q&A

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4 exposed to European design culture 5 Final design visual of by attending workshops in France and a hotel corridor of a design-related events across Europe. retreat in Mumbai. His current projects are equally varied both in project types and geography, 5 which range from Korea to the Kingdom Initial concept design of Saudi Arabia. sketch of lounge of a In addition, he belongs to many retreat in Mumbai. professional organisations, including United Architects of the Philippines (UAP), American Institute of Architects (AIA), Association of Professional Inte- rior Designers (APID), and United Arab Emirates Society of Engineers (UAE SE). Najarro also believes in sustainable design. “During my tenure with Design Work Portfolio, my increasing interest in green projects and environmental issues made me a strong advocate of sustainable solutions,” he said.

28 JUNE 2012 | Commercial Interior Design www.designmena.com

DESIGNER Q&A

WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON? For the last month, my team and I have been working on a mixed-use hospital- ity and retail development in India. This project is very exciting as we are also responsible for the architectural concept of the development. This gives great design leverage for the interiors since we have a very strong grasp on the totality of the project from inside out, so the correlation of the design is seamless and k awless. Another project we have started working on recently is a destination retreat hotel. We are responsible for the refurbishment of the existing hotel, and complete architectural and interior con- cepts of the extension on the adjoining plot, which houses extra deluxe rooms, F&B outlets, a nightclub and spa. 6 In the studio, I am working on hospitality, corporate and institutional 7 projects from UAE, Korea, Qatar, Oman and India which helps to satisfy my photographic appetite as well.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE PROJECT TO DESIGN AND WHY? It is the current mixed-use development we are working on in India, since it is very challenging. Our architectural and interior design approach has helped us to create an unorthodox design on a very difj cult terrain. I also think we’ve achieved a very contemporary look, while preserving the traditional charac- teristics of the region. We’ve used local j nishes, which help the buildings blend smoothly into the environment with energy conservation being one of our top concerns.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE ON YOUR DESIGN TEAM? We have a dynamic attitude to teams in 6 8 our studio; the size changes depending Final design visual of on the needs of the project rather than a hotel in Abu Dhabi. keeping rigid pocketed teams. This system enables us to correlate and work 7 with each other in a dynamic environ- Final design visual of ment. As my current projects are both guestroom in a hotel architectural and interior concepts, I am in Abu Dhabi. working with a team of one architect, three interior designers, in addition to 8 two FF&E designers and a support staff Initial design concept. of six totaling up to 14, including myself and the junior interior designer.

30 JUNE 2012 | Commercial Interior Design www.designmena.com Hawa sliding hardware: open for refreshing elegance.

$QHHGIRUƅH[LEOHURRPXWLOLVDWLRQLQFUHDVLQJGHPDQGVRQFRPIRUW DQG VW\OH DQG QHZ SULRULWLVDWLRQV LQ OLYLQJTXDUWHUVVXFKDVDQXSJUDGLQJRIZHWURRPVDUHVRPHRIWKHFKDOOHQJHVRIPRGHUQLQWHULRUGHVLJQ +DZD$*WDNHVWKHPRQZLWKDFRQWLQXRXVO\H[SDQGLQJUDQJHRIKLJKTXDOLW\KDUGZDUHIRUVSDFHVDYLQJ VOLGLQJ IROGLQJ DQG VWDFNLQJ VROXWLRQV 3ODQQLQJ D YLVLW WR ZZZKDZDFK LV WKHUHIRUH DOZD\V ZRUWKZKLOH IRUDUFKLWHFWVSODQQHUVDQGSURFHVVRUVDOLNH Hawa Middle East FZE, Jebel Ali, Dubai, UAE, Tel. +971 4 887 36 94, Fax +971 4 887 36 93, www.hawa.ch DESIGNER Q&A

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9 We are supported by the visual artists, designers have always had the chal- which translates into added expenses. Final design visual of librarians and project managers in addi- lenge of meeting the time constraints, I Exposure to the site is a sure way to hotel guestroom of a tion to other support staff in the studio. think this is why all design studios work provide practical judgment. retreat in Mumbai. long hours. We can’t stop until we are This of course creates a big challenge, WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION totally satisj ed as details can make or because to achieve the above while 10 FROM? break our designs. To achieve a balance ensuring a very creative and beautiful Chi'Zen restaurant, Inspiration depends on the project in between professional life and social life art piece is very difj cult. The expertise Mall of the Emirates. hand. It might come from the client is another challenge almost all good comes from experience, exposure to itself or the environment, the culture, designers share. different cultures and projects, the an article, a nearby artifact or any other right guidance, and the right attitude unexpected corner or usually from all ANY TIPS FOR INTERIOR DESIGNERS ENTER- to life. An open creative mind and great of the above. However, in our studio we ING THE INDUSTRY? listening skills are the prerequisites to have two main principles that we never One major aspect that should not be ig- achieve this. Of course, aiming to work deviate from. We are, j rst and foremost, nored by new graduates is their neglect with a good mentor at the beginning of commercial designers, therefore all that of functional aspects of projects, and a student’s professional life, rather than we design should be within a specij ed the client. We are not pure artists; our looking for a very well-paid post will budget with a substantiated rationale creative pieces are not meant to hang benej t them in their long-term career. behind each creative idea. Second, we on walls. Rather, our creative ideas are Ours is a very difj cult j eld – there is never compromise on the quality of our meant to be implemented, to be used, no one-day wonder in this j eld. Being design. What I see in our studio is that and in most of the cases, generate proj t born with a creative talent is not suf- we share a passion for correct and beau- while being used. j cient; although it is a must in a good tiful design and we don’t mind going Personally, the construction compo- designer, it is not sufj cient for success. that extra mile to satisfy our perfection- nent must be fully understood by all Years of hard work, a mind that never ist expectations. parties involved in the successful reali- stops researching and reading, an open sation of the project. Adherence to local mind, making the right choices at the WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE AS A ordinance must be there by approving beginning of the career and of course, DESIGNER? authorities and basic building code being at the right place at the right time Due to the current economic climate compliance. Early stage coordination is just as important. that we are all experiencing, the com- process must be a part of the design Although design per se is a free mercial dimension of our creative concept; new graduates should avoid expression, what is good to you may concerns has become more vital than the traditional scenario of giving every- not work out for others and vice versa. ever. Maintaining uniqueness of design, thing in one go. Due to late coordination, It’s the designer who has to justify his/ while ensuring a tight control over the misunderstandings will occur because her work, the merits of the design, and budget is currently the main challenge. some relevant information was not convince the client to accept the design, Yet in addition to that, all perfectionist incorporated or deliberately missed out, with a little bit of luck.

