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Thanks to both exhibitors and visitors, Downtown Design celebrated a successful fourth edition as the key design trade event in the Middle East. With a wealth of beautiful brands represented; the fair reaffirmed its position as a strong platform for showcasing high quality international brands to the regional design community.

Beba Creations is a homegrown brand from Abu Dhabi founded by American artist Tariq Raiz. Dedicated to the entire process from idea, design sketch, and final production of a piece, Beba Creations utilizes what is locally available in a responsible and sustainable way.Their furniture materials of choice range from camel leather to recycled wood and from striking red sand of Al Ain to metal from the local scrap yards.

Established in 2011, Apical Reform has a been growing as a multi-disciplinary design studio that works in architectural design, interior design, product design, customizations and functional art, under the aegis of Mr. Amrish Patel and Architect Darshan Soni. Apical Reform involves the latest technology as a core motivation ‘to learn from and bring to people, art as a means to express, to serve, to innovate and to reform.

Established in 1963 by Sonja Ingegerd Andersson, the homegrown brand is spread across 4 continents. Apart from beautiful flowers, SIA has also established a name for itself in the decoration world with products like vases, candles, candlelight’s, furniture, tableware, lights, frames, decoration accessories and a wide range of gift sets.

Visit Downtown Design, the leading fair in the Middle East to discover original design, for your chance to win the Ultimate Dubai Living Room worth AED 100,000. One lucky winner will receive the entire room, from flooring to wall covering to furniture and decorative accessories.  Dubai’s Ultimate Living Room has been designed by Dubai-based S2 Interiors and furnished with beautiful high end pieces by Downtown Design exhibiting brands: Arte Veneziana, CCC Carpets, Georg Jensen, Innerspace, Jotun, Kahrs, Lasvit, Moroso and Studio 971.

As Henry Ford once famously said, “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”

Associate Director of Pallavi Dean Interior Design, Agata Kurzela is a well acknowledged member of the industry and amongst several other accolades recently bagged the 2016 Interior Designer of the Year Award at the CID Awards. With a keen eye for distinctive design and a penchant to strive for design excellence; Agata picks her favorites from the fair.

The development of new materials that have increased functionality and design has become a major driver of product innovation. With around 70% of all new product innovation based on materials or new and improved properties; these emergent materials and their associated technologies are changing the way that architects and designers work and the way consumers engage with products that surround them.

The Programme includes keynote speeches, talks, presentations, panel discussions, master-classes, workshops and family activities.  It also brings local, regional and international design professionals together to constructively discuss the global design industry.

With a modern take on the classic chevron pattern, Kährs has fashioned an eco-friendly parquet collection that elevates the design offering of any space. With four on-trend colours to select from the stunning design can be coordinated with corresponding flooring to border the edges of the pattern.

A hundred years into the advent of modernism, technology dominates almost every aspect of life. But today, consumers, designers and architects are pushing back, and exploring a more personal approach to design.

As Director of Hospitality, Residential and Mixed-Use projects for Perkins+Will, David works with a wide range of clients across the Middle East, Africa and North America. With a career spanning over 15 years David has spent the last decade in the Middle East focusing on the design, management and execution of large scale innovative building projects. He has actively contributed to the realization of several award winning buildings from concept design through to construction completion; with expertise in hospitality, retail, cultural and master planning projects.

With leading brands Kettal, and Expormim debuting their latest collections at Downtown Design, there are even greater options for designers looking to create impactful outdoor spaces.  With traditional indoor furniture brands now creating pieces that liven up outdoor landscapes, the challenge is designing pieces that are weatherproof, long-lasting and stylish.

Lasvit

Through a culture of innovation, the voice of the architectural profession in the US and beyond, AIA, empowers its members and inspires creation of a better built environment. With over 260 chapters worldwide it has an engaged community of 88,000 members with the regional chapter located in Dubai.

