Much like other popular design fairs around the world, INDEX 2022 was so very welcome this year. After the pandemic, it was a pleasure to be in the midst of the familiar trade fair buzz in Dubai. Here are the highlights from our visit…
INDEX has always been a trade show that has offered a sweeping canvas of products and services, and direct access to serious buyers of contract furniture to accessories, décor and limited-edition pieces. It is the Middle East’s main annual market event for the A&D, and covers all areas of A&D procurement.
This year, the fair, although smaller in size than in its hey day many years back, still delivers quite a mix of suppliers, brands and services, both large and small and everything in between.
DESIGN TALKS
One of the main draws of the fair for us were the design conferences held in two separate platform spaces, Design Talks and Workspace. These panel discussions featured knowledge and talent from some of the most active and key members of the regional A&D community.
“The success of this year’s edition of Design Talks can be credited to the carefully crafted program that we develop in close consultation with other industry stakeholders, as well as the involvement of each and every person participating and attending,” says Esra Lemmens, Founder of Esra Lemmens Agency and curator of Design Talks. “Over the course of three days, the platform encouraged spontaneous debates around the most relevant technical, aesthetic, market based, and strategic issues and dynamics affecting the built environment. The last few years, in particular, have seen considerable developments in new design techniques and market tendencies, especially in virtual reality and the Metaverse.”
There was great attention and focus given to sustainability and re-generative design, stressing the industry’s role on these topics and encouraging designers and manufacturers to re-think current approaches and processes.
“What I particularly enjoyed were the discussions around successful company structures, talent management, and what it takes to run a business successfully and sustainably in turbulent times,” says Esra. “From changing expectations and demands from employees, and coming out of a pandemic, to bringing talent to fruition and attracting the right clients for your business.”
The Design Talks platform at INDEX
This year’s Work Design Summit held at Workspace saw 48 speakers taking part in panel discussions, presentations and case studies from top global companies and leading interior designer firms working in the field of office and commercial interiors.
“As we return to workspaces, there are still too many questions about what the future holds for office design and our speakers have shared different opinions on what’s the way forward,” says Marina Mrdjen, Founder of Intelier and spokesperson at the summit. “We had the opportunity of hearing directly from companies, such as PwC Middle East, FedEx, Etihad Aviation Group, Loreal and Aramco, on how they’re adapting to the new ways of working, with employee wellbeing and engagement being on top of their agendas.”
The inaugural Work Design Summit debate, moderated by Oliver Baxter from Herman Miller, focused on hybrid versus traditional workplaces. Further discussions explored the growing #workfromeverywhere trend and coffee culture to the growing popularity of design and build.
“We also discussed how Generation Z, accustomed to hybrid learning, could thrive in traditional work environments, and the role of art in commercial interiors,” says Marina. “This event also proved that we craved face-to-face interactions and physical contact with others, and that we learn from each other by sharing experiences and knowledge.”
The 2-day Work Design Summit at Workspace in INDEX
WORTHY INSTALLATIONS & CREATIVE DISPLAYS
The team at Kristina Zanic Consultants did it again with an elegant and creative installation situated at one of the entrances of the fair. Aptly named ‘Serenity Pool’, this beautiful, flowing structure exuded a sense of wellbeing, creating a calm, cocoon-like space. Parametric design was used to layer 3,000 strips of sheer Vescom fabric in shades varying shades of blue to white, with a bespoke hand-tufted rug created by BSH Walls & Floors at the base in a circular ripple design from teal to purple. Serene lighting by Nathan Savage Lighting Design and Artemide lit the space in a subdued glow, the key feature being an illuminated circular pendant at the top that gave the illusion of sunlight streaming through.
According to the team at KZC, the design was inspired by the wondrous sensation of being underwater and seeing the rays of light filter through. “Designing spaces that promote health and well-being is a key focus today”, says Kristina Zanic, CEO at KZC. “We spend so much of our time indoors and design has a key role in shaping the quality of our day. As the world around us gets faster and busier, we increasingly look to the spaces we occupy to find calm and stability. This is what we wanted to highlight with our installation at INDEX.”
Serenity Pod entrance installation by Kristina Zanic Consultants using fabric by Vescom and bespoke rug by BSH Walls & Floors. Lighting by Nathan Savage Lighting Design and Artemide
Brand Creative and global architectural surfaces leader, Cosentino, never fail to amaze with their collaborations. Teaming up once again with interior fit-out company, Design Infinity, the designers created Ray of Light, a walkway inspired by the Mediterranean landscape and the human connection to nature, colours and textures. Visitors were treated to a multi-sensory journey involving sight, sound, scent and touch via an exciting juxtaposition of materials including metal, vinyl and Cosentino’s carbon neutral Silestone Sunlit Days, creating high contrast and a delicate play of light and reflections.
“We envisioned Ray of Light as a positive, energetic approach to physical and mental journeys, inviting the viewer to create memories filled with hope after a period of pause and regeneration,” says Carla Conte, Founder & Creative Director of Brand Creative. “We hope to provoke our guests’ senses and delight them with our bespoke creations in sound, smell and touch. Ray of Light is very much about creating unexpected memorable moments that will linger long after the physical experience.”
Sunlit Days, the first-ever carbon neutral collection from Silestone is manufactured using 99 percent reused water, 100 percent renewable electric energy and at least 20 percent recycled raw materials, and so was the perfect choice of material to convey the message of embracing colour and a more natural and conscious lifestyle.
Ray of Light installation at INDEX 2022, designed by Brand Creative in collaboration with Cosentino. Fit-out by Design Infinity
TRENDS
The overarching focus on interior products at the fair was undoubtedly on the natural and sustainable. Great emphasis was placed on texture and materiality, and the design trend seemed to usher us all towards a gentle reminder of the planet we inhabit and the nature that surrounds us. Earthen, muted tones, plenty of natural textures, rope, cane, wood, and rugged surface treatments all gave a silent nod to the need to protect our resources and pull towards the elements and the land.
Another very clear trend was shift to more and more individualised, artistic pieces and a craft-based approach. Less minimal and contemporary, and more maximalism with a large dose of creativity. Within this sphere, was again the broad theme of nature, displayed in vivid crystal green leaves, flowing vines, and veined marble, egg shaped tubs that harked back to the womb and concept of life.
Colour trends this year were very clearly falling into two categories – earth tones and natural hues, or bright and happy vibrancy. Not much in between. This was a clear battle cry marking the end of a lockdown and a triumphant celebration of life. And it was wholly appropriate.
INDEX has always been a wonderful place to experience the varied styles and ideologies of bathroom design, and therefore had to be highlighted in our trend scout. Global brand Kohler’s black on black display was particularly eye catching, giving us a glimpse into a rather slick, mute yet enticing bathroom experience. Sanipex Group’s premiere global brand, Bagno Design, as usual, won the elegance stakes. Their latest ranges featured exquisite marble surfaces, curved lines and a beauty that exuded understated luxury.
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6 June, 2022