32 JUNE 2012 | Commercial Interior Design www.designmena.com

CASE STUDY

Sound Designs COMMERCIAL INTERIOR DESIGN GETS AN EXCLUSIVE TOUR AROUND THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE MUSCAT. REPORT AND INTERVIEW BY DEVINA DIVECHA AND GAVIN DAVIDS

Photos: Alan Williams

34 JUNE 2012 | Commercial Interior Design www.designmena.com CASE STUDY

1 www.designmena.com Commercial Interior Design | JUNE 2012 35 CASE STUDY

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DESIGN Client: The Royal Estates, Royal Court Affairs Architect of Record: Wimberley Allison Tong and Goo

THEATRE CONSULTANTS

2 Stage engineering, Production lighting and Sound and 1 n idea spanning decades has can be seen from terraced areas of the broadcast: Theatre Projects The auditorium in j nally come to fruition with souk. Colonnades are built along the Consultants concert mode from the establishment and open- west and east sides of the Royal Opera Drapes and masking: Theatre Level 2 balcony. A ing of the Royal Opera House House, with a small ‘black box’ studio Projects Consultants & The Royal Muscat. His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin theatre for smaller events. Visitors can Estates 2 Said, a well-known music enthusiast, enter the main building via the Maidan Acoustics Consultant: Acoustic Retiring rooms behind thought about building an opera house Lobby, which contains the ticket ofj ce. Dimensions the Level 1 balcony. in his country as far back as 1984. The building houses the auditorium Master Planning: WATG and The “His Majesty is a huge lover of music and the various majlis areas, along with Royal Estates 3 so this is no surprise to us,” said John the Royal Reception Area, the stage, the Architecture: WATG and The Royal Exquisite marquetry Loader, the deputy project director and moveable concert shell, and a porte- Estates panels featured in the a chartered architect working directly for cochère (a covered carriage entrance Structural Engineering: Cowi & Royal Box. the Royal Estates in Muscat. leading into a courtyard). Partners LLC The Royal Estates is an architectural The imposing building overlooks Environmental Engineering: Majan department within government and is gardens, and the Great Lawn, which can Engineering Consultants part of the Royal Court Affairs. “We are be used for performances. responsible for designing and delivering His Majesty preceded this project with INTERIOR DESIGN all palace work as well as the country's many other musically inclined activities Public and Royal areas (Front of most prominent civic buildings such that led up to what stands today. “We House) as the Grand Mosque, Majlis Oman were looking at building a large concert Concept: The Royal Estates (Parliament) and the Royal Opera House theatre for His Majesty at the Royal Design Development: The Royal Muscat,” said Loader. Oman Symphony Orchestra campus Estates, Jall Interiors, WATG, The Royal Opera House Muscat is complex at Bait Al Barakah in 1992, but Carillion Alawi (CALLC) located on a sprawling estate of nearly the idea and intention on His Majesty's Administration, Production and 80,000m2. The architectural character of part for a signij cant theatre most cer- Performer's areas (Back of House) the building is ink uenced by the grand tainly precedes that,” said Loader. Concept: WATG style of modern Omani palaces. The initial concept was detailed in Design Development: WATG, The The site has a large car park connect- 2002, with the contract awarded in Royal Estates ed by a bridge to the souk. A Maidan August 2004. The designs were then Landscape Design: Verdaus, The (open square) next to the Opera House worked on to j t His Majesty’s vision. Royal Estates is an outdoor performance venue, and On-site construction began in April

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Loader mentions materials such as if not wider than that. It’s a lovely piece marble, travertine (a form of limestone), of marble craftsmanship,” said Loader. timber and gypsum. Attention to detail has been para- Travertine has been used for the k oor- mount throughout the property, where ing, with Omani Desert Rose limestone the design team has extensively utilised the choice for the external walls. Loader skills of local artisans in Oman. said travertine is a classic building An example of this can be seen in its material, which made it an obvious doors. Loader said the suite of doors selection. He pointed out the gypsum throughout the project has j ve variants, detailing in the columns, as well as where the lowest grade are the ones glass reinforced concrete (GRC) screens. leading to the restroom, with the highest An interesting decoration element being the Royal standard doors. was ‘zouaq’, which Loader explained While the basic proportion and is a form of stenciling. Considered a symmetry remain the same, it’s the Moroccan style, this art form has been carvings that differentiate the ‘status’ 4 2007, with the ofj cial inauguration tak- practised around the Arab region. of the entryways. Another way details A handrail of the ing place on October 12, 2011. “For 20- “Zouaq is a painted decoration carried have been adhered to is concealment Grand Staircase. 25 years now, we’ve been developing a out with stenciling to form and control of back-of-house operations. Walking style that His Majesty is happy with and the design,” said Loader. through the entire site, visitors will be 5 my direct bosses are happy with — it’s Inside the main foyer, columns, inside hard pressed to j nd visible ducts, grills The south-west corner a fusion of regional Islamic designs and of arches and niches feature zouaq, as or loud speakers. All of these have been of the grounds. has an Omani theme to it,” said Loader. well as the ceiling. In the latter, zouaq worked into the interiors to hide them. “This design is the culmination of work has been done on the teak beams, “Everything is about detail. In the 6 what we’ve been working towards in embellished with j ne gold leaf. next four months, we’re going to start The chemsiana dome terms of Omani-themed palace archi- From the main foyer, guests can see a process to pick up on the inevitable in the Royal Lobby. tecture. This, you can say, is the apex of the Grand Staircase made of marble. snags. That’s our next task. So it’s dej - what we’ve done so far,” he added. “This staircase here — and I say this nitely an evolving project,” he added. Luxurious, yet simple, the interiors with a lot of pride — it’s one of the most Zouaq is not the only regional tech- make use of understated elements. beautiful staircases you’ll j nd regionally nique used in the scheme. The Royal

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Lobby on the j rst k oor boasts a ceiling tially part and parcel of the auditorium — weighs a huge amount. But the pro- 7 that uses ‘chemsiana’ work in the dome. interiors, with exactly the same detail scenium itself is movable because it’s The concert shell with “This technique involves stained and design. It’s big at 500 tonnes, and is got to roll back out of the way to revert 'k oating' acoustic glass inserted into GRG/GRC (glass stuck on railway tracks. It rolls forward to a concert mode. Equally the boxes on rek ectors top centre. reinforced gypsum/concrete) mouldings very slowly and mates up, if you like, three k oors have got to roll back and ro- purely as a decorative sunlit effect. In with the rest of the theatre. But before tate in, so that’s quite a task on its own. 8 our case, the GRC was in the form of a that, you’ve got to change from one “The columns fold back as well. So The East Majlis. dome with a second, outer dome, onto mode to the other,” said Loader. there are about nine or 10 different which we shone k oodlights to give us a The design of the Royal Opera House movements that take place before it backlighting effect to the stained glass Muscat truly shines here, as it pos- can actually change from one particular in the inner, visible dome,” said Loader. sesses two modes of functioning. In the mode to the other. It’s pretty complex,” These interiors are just the prelude to concert mode, the shell is joined with said Loader. what waits within the main auditorium the proscenium to form one single room. He added the complex part of this and concert area. To meet the acoustical In the theatre mode, the concert shell on procedure wasn’t about the machinery challenges, the standard shape of the railway tracks can be rolled back 20m, in question, but the obstacle of integrat- auditorium was tweaked. with the proscenium closing in. The ing the machinery with the interiors. The Loader said the challenge was huge forward boxes then turn in to meet the auditorium’s interior is as lavish and because of the dual nature of the proscenium creating a horseshoe shape. detailed as the front-of-house. auditorium — a concert theatre and an The ceiling in front of the proscenium “To tie that kind of interior design in orchestral house. “They’re two com- also lowers to improve acoustics. with those kinds of motions and move- pletely different things — one’s a theatre Key features of the interior design in ments, and make it a practical theatre in with a proscenium and the other’s an this area include: seatback electronic li- terms of its ability to work, was a mas- auditorium,” he added. brettos, moveable theatre boxes, rever- sive challenge,” he said. A proscenium is the area of a modern beration chamber control, in-auditorium Acoustics was another consideration theatre located between the curtain control positions, retractable acoustic for the designers. In addition to the and the orchestra. To accommodate the rek ectors, and three basement stowed moveable shell and proscenium, a opera function of the space, a concert seat wagons to adjust the seating capac- number of other measures were taken to shell was created, where the symphony ity according to the event. improve sound systems in the space. orchestra is meant to perform. “We had “Everything behind the proscenium Acoustic rek ector panels merged with to produce this shell, which is essen- — the lighting, j re curtains and more the ceiling decorations can be lowered www.designmena.com Commercial Interior Design | JUNE 2012 39 CASE STUDY