Designers these days are well thought of but poorly understood. Most of us assume that a designer’s job is to make things beautifully, to elevate an ordinary object so that it sparkles. This assumption isn’t unfair, but it misses something essential.

The dining experience of today is not just about the power of what’s on your plate but about everything that affects the overall exploration into cuisine, theme and design. Design elements are not only limited to the interiors of the space but translates into everything from branding to accessories to cutlery. With the right mix of details a restaurant can transform its space from being a place to just eat to a destination where people come to socialize, indulge and connect.

Opening on the 24th of October the Dubai Design Week in its second year has set its sight on covering the city with a breadth of programmes that cater to all aspects of the design community. For the seasoned design professional the Dubai Design Week offers a host of industry led talks, workshops, brand launches, competitions and awards.

Cala Armchair – Doshi-Levien

With an incredible 4900 knots per square inch, Hands is renowned for its fine hand knotted and hand tufted carpets.

This new collaboration with Patricia Urquiola boasts crisper, stricter, simpler lines to Georg Jensen stainless steel – a departure from the existing fluid, organic shapes. The Urquiola Collection brings a new look that fits naturally into the broader Georg Jensen offering.

“Products that are exemplary in technology, design, and quality have been the basis for the remarkable international success of SieMatic. Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group LLC proudly partners with this iconic German brand to offer a unique combination of innovation as well as craftsmanship; which anticipates the needs and desires for a model kitchen suited to the multicultural populace of the UAE,“ says Abdulla Al Gurg, Group General Manager, Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group LLC. The distinctive areas of the store are based on SieMatic lifestyles - Pure, Urban, and Classic.  Customers can view the design and get to touch and feel samples in the showroom to make an informed choice that suits their unique needs.

From property developers and design directors of hotel groups, right through to architects and interiors designers from the top firms, as well as the teams behind all the brands on show, it’s a rare opportunity to network, meet potential collaborators, gain insight into the industry and forge relationships.

Here’s a list of our favourites:

Dutch Designer Edward Van Vliet, known for creating worlds and orchestrating experiences through design, will present the Sushi Seat designed for Moroso at Downtown Design. A star feature of this year’s reception at the fair, the chair personifies the essence of Downtown Design by showcasing the idea of global design in one piece.

Innovation leader in design and technology, Gaggenau launches at Downtown Design an exciting range of high-quality home appliances. With a history dating back to 1683, Gaggenau has revolutionized the domestic kitchen with its internationally acclaimed products.

Herman Miller is a name synonymous with modern furniture. Working with legendary designers George Nelson and Charles and Ray Eames in 1950s, the company’s design collaborations have become industrial design classics. Continuing its collaboration in the present day, Herman Miller works with some of the most renowned designers in the world: Alexander Girard, Isamu Noguchi, Robert Propst, Bill Stumpf, Don Chadwick, Ayse Birsel, Studio 7.5, Yves Béhar and Doug Ball.

Lauded for its attention to detail and quality manufacturing, THG bridges the gap between old-world artisanship and 21st century technology, giving birth to a timeless collection of products. The subtle nuances that can only come from THG handcrafted detail reinforce the fact that one is in the presence of an exceptionally well-designed and quality product that will stand the test of time.

For 70 years Snaidero has been designing and manufacturing customized kitchen furniture that has its uniqueness rooted in the heritage of great craftsmanship.

Italian brand Foster manufactures built-in gas and electric hobs, sinks and mixers, dishwashers, refrigerators, hoods and ovens- everything required for a kitchen to function smoothly. Foster is known for its impeccable, seamlessly designed cooking appliances often in stainless steel- the AISI 304 steel that they use has a high level of chrome and nickel, and such a bright finish that it is completely resistant to rust and corrosion. Its main goals are functionality, safety and ergonomics in the kitchen.

