< PreviousCover feature commercialinteriordesign.com March 2022 20 Sejal Patel Design director at Kristina Zanic Consultants I believe there is a greener generation, but not a greener gender. I see more commitment and initiative towards green causes amongst younger adults because they've grown up being educated about environmental impact. But I really don't think that gender comes into play here at all in this issue. As a woman, I think it's wonderful that women's efforts are being recognised at Expo 2020 Dubai for their contributions to various industries. But that doesn't necessarily mean that that's happening because we're doing more than men in those particular areas. Instead, I think men and women are equally aware and committed to sustainability and to taking care of nature's resources. It would be a disservice to my male counterparts in the industry to assume that women care more about good causes in general or green initiatives specifi cally. It also puts an unfair expectation on women to carry more of the responsibility towards protecting the planet because we're traditionally seen as being the more 'caring' gender. We each, as individual designers, bring something unique in our approach to our work. I just don't think that either male or female designers bring more to the table simply because of their gender. It's about the individual, their awareness of the cause and willingness to take initiative. Firstly, more awareness is needed on the client's side with regards to their important role in creating sustainable buildings. And even when that's there, budget restrictions and a view in favour of short-term savings can hold clients back from really committing to the cause. Sustainable design also greatly depends on local sourcing of materials, and if this is limited in the country or region your project is located in, it means that designers need to widen their circle beyond the ideal range. The biggest change [during my time in the design sector] is the shift to a global mind set, with more countries in the Middle East now operating at international standards in architecture and design. With that comes a growing expectation for projects to meet sustainability standards, and green certifi cations have fortunately become a much sought-after badge of honour. There are also simultaneously more green initiatives in design at a grass-roots level, and more government regulations promoting sustainability at a top level. We are also starting to see sustainability being considered from the onset and with a more holistic approach. For example, in the hospitality sector, some hotels are incorporating on-site water recycling systems and solar panels to reduce fuel usage. And hotel rooms are increasingly equipped with management systems that automatically turn off power when unoccupied, while landscape design is incorporating more native plants that require relatively less irrigation. Gender doesn't come into play here...Cover feature 21 March 2022 commercialinteriordesign.com Rosha Ehsan Head of interior design at Gastronomica Middle East To think that gender has a role to play in sustainability, would be premature thinking. It goes back to the values every individual holds as a leader and how that gets embedded within the corporate culture of an organisation. With ESG [environmental, social and corporate governance] initiatives gaining more and more importance in businesses, a greener future is bound to happen regardless of gender. A shift in mindset and having an enabling leadership style is also vital to us achieving a balanced and gender neutral world. We as women in design and construction, need to realise the power we have in shaping the future. Being a fi rm believer of 'what you allow is what will continue,'I believe it starts with you and hence, I highly encourage utilising the power of expression and setting the necessary boundaries to enforce respect in the workplace. Sustainability in design is a responsibility we hold towards the generations to come as well as a mindset and way of life. It is a compilation of the infrastructure and values you set within your team and organisation, the design thinking, product choices, supply chain selection, method of construction and waste management. Design is not solely aesthetics nor functionality. Design is about offering a solution that is fi t for its purpose and can be sustained throughout the entire lifecycle of a project. This is where innovative and conscious collaborations become vital. In my view, the design industry will need to continuously educate itself on key global challenges in order to create a positive impact. Working with a variety of local and international award winning design fi rms, we observe that very few truly understand the impact of minor design decisions on the entire lifestyle of the project. To embed ESG, designers should embed a compilation of fi nancial and ethical considerations for companies, investors and stakeholders. When focusing on commercial projects, the aim is lowering capital cost and providing better operation performance. The design industry will need to continuously educate itself...Cover feature commercialinteriordesign.com March 2022 22 Vanessa Northway Deputy vice-principal for Learning & Teaching, associate head of school for the School of Textiles & Design at Heriot-Watt University Dubai A 2021 Women's Forum report on gender equity that surveyed 10,000 people across the G20 countries found that women — more often than men — have changed their behaviour to decrease their carbon dioxide emissions by recycling, buying local, and reducing water and meat consumption. In design and architecture, women have been pioneering the green movement as women tend to be more concerned about the environmental impact, carbon footprint, liveability, health, and well-being. Additionally, through our professional associations at Heriot-Watt University Dubai, we have also witnessed that women designers and architects showcase elevated interest in green architecture, sustainability, and sustainable designs. The design industry is predominantly men, with few women making a mark in the sector due to a lack of growth opportunities. The profession has, like many others, been viewed as biased and an example of gender imbalance in the workplace. From gender pay gaps to the lack of potential leadership roles, women continue to face challenges in the industry. Data shows that women tend to litter less, recycle more, and leave a smaller carbon footprint than men. Some researchers have suggested that personality differences, such as women's prioritisation of altruism, may help to explain this gender gap in green behaviour. To make the design industry greener and sustainable, there needs to be a higher focus on giving women equal chances as their male counterparts and creating nurturing environments for women to thrive and grow. Sustainable design does have a special appeal to women. As mentioned above, women litter less, recycle more, and leave a smaller carbon footprint than men. In addition, industry collaborations and peer interactions reveal that women showcase a much higher focus on sustainability. Sustainability is not only about incorporating green elements, but it is much more than that. Women are inherently attuned to the necessities in their living spaces, whether at home or commercial. This keen eye supports their vision towards sustainability, be it while reviewing light fi