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9 to rek ect sound for theatre performanc- 11 another theatre. “The idea was that this The Royal Lobby. es. Reverberation chambers around is the centerpiece, the showpiece. It’s the side walls can be open or closed the focus for the Royal Opera House as 10 for better sound. The mashrabiya-style a complex. But we need to have a lot of The organ façade and screens around the hall have been de- rehearsal spaces.” pipes decorated with signed with a double layer of woodwork A 500-seat theatre is in the works, gilding and zouaq. concealing roller banners that rek ect or which will serve a dual purpose of being absorb sound. a rehearsal spot for artists and a “bridge 11 Loader added it was imperative for to the community”. The signature the acoustics to be variable to cater for “This one you could easily see this medallion design in any kind of performance, from showing as being too sophisticated for many the k ooring. a j lm to hosting an organ recital. been encouraging, according to Loader. Omanis. But they would probably feel “We opened up acoustic louvres on “The reaction? It’s been tops, especially comfortable about a small theatre doing the side of the orchestra shell and let from the most critical people: the actors, Arabic performances just across the the sound enter into the reverberation the players, singers and so on. They’ve road, as an introduction,” said Loader. chambers around the sides of the all been very, very complimentary about Loader says rumours of building a auditorium. They’re there to increase the it,” he said. hotel and leisure complex at the site are volume and to provide additional rek ec- Loader said for him it was a great “just froth and myth” at present time. tion or absorption as we want it. That experience to transfer the work done Another plan that is in discussion is sound in turn rolls over the top, over the in contemporary and signij cant civic building a music library that will host attic of the auditorium,” he said. buildings to a project like this for the all kinds of recordings — music, dance, He added doing this meant it was public to enjoy. videos and cinematography — from a possible to change reverberation time, “For me, that’s almost an aspirational time as early as 1904. “We would like the noise characteristics and rek ections thing. For the public to see this kind of to build a regional library to world-class within the building at the same time. stuff is great, as far as I’m concerned.” standards as part of this complex. There “The acoustic challenge was probably Now that the Royal Opera House Mus- is nothing like that, as I understand it, as big as the task of j tting in the interior cat has opened and greeted a throng of in the Gulf at the moment that offers design with the moving elements.” visitors to a myriad of cultural events, that kind of access to music and dance The feedback from the clients and the the team has moved to related ventures. recordings and research material. That people using the Royal Opera House has Loader said they are working on will be interesting,” said Loader.

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Home decor BEST INTERIORS HIRES HEAD DESIGNER JOHANN KRUGER AS IT STARTS WORK ON 23 MARINA, DUBAI

42 JUNE 2012 | Commercial Interior Design www.designmena.com CASE STUDY

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1 4 5 Private residence, Mirador, Dubai.

2 Formal dining room, private residence, Dubai.

3 Living room, Arabian Ranches.

4 est Interiors has won a con- Guest washroom, tract to complete 23 Marina, a Emirates Hills. residential project, northeast B of the MAG 218 tower, in 5 Dubai Marina. It is being developed by Banquet dining Hircon International and includes con- room, private palace, temporary furniture specialists, Nuvo. Fujairah. The 90-k oor tower has a six-storey The lower k oor units will have either soft-furnishings and wall-j nishes, for high lobby and up to 48 duplex apart- two or three bedrooms, with private clients who don’t want to occupy the ments on the upper 26 k oors. quarters for a live-in housekeeper. unit as a j rst home or those who want to Each duplex will have a lift for its Best Interiors won the project by put- sell the apartment to expats. two levels and a small plunge pool on ting together a range of services to ac- “Many of our clients who opted for the balcony. Other facilities include a commodate each of the buyer’s diverse the ‘grandeur’ and ‘investor-packages’ health club, spa, indoor/outdoor pools, lifestyles and preferences, whether they were people who would use their unit as jogging track, business centre, 24-hour want a bespoke and tailored design for a holiday apartment or accommodation concierge, convenience store and valet one of the larger units or a decorating for a family member, and it made it easy parking for guests and residents. package with furniture, lighting, rugs, for them to choose an option available,”

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6 said designer Johann Kruger, Best Interi- of different ways to achieve some level The team’s main concept showed Living room concept. ors. “Because we had all these options of personal customising. It was both an elegant, simplistic approach to the lined out and in presentation form, at an challenging and exciting to have to come space itself and the larger elements 7 early stage of construction, it became an up with so many different "answers" to of the room such as walls, k oors and Master bed 3D visual. attractive proposal for the buyers, and the same "question",” said Kruger. furniture. It then introduced accessories the developer was conj dent enough to The inspiration for each unit came and artwork to bring in the warmth and 8/9 present us to their clients as the "de- from the client's expectations and detail that a home should have. Final Children's room/ signers of preference" on the project.” wish-lists. Best Interiors said the overall touches were then made to avoid the family area. He added the brief was difj cult feel among the majority of buyers was units looking too much like atypical because it had to cater to the "likes" and a mixture of classic-contemporary, and furnished apartments. 10 "dislikes" of a variety of families, with modern. The benej t of this is a less- “We researched other similar Dining room, all 23 different tastes and requirements. cluttered space that doesn’t feel over projects, internationally and locally, Marina. “Beyond that, we had to inter-operate designed - a principle well-implemented narrowed down the spectrum to the the same footprint or unit, in a number in smaller homes and apartments. particular constraints of 23 Marina, and