The Middle East has seen a constant growth in the development of mid-range hospitality projects with Dubai alone projecting 100,000 new hotel rooms in time for EXPO 2020. With the number of visitors expected to rise up to 20 million by the end of the decade; hotel operators, architects and designers face the challenge of meeting this growing demand.

Visitors will be able to explore the pavilion to discover furniture, lighting, floor and wallcoverings, as well as a diverse range of home accessories from home scents to linens.

Lauded for its attention to detail and quality manufacturing, THG bridges the gap between old-world artisanship and 21st century technology, giving birth to a timeless collection of products. The subtle nuances that can only come from THG handcrafted detail reinforce the fact that one is in the presence of an exceptionally well-designed and quality product that will stand the test of time.

As Design Manager for a local developer, my FF&E and Joinery eye is in hot pursuit of trends and innovations for the modern home. With intriguing items like those coming to Downtown Design, any design aficionado can make their home a functional and chic palace. I am glad to see a diverse list of exhibitors from the UAE, MENA and international with products across the Interior Design Spectrum.

For 70 years Snaidero has been designing and manufacturing customized kitchen furniture that has its uniqueness rooted in the heritage of great craftsmanship.

For discerning furniture shoppers of the Middle East, Aati offer the most comprehensive selection of designer furniture and accessories in the region. With more than 30 years of experience working with the world’s finest brands, Aati caters to those seeking the ultimate in luxury lifestyle. Returning to Downtown Design this year, they will be showcasing a portfolio of best-in-class international luxury brands featuring: Bentley Home, Fendi Casa, Minotti, and Edra.

Moroso’s established artisanal approach to product manufacturing and creativity formed the foundations of a vision which has enabled the firm to have distinguished growth since it was established in 1952. Nearly sixty years later, Moroso is positioned at the vanguard of international design. Through the creative input of designers, they have created a collection of iconic designs, of which Armada is the latest.

Woodfloors Middle East represents over 20 leading brands from across the world including Finland, Austria, Germany, Italy and the USA, fulfilling every need ranging from exotic species to the more commonly available wooden floors.

Leading British designer Tom Dixon, whose works can be found in permanent collections of museums such as V & A and MoMA, is known world-over for his furniture and lighting designs, and now carpets.

Abu Dhabi based designers Fouad Mirza and Ritchie Nolasco started the brand with a shared vision: to bring local artisanal design and craftsmanship to the forefront of the furniture industry by featuring Arabesque design elements. By doing so, they aim to represent the UAE as a leading source of high-end design on a global platform.

For discerning furniture shoppers of the Middle East, Aati offer the most comprehensive selection of designer furniture and accessories in the region. With more than 30 years of experience working with the world’s finest brands, Aati caters to those seeking the ultimate in luxury lifestyle. Returning to Downtown Design this year, they will be showcasing a portfolio of best-in-class international luxury brands featuring: Bentley Home, Fendi Casa, Minotti, and Edra.

The wood, provided by the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) and the pavilion design, imagined by T.ZED Architects, come together to create a unique architectural experience for fair visitors. The basic concept is to create a somber cocoon that is gently placed in a dynamic and frenzied environment. The overall structure allows individuals to physically and metaphorically disconnect themselves from the surrounding urban setting and invite them into a quiet space where moments of reflection simply emerge.

Woodfloors Middle East represents over 20 leading brands from across the world including Finland, Austria, Germany, Italy and the USA, fulfilling every need ranging from exotic species to the more commonly available wooden floors.

Abu Dhabi based designers Fouad Mirza and Ritchie Nolasco started the brand with a shared vision: to bring local artisanal design and craftsmanship to the forefront of the furniture industry by featuring Arabesque design elements. By doing so, they aim to represent the UAE as a leading source of high-end design on a global platform.

Though Bernhardt Interiors was only established in 2008, it is a division of the 125-year-old Bernhardt Furniture company. As one of the largest, family-run furniture companies in North America, it has a longstanding history of creating beautiful, lavish concepts.