46 JUNE 2012 | Commercial Interior Design www.designmena.com CASE STUDY

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then we rendered our own interpreta- original technical and electrical allow- tion, without having the feel of a typical 11 tion, incorporating our signature use of ances and regulations. standardised decorators-package that Private residence, materials, colour schemes and details. “We had to re-arrange lighting and could look like a low cost installation. Delhi, India. The result being strongly based in the electrical sockets based on a client's “The look we have achieved is very practical however showcasing the style requirements and our own furniture classy, modern and elegant considering 12 and design direction for which Best Inte- layouts, without disturbing the available the restraints of providing a design Entrance court, riors is synonymous,” said Kruger. power arrangement and adding to the study within an expected cost-frame,” Private Palace, “The challenge was coming up with loads. Logistics is another obstacle to he added. “Even though a lot of empha- Fujairah. a fresh approach for the exact same overcome as the access to the building sis was put on achieving a maximum space, over and over again. We dealt is available to all occupants, and doing wow-factor in the overall look, we also with many clients with different nation- interior j t-out on as many as 18 differ- achieved maximum practicality in the alities and religious backgrounds. This ent units, creates challenges with re- way we incorporated all the specij c called for requests ranging from adding gards to lift use, removal of rubble and requirements for each space. Each a prayer room, home-ofj ce, or enclosure the allowed timeframe in which noisy bedroom was designed with a dress- of kitchens. All of these added work to a work can be done,” said Kruger. ing table and/or writing desk, every project that was designed more along a “The one area where we didn’t bedroom has a seating area and TV-unit, western mentality of large open spaces have any problems was budgetary with digital component enclosure, and k owing into one another and not much restrictions, as most of the clients low level cabinet for storage. Wall panel- additional space to spare for adding ad- were brought onboard with a standard ling in the formal living rooms was used ditional rooms,” he added. package, clearly out-lined and costed. to conceal wiring and components of The team turned some family rooms Clients could choose upfront what home-automation. into additional bedrooms, redesigned suited their pockets best, and the back “We placed k oor to ceiling cabinetry stairs, and separated en-suite bath- and forth negotiations were avoided as and shelving in a service corridor, which rooms from bedrooms and closed-off far as budgets were concerned.” was too wide a corridor, but too narrow unwanted doorways and storage areas. The design team feels that the show- for anything else. In general, the muted It s services were not just limited to apartment has been successful as a tones of our base colour-scheme with interiors as it got involved in changing marketing tool and brought in most of pops of accent colours here-and-there, layouts, j nishes and ceilings. its clients. makes for a very sleek, polished look The challenges involved in this were Kruger said it managed to do a bud- and yet the use of materials like wood, the parameters that were set by the geted, predetermined design installa- pebbles, reconstituted coco-shells, has www.designmena.com Commercial Interior Design | JUNE 2012 47 CASE STUDY

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13 14 of development so we could specify Entrance lobby, j nishes and do the general interior private residence, layouts and design all public areas,” Penthouse in Mumbai. added Kruger. “We would be able to achieve an even 14 better result with our turnkey interior- Contemporary living installations if we could be involved in room, 23 Marina. the ground works. We will retain the de- sign control-centre in our Dubai ofj ce, from where we will oversee all of the design-projects, while our detailing and specij cation processes will be handled by our various regional ofj ces. “Sooner or later we will create inde- pendent divisions to deal with various project-orientations, hospitality, corpo- rate, residential towers, and our villas and palaces. We have already created a separate division to cater for clients with customised, bespoke needs. given the product a distinct warm, natu- villas, company ofj ce interiors, restau- “Our j rst two yacht refurbishments ral, earthy feel. It’s all down to the place- rants and nightclubs. It was set up in were enormously successful; we are cur- ment of furniture, lighting elements, Dubai two years ago and has ofj ces in rently conceptualising a private plane, bursts of colourful artwork and the play London and is currently setting up more and have previously designed and of materials against each other. This in Delhi and Mumbai. It operates under -executed a fully customised cruiser bus means that even though the design is the umbrella company Best Networks with lounge, bedroom, bathroom and fairly controlled and understated, there and has plans to expand its divisions. kitchen. I believe it is possible to offer a is a lot to keep the eye busy.” “We are interested in more projects wide array of specialty design services, Best Interiors creates designs for like 23 Marina, where we would like to without compromising the level of de- hotels, hotel residences, apartments, be involved from a much earlier stage sign quality on each facility.”

48 JUNE 2012 | Commercial Interior Design www.designmena.com

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13 2013 kitchen design WE SPEAK TO SEVERAL KITCHEN MANUFACTURERS TO FIND OUT WHAT’S ON-TREND FOR THE MIDDLE EAST NEXT YEAR. REPORT BY JENNY EAGLE

itchens are gradually taking a cessing. We want to sell architectural and bright chrome handles and frames more architectural look with masterpieces rather than kitchens and completing the fresh vibrant look.” an emphasis on horizontal make people's lives more interesting According to Toni El-Kadi, area man- K lines and moving away from and creative," said George Pitarokilis, ager, Duravit, UAE, Qatar and Oman, the the traditional base unit/wall unit, founder/CEO, Cassandra Cucine trend for 2013 is to see modern open according to the National Kitchen and Predominant colours are light brown, kitchens similar to a living area. Bath Association. soft grey, coffee and white as seen by “Kitchens are a place for preparing This is evident in Cassandra Cucine, Miele, which unveiled its line of Ice, Jet food, cooking, doing the dishes and a company that designs and builds Black and Brilliant White collection. spending time with family and friends. hand-made kitchen furniture. It recently “The characteristic trait of the 'Ice' Therefore, the transition from the kitch- 1 developed and produced what it claims series is its cool appeal. With a mate- en to the living area is k uent,” he said. Miele's Fire & Ice to be ‘the world's’ j rst curved kitchen. rial mix comprising aluminum, silver “The conj guration and the design is Collection. "The new era in kitchen design is rear-printed glass and chrome, Miele supposed to orient towards a home-like architectural-oriented. Cassandra's Cu- appliances accentuate the cool, puristic ambiance. The perfect proportions, the 2 cine goal is to spread a vision for a radi- design of the kitchen,” said Gaby sophisticated details and the harmony Miele Jet Black cal differentiation in the industry. Why Koudsi, managing director, Miele GCC. of calm lines form ideally the overall Collection. should people take as a fact that the “Appliances in the Brilliant White col- picture, which is light and welcoming. kitchen is made of square boxes. Many lection are striking in their fully brilliant Moreover, the kitchen should rek ect the 3 of us would like to experiment and white exteriors, with a sleek white gloss personal style no less than any other Kiora by Sieger Design adopt a different way of storing and pro- j nish, white opaque glass oven door, room in the house does.” for Duravit.

Commercial Interior Design | JUNE 2012 51 FEATURE

Koudsi agreed and added, appliances are becoming more integrated into the kitchen and the furniture. Miele has released a number of prod- ucts including the slimline hood extrac- tor that comes out when pulled forward from behind the wall unit; FlexTouch induction hobs so that pots and pans can be placed anywhere on the ceramic screen and the Proj Line dishwasher. “The slimline cooker hoods are ex- clusive to Miele and disappear behind kitchen cabinetry, which highlights both functionality and aesthetics. High-end models have a slim, delicate TOP 10 DESIGN TRENDS: NATIONAL KITCHEN & BATH ASSOCIATION canopy, which is pulled down and clear of the wall unit when needed,” he said. CHERRY WOOD IN DECLINE TRANSITIONAL OVER TRADITIONAL Similarly, Dornbracht, manufacturer Cherry wood has consistently been the first or Transitional (a blend of traditional and contemporary) of j ttings and accessories for the bath- second most popular type of wood for cabinetry, but is the most common style chosen. Transitional is room and kitchen, has introduced its designers are slowly shifting away from it. typified by lines that are simpler than traditional, Water Zones programme to the Middle but more elaborate than contemporary to create a East, a concept for enjoying the kitchen DARKER FINISHES modern classic look. While the traditional style has as a living area. Natural kitchen cabinetry continues a steady move consistently been used by three quarters of NKBA It has divided the home kitchen into toward darker finishes. While light natural finishes member designers in the kitchen, that figure fell to separate areas according to their usage have been recently specified by 30% of kitchen 58% this year. ie preparing, cooking, cleaning, drink- designers, medium natural finishes stand at 55%, ing and universal. with dark natural finishes at 58%. SOLID SURFACES According to an industry study by Among painted cabinetry, white continues to be the The use of solid surfaces in the kitchen jumped from Homesolute.com, when washing or rins- most popular option, as white cabinets have been 11% to 26% from a year ago. This year, that number ing fruits and vegetables, kitchen users recently specified by 59% of NKBA member kitchen has increased again, as solid surfaces have been prefer to use a k exible spray mixer with designers. specified by 30% of designers for use in kitchens. a control handle, similar to those found in a professional kitchen because of GLASS BACKSPLASHES GREY their ability to control and adjust the Although glass remains a niche material for kitchen Grey was used as the overall colour scheme by 9% strength of the stream of water, de- countertops, it’s been recently used by more than of designers prior to 2010, but that figure nearly pending on what they are rinsing. half of kitchen designers as a backsplash material, doubled (to 17%) in 2011 and doubled again (to The Preparing Water Zone has a spray rising from 41% a year ago to 52%. Glass trails only 33%). Whites and off-whites continue to be the most mixer with an adjustable stream. It also natural stone tile at 60% and ceramic tile (including popular colour schemes in the kitchen, followed by features a double basin sink unit that porcelain), which has been specified by some 74% beiges and “bones.” Brown is the third most popular is deep and has a large capacity on one of designers. Ceramic tile backsplashes are on the colour. side and a k at, shallow basin on the decline. Other popular backsplash materials are other. With the addition of a separate granite at 30% and quartz at 20%. POLISHED CHROME’S RETURN cutting board over the k at basin side, Supplanted by brushed metal finishes in the past, preparation can take place at the sink. LED LIGHTING polished chrome is staging a comeback. After being The wall mounted Pot Filler for the Despite the higher initial cost, light-emitting diode, specified by 34% of designers in kitchens last year, Cooking Zone has a cold water-only or LED, lighting was specified by 50% of NKBA polished chrome has been specified by 52% of NKBA valve and two k exible swivel joints. member kitchen designers entering 2010; that rate member designers. With k ush-mount brackets, it can be po- increased to 54% the following year and has jumped sitioned directly next to the stove and over the past year to 70%. STONE COUNTERTOPS is height adjustable to accommodate Stone and granite are popular, however they large pots and containers. PULL-OUT TAPS are porous and their propensity for staining and “In a typical residential kitchen, Designers are increasingly overlooking the standard chipping can make them less than appealing in five second only to the stove, most people tap with a detached side spray in favour of pull-out years. New products like engineered stone, a stone spend their time standing at or work- models that integrate the two functions into a single and epoxy composite, are making inroads in the ing next to the kitchen sink. With the unit. countertop industry. popularity of the modern dishwasher, this work area, unlike the rest of the

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kitchen, has changed very little over the freestanding island might be dedicated washing dishes, cleaning vegetables 4 years,” said Andreas Dornbracht, CEO, to food preparation, with storage for or draining pasta, the sink is a central Vero kitchen sink by Dornbracht. “The style of the j ttings utensils and cutting boards,” he added. workplace in the kitchen. Its quality and Duravit. is the primary avenue of personalising Dubai-based Euro Cucina, supplier functionality requirements are high. this area of the room. However, despite and manufacturer of kitchens and inte- Outstanding design is a must.” 5 our unwavering love for dishwashers, riors to homeowners and businesses For El-Kadi at Duravit, designers Curved kitchen by studies show more than half of all work in the UAE and GCC, has opened a like Philippe Starck and Sieger Design Cassandra Cuccine. in the kitchen; cleaning, washing and showroom in Um Suqeim Road. It offers create sinks in a harmonious way using preparing food, takes place at the sink.” a design and installation service, from natural materials such as the Starck K 6 El-Kadi agreed and said often the space planning to worktops, tiles, k oor- and Kiora: “The range of sinks opens Euro Cucina goal in redesigning a kitchen is to ing and site works. up lots of possibilities for individual Contemporary improve the traditional “work triangle”, Its line is based around three product design. And this does not stop at the Kitchen. the path between the refrigerator, the ranges: Trend, Timeless and Individual. colour; white, pergamon, chestnut, food prep area, and the cooking area. manufactured at its European facility, matt anthracite and black. The colour The standard work triangle puts the which was created in 1990. of the ceramic will not fade, even when sink midway between the refrigerator The Trend range has lacquered subjected to continuous direct light,’’ and the oven, with a food preparation handle-free doors and drawers, curves he said. “Hardly any other designer or surface between the oven and the sink. and etched glass. Timeless comes with architect has caused as much of a stir “This traditional conception is being soft closing drawers and doors, and and amazement, or generated as much challenged by a new approach that Individual rek ects craftsmanship with controversy as the French universalist focuses on ergonomic workstations, no limitations in design. Philippe Starck. He ink uences the like those found in the workplace. Con- “The sink area plays a key role in design scene and sets trends that tran- temporary kitchens create functional modern kitchens with about 60% of scend all fashion. His outstanding ap- zones for food preparation and cooking, kitchen work being carried out here,” proach is most certainly a product of his clean up, and eating. For example, a said El-Kadi. “Whether it is used for awareness of the unusual,” he said. www.designmena.com Commercial Interior Design | JUNE 2012 53

SUPPLIERS YOU SHOULD KNOW

WALL AND FLOORING SUPPLIERS YOU SHOULD KNOW

he total GCC spend on ing giving way to the natural form results show that Southern Yellow k ooring. Sustainability in k ooring interior design, including of wood. It’s also a classic style, Pine (SYP) is signij cantly more and walls can also mean using k ooring and associated since it gives a vintage appear- resistant to indentation than repurposed material. T products, in 2012 is ance to any room. Chilean radiata pine, Brazilian These items of interior design forecast to reach US$56 billion. Using real hardwood is another Elliotis pine, European redwood, are being subjected to an interest Bearing this in mind, the k ooring choice for designers. The Timber and European whitewood. in 3D. Floors that look like mossy and wall components of interior Research and Development As- It also tested signij cantly stron- paths of a forest, or wallcoverings design are an integral part of any sociation (TRADA) was recently ger in impact bending than all the that make one feel as though they interior project. commissioned to conduct tests other species. are surrounded by lush foliage are Tradeshows dedicated to k oor- comparing the hardness and “In addition, it was consider- all the rage. ing, or with sections assigned to strength of US Southern Pine to ably denser than the other Domotex, the international walls and k ooring, are widespread four other species: radiata pine species, which indicates that tradeshow for the carpet and k oor showing their importance in this sourced from both Chile and New furniture, cabinets, doors, and covering sector, has rebranded its industry sector. Zealand; Brazilian Elliotis pine; k ooring made of Southern Yel- logo and brand colours for a mod- The trends for k ooring in 2012 European redwood, and European low Pine are less susceptible to ern and dynamic corporate image. rek ect a return to nature and a whitewood. The purpose of the dents, scratches, and other signs It will be launching a campaign theme of being environmentally- testing was to provide evidence of wear. These results show that in 2012 to show how k oors can friendly. Minimalism is key, along from a third-party source on the buyers in the Middle East can create an ambience using specij c with subtle patterns and prints. suitability of Southern Yellow Pine purchase SYP with conj dence.” room settings. Wood k oors are popular this for k ooring, furniture, and other Patterned k ooring is also rear- With k ooring and walls such an year, along with the distressed applications in which durability ing its head. Whether in carpets important part of the design sec- style being adapted from furniture over a period of time is important. or tiles, this trend allows for an tor, Commercial Interior Design to k ooring, as well as walls. The Charles Trevor, consultant to eye-catching space. Recycling or speaks to k ooring and wall sup- perfection of smoothness is slow- American Softwoods said: “Test “upcycling” can also be seen with pliers you should know.

www.designmena.com CommercialCommercial Interior Interior Design Design | |APRIL JUNE 2012 55 SUPPLIERS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Alawali Flooring

Tell us about your company? Alawali gives a full service of installa- Alawali Floorings Co., L.L.C. since tion and maintenance of old k oors with its establishment in 2004, has been a professional team and in accordance providing customers with the best to the NWFA standards. quality wood k ooring on time and with With its large and diverse inventory of right prices. With sourcing from Europe, top quality wood k oorings, Alawali is South America, United States, Africa considered the single solution for all and Asia, the j rm stands ready to k ooring needs. All its wood k ooring supply customers’ specij c needs from selections are based on durability, cost landed stock and from the source. and environmental sustainability. The allure of hardwood lies not only in The j rm is able to provide best quality its beauty, but in the value it adds to products with affordable prices, due to the interior of the place. There is simply our long-term cooperation with a chain no match to the authentic beauty and of professional manufacturers skilled durability of real hardwood parquet. It in the latest technology and applying a adds an exceptionally natural and warm strict quality control system. feeling to any room and space. The company has a wide collection of wood What’s new? species to j t perfectly in almost all in- Alawali has added to its portfolio the teriors styles and taste. Wood k oorings new French Collection series of oak never go out of style. Designers look at k oorings. With its subtle grain pattern a wood k oor as a large, neutral palette, and light, the uniform colour takes a va- even with all its colours, grains and riety of j nishes and surface treatment texture. That’s why wood is timeless. creates an expensive look at a fraction The j rm has a dedicated and experi- of the cost. enced team of management, sales and For outdoor decking, the company has installation staff, committed to building introduced its top quality Techwood on the history of quality and fulj lling WPC decking, and new solar light tiles, the company’s motto of “Quality with- both of which offer a maintenance-free out compromise”. decking solution with stable colours and life-time durability. What sets you apart? Alawali deals only with quality certij ed How do we contact you? products. The entire range of products www.alawalico.ae possess quality and environmental [email protected] | [email protected] certij cates (CE, CARB, ASTM, FSC). T: +9714 325 6333 | F: +9714 325 6337

56 JUNE 2012 | Commercial Interior Design www.designmena.com SUPPLIERS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Abu Dhabi to open more NGC Nafees retail stores to meet with the demand for its products.

What’s on show? NGC Nafees Our materials sourced from France, Italy, Germany, By James Prathap, general manager, NGC Nafees USA, UK and Netherlands. We work with 14 international brands of wallcover- Tell us about your company? ing from Europe — Creation, Texdecor, Eijfj nger NGC Nafees has been in the wallpaper business in and York Wall coverings to name a few. As the col- Dubai for the last 27 years and caters to residen- lection is huge, we usually end up j nding the right tial, commercial and hospitality segments in the design from our assortment itself. market. At times when the quantity is good enough to do a Our materials are sourced from France, Italy, special run we do that too. Germany, US, UK and the Netherlands, and our major customers range from private villa owners to What are the highlights? consultants, contractors and interior designers. We are in the process of adding our latest collec- We work with our own team for the installation tions to our contract segment. services for private clients, and for bigger projects The products are green, environmentally friendly we recommend people to clients from our approved and they are sourced from York Wall Coverings list of sub-contractors. USA. We are also a distribution agency for many high- end brands from many countries across Europe, UK Contact details? and USA. NGC Nafees Wallpaper Co Naif Road, When did your showroom open? Dubai, UAE The NGC Nafees Naif Road branch in Deira opened +9714 234 6442 two years ago. www.ngcmiddleeast.com We are now looking for new locations in Dubai and [email protected]

target of 12.5%. Using lean manufacture and Six Sigma programme, we have reduced the amount of waste product in the manufacturing process by 30%. We are an ISO 14001 certij ed company.

Current wallcovering trends? We are adding great new designs in the existing range of our studio suite collection picking on the latest trends including Zeus, Grace and Emelia, a Muraspec range ideal for the hospitality sector. Also out are Plexus and Palermo, which offers By Arshia Hussein, sales manager subtle metallic shimmer and is available in pallets of six and nine colours respectively including Tell us about your company? trendy charcoal grey and a great selection of us- We are part of Omnova Solutions Inc., the largest able neutrals. Damascus satisj es the need for ever global supplier of interior decorative surfaces. Mu- popular motif designs collection. raspec have designed, manufactured and distrib- uted commercial wallcoverings for over 40 years. Any challenges? With our longstanding presence for more than 17 We understand the importance of the environment years in Dubai as the regional ofj ce for GCC and and have acted to reduce our impact and give Middle East, Muraspec extends our services to the customers real choices to meet their environmental market to provide the best level of service and sup- and product performance needs. port to our valuable clients. How do we contact you? What sets you apart? Our Dubai ofj ce: We believe we are the j rst wallcovering manu- Al Quoz Industrial Area 3, facturer in the world to produce a wallcovering P.O.Box: 34625, Dubai, UAE. using a fully recycled product without the need to T: +971 4 338 7399 add weight or vinyl j le. Ruben is the j rst of these F: +971 4 338 7401 designs. We have reduced our carbon emissions [email protected] by 22% since 2004 exceeding the Kyoto reduction www.muraspec.com www.designmena.com Commercial Interior Design | JUNE 2012 57 SUPPLIERS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Kollektion & Co

By Lars Narfeldt, founder like concrete and metal, again with a retro combination. Our collections are Tell us about your company? designed for those interested in décor Kollektion & Co is a distributor experi- and design who consider wallpaper as a ence offering a variety of elegant prominent feature in the room. and functional Scandinavian design products with superior quality, excep- Recent developments? tional grace and timeless appeal. We We are launching Danish design carefully select our brands, products brand & tradition in the Middle East and partners, looking for distinctive, this spring and looking forward to sophisticated and durable solutions a more contract oriented collection that blend form and functionality. Our from both Muuto and Design House portfolio includes ECO Boråstapeter, Stockholm. Mr. Perswall has launched Mr Perswall, Design House Stockholm, its Fashion collection with wallpapers Muuto, SagaForm, &tradition, String, for fashion retailers in the Middle East. Oddbirds, Ruben Lighting and MinusTio. We are opening our own Scandinavian design stores named D.tales throughout What is your best selling product? the Gulf with the j rst opening in DIFC ECO Exclusive and Revival collections, this spring. D.tales will turn houses into Mr Perswall Fashion and Communication homes. And beings into personalities. collections and Borastapeter Vintage Offering design with a history. And and Karlslund collections. brands with a story. Providing details to your home. And details to your life. Add- What are the current trends? ing soul to both. And character to you. The latest trends are yesterday captured in a contemporary way. Still very much How do we contact you? retro but with a modern feeling added. Kollektion General Trading LLC A little more grown up, a little more Star Giga House Building style conscious. We see inspiration in Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai shabby chic and the minimalistic indus- T: +971 4 330 6899 trial trend. Lace patterns and abraded www.thekollektion.com white are matched with raw materials [email protected]

58 JUNE 2012 | Commercial Interior Design www.designmena.com

SETTING THE BENCHMARK FOR THE REGION’S ARCHITECTURE INDUSTRY

TUESDAY 23RD OCTOBER, 2012 THE WESTIN, DUBAI

For sponsorship enquiries please contact: The 5th annual Middle Yazan Rahman Sales Director, Construction Group East Architect Awards are Tel: +971 4 444 3351 an opportunity for the Email: [email protected] industry to come together Andrew Parkes for one night to toast Advertising Director, Construction Group exceptional performance Tel: +971 4 444 3570 in architecture, Email: [email protected] engineering & design. For nomination enquiries please contact: Oliver Ephgrave Editor Tel: +971 4 444 3303 Email: [email protected] NOMINATION DEADLINE: rd For table bookings and further information please contact: THURSDAY 23 AUGUST 2012 Michelle Meyrick Events Manager Tel: +971 4 444 3328 Email: [email protected]

Platinum Sponsor Gold Sponsor Category Sponsor

To submit your nominations, or for more information, please visit: www.constructionweekonline.com/meaa PRODUCTS

New on the market BAGNO DESIGN

Mirror TVs have become the new standard for luxury hotels, where bathrooms are now the benchmark of opulence by which many guests judge their hotel experience. Bagno Vision’s Mirror TVs combine fashion and design with technology to immediately convey a hotel’s attention to detail and luxury status. The Bagno Vision Mirror TV range by Bagno Design can be custom-sized to j t almost any space and is a product to watch in the hospitality sector.

BAGNO DESIGN +971 4 507 6000 www.bagnodesign.org

www.designmena.com Commercial Interior Design | JUNE 2012 61 PRODUCTS

TANGRAM FUTURISTIC SPA

Klafs has launched the Tangram spa, com- bining a sauna, steam bath, shower area and relaxation zone. Designer, Martin Schultheiss, believes in- terior architectural trends are moving in the direction of living concepts with open room structures. Individual areas merge into each other to become connected living units. This is also the case with the Tangram spa, which opens up into the room. The large glass front has a view of the interior, consisting of sauna, steam bath and shower area and the steam bath is dominated by strict geometric structures, and the materials glass, metal and stone. Inside the sauna, the walnut wood deco- rates the walls and different eye catchers give it a unique appearance and function. The combining element of the cubicles is the shower and cooling-down area, which is made from natural black stone. It is con- trolled from the Touchcontrol Professional, colour touch screen.

KLAFS T. +49 791 501 0 www.klafs.com

62 JUNE 2012 | Commercial Interior Design www.designmena.com PRODUCTS

MIRAKI COMMODE

“Give him enough rope, and he can furnish the whole house” – this is what the New York Times had to say about the design method of French designer Christian Astuguevieille. Cords, twines or ropes are the most important base material for the 63-year old designer to create his unica: chairs, sofas, chests of drawers, mirrors, lamps and tables. Members of the public know Astuguevieille more for his fashion labels, such as his leather accessories by Nina Ricci, rather than his furniture. “It is important for me to lead people to get involved with new things, to dream, to embark on a journey,” he said. In his Parisian atelier, the passionate collec- tor has compiled a rich archive of j nds, fabrics and materials from all over the world. It includes innumerable storage boxes containing sponges from Mauritius or hand-scooped paper from FRANZISKA KESSLER GALLERY Japan. The Miraki Commode is made from raw cotton T: +41 44 251 86 80 rope and oak and comes in white. www.franziskakessler.com

MEX

Mex are small low tables in tempered glass with bases painted in white or black. The tops and shoulders come in a transparent extra-clear tem- pered glass in three sizes: - square 72 X 72 - rectangular 108,5x36,5 or 72x36,5 height 24cm. The tables can be grouped to form a 108,5 cm square. The white or black bases may be grouped at will.

PIERO LISSONI T: +631 423 4560 www.cassinausa.com www.designmena.com Commercial Interior Design | JUNE 2012 63 GOODRICH

Goodrich Global has launched its collection to offer something differ- wallcoverings from the Rivets collec- ent and outstanding for its clients. tion from Phillip Jefferies. The brand The strong and bold patterns come is distributed across eight countries in 11.3inch squares and create a worldwide and handcrafted by vari- sophisticated geometric pattern that ous artisans in the US. gives the illusion of an upholstered The wallcovering comes in a raised wall. It is available in nine colour relief pattern made with pearlised combinations of inks and grounds. inks hand-applied to fabric made from natural Manila hemp, glazed BRYAN ESCONDE Abaca, linen and jute to create T: +971 4 4341 9985 the look and feel of authentic nail www.goodrichglobal.com heads. Goodrich launched the new Online News for Architecture, Interiors and Industrial Design Professionals

s Up to the minute reports on the latest industry news and events s Interviews with leading figures in the interiors, design and architecture sectors s The latest case studies, market trends and developments for the Middle East market

Visit www.designmena.com today and sign up for the twice weekly eNewsletter to stay up to date with your industry

For information on advertising please contact: YAZAN RAHMAN, Sales Director - Tel: +971 4 444 3351 - GSM: +971 56 778 3824 - Email: [email protected] LEIGH ROCHE, Sales Manager - Tel: +971 4 444 3679 - GSM: +971 50 8690916 - Email: [email protected] PRODUCTS

SYNTHESIS of sofas, a four-poster kit and an alcove to relax; sun loungers, With its unmistakable design lounge armchairs and deckchairs. that combines teak and WaP- Available in off-white or beige. roLace, Synthesis is a furniture Voglia in Jumeirah Beach Road, line by Italian manufacturer, Dubai, sells European designed Unopiu, established in 1978. indoor and outdoor furniture as VOGLIA The series includes a modular well as artwork, ceramics, chan- +971 55 282 1711 seating system, various types deliers, carpets and rugs. www.voglia.ae

66 JUNE 2012 | Commercial Interior Design www.designmena.com PRODUCTS

BLUE ROPE MELTDOWN CHAIR

The Meltdown Series is an experimental process developed by UK designer Tom Price, which uses a variety of commonplace plastic products to create a collection of sculptural seating. Despite its appearance, the chair is functional and comfortable. The mould of the seat is based on the shape of an Eames chair. It is created by heating and pressing a seat- shaped former into a ball of polypropylene rope. The rope begins to liquify when it comes into contact with the heated object and, as it cools, it sets the shape of a seat, creating a contrast in form and texture.

OUTDOORZ GALLERY T: + 33 (0)7 78 69 84 02 www.outdoorzgallery.com

CACTUS CHAIR

Cactus chair by New York-based architect Deger Cengiz is an experimentation that compares the visual to the user’s experi- ence. The existence of the barrel cactus gives a temporary discomfort, even though the user knows that the plant behind the glass is not a real threat.

DEGER CENGIZ T: +917 744-2040 www.voosfurniture.com

www.designmena.com Commercial Interior Design | JUNE 2012 67 PRODUCTS

I-TREE RAIN SHOWER

Feel at one with nature by bathing under the I-Tree Rain Shower. The inspiration for this modular shower is the branches of a tree. A small number of standard pieces have been joined together to create the semblance of twigs. The simple construction method means users can create their own shower in different looks. Made of soft rubber, it’s easy to clean.

BATHROOM DESIGN I-SPA TEAM T: +66 2 6837 322 3 www.bathroomtomorrow.com

VOLUME

This brass patina j nished cube by De Castelli is a bookcase in which to hide your precious tomes, or it can simply be left closed and used as an impres- sive accent to any room. It’s perfect to store books that you don’t want damaged by the weather, sun and dust. Made to look like a safe, it can also be kept as a useful sup- port base, with its cubical shape. It comes in a variety of different material j nishings and inside, wood is used for the walls as well as the dividers. Natural looking aesthetics occur due to the combination of different wood and metal j nishing’s on the external armour.

DESIGN R&D DE CASTELLI T: +39 0423 638 218 www.decastelli.it

68 JUNE 2012 | Commercial Interior Design www.designmena.com PRODUCTS

KÄ HRS

Kä hrs’ most audacious collection glimpse of grain, adding a lively to date, Shine consists of eight element. For something a little less k oors in a variety of Oak, Beech and extreme, but equally contemporary, Ash. A durable, high gloss, lacquer Fumoir in warm grey Oak offers a sheen offers a rek ective j nish and more subtle alternative. As the stain a bold alternative to conventional is lighter and the wood is smoked, wood k oor surfaces, while a metallic Fumoir has a lot more colour varia- infused wood grain adds to the char- tion between each board, which, acter of the collection. combined with its narrow 1-strip Tabac is a modern interpretation of formation, brings the k oor to life. the traditional Oak k oor, while Retro Black Silver and Black Copper are – a deep red-toned Ash – evokes the the showstoppers of the collection. rich beauty of 50s post-war modern- Each wide, black-stained Ash plank ism. A subtle mother-of-pearl like is infused with metallic pigments, for shimmer on light, narrow Oak brings daring effect. For best results, the Pearl to life. bold design of Black Silver and Black Monochrome Baccarat in slick Copper demands larger spaces. black and Opaque in icy white, pro- duced from wide Beech planks, cre- ate a dramatic effect, best suited to KÄ HRS NORDIC HOMEWORX contemporary settings. The slightly T: +971 4 369 55 69 translucent j nish reveals a subtle www.nordichomeworx.com

www.designmena.com Commercial Interior Design | JUNE 2012 69 PRODUCTS

CONICAL VASE

The Conical Vase is a vase sculpted out of hardened crochet (fabric) & comes in various pal- ettes to be selected from. A multi-purpose feature, it has the ability of transforming into a candle holder when required. The hardened crochet is an eye- catching material with its intricate designs weaved in.

FARAH AL HUMAIDHI T:+965 2246 4510 www.pa-ia.com

EAMES ELEPHANT Whether used indoors or outdoors, or as a decora- tive item, this children’s elephant seating is manu- factured by Vitra.

VITRA T: +65 8288 9959 www.vitra.com

70 JUNE 2012 | Commercial Interior Design www.designmena.com

OPINION

Colour magnet BY ABEER AYASH

am a holistic artist, and a mind, body and of energy, and a tendency to move and take ac- energy practitioner. Through my skills tion. This is why it is used in fast food venues, or and experience with alternative healing in sports spaces, and playgrounds. On another Itherapies, I have a deep knowledge and hand, with a shorter wavelength compared understanding of the ink uence of colour on to red, green has a soothing peaceful loving individuals and on our living space as a whole. effect as it derives this vibration from the plant Through my soul paintings, I can create an art- kingdom of mother earth. It opens the heart work that is custom-made to the client according and releases the blocks and brings out uncon- to his/her energy system. Since the colour is the ditional love. It instantly connects individuals physical manifestation of energy, the painting with the higher human vibrational values. This will carry and emanate the vibrations that create is why it is ideal in bedrooms, personal and a healing balanced state of being for the person family spaces, hospitals and clinics. In opera- that owns it. In addition to soul painting, I do tion rooms, the doctors work with blood for similar concepts for residential and commercial long hours, which is why they wear green robes. projects, where the artwork is energetically and When they lift their eyes off the operational geometrically studied to harmonise and balance table they are instantly calmed and the stress or the space it is created for. anxiety factor is subdued. Similarly, blue, has a Art and colour is not just related to interior pacifying effect. It carries the vibration of focus, design, but is an integral part of it. It is through reliability and trust. It connects to the truth and the colours’ themes and patterns, compositions essence of being. It is commonly used in school and lines that a space takes on a personality and police uniforms and spaces in banks and and implements its functionality. Art has the law institutions. When choosing a colour for ability of identifying a space, and infusing it with an environment, it is important to study the a soul, that not only mimics life, but creates an psychology of space to incorporate a visual that environment that is intelligent and interactive. will balance all these elements equally. For example, I recently created three paintings; Art & Coffee is a monthly event that Art Cou- Sand, Sea, and Harmony that are used in the ture organises as part of its vision to promote corridors of a hotel and ofj ce building in Dubai. contemporary art in Dubai. Artists, art profes- Not only were the paintings used to camouk age sors, curators and other guests talk about their access panels, but their colour pattern and com- expertise once a month. It is an opportunity to position enhanced the atmosphere and created enjoy the beauty of art, learn something new, As a holistic artist, I will continue creating soul a balanced k ow of energy. The composition and and share cultural interests over a cup of coffee. paintings for my clients and art consultations and theme unites the exterior architecture and spirit I was invited by Art Couture to talk about the paintings for residential and commercial places. with the interior mood and feel. power of colour, which was followed by a live The next Art & Coffee morning is ‘Understand- Each colour is a manifestation of a certain demo of a soul painting. The talk matches the ing Contemporary Visual Art & Andy Warhol’s electromagnetic wavelength, which directly theme of the morning events as these coffee work’ by Lebanese performance and video artist, affects the human body and consequently the mornings focus on the appreciation of art and Rima Kaddissi, at Al Badia Golf Club, Interconti- living space. For example, the long wavelength enhancement of life in the simplest of ways and nental, Dubai Festival City, 11am-2pm, June 9. of red has a direct effect on the adrenal glands is directed towards group interaction and fun. AED 200. and blood by changing the hormonal and chemi- Art Couture and The Third Eye will partner cal levels in the body, which will consequently in presenting a series of talks seminars and Abeer Ayash, mind, body, energy practitioner - effect the mind and emotion. Once subjected to workshops, which will educate on the transfor- holistic artist, email [email protected] red, an individual will feel an immediate surge mational power of art and design. Tel: +971 50 455 71 48 www.artcoutureuae.com

72 JUNE 2012 | Commercial Interior Design www.designmena.com Comfort and style for inspired environments Ergonomic chairs designed to perform and built to last

To find out more call + 971 4 515 6565 or visit www.hermanmiller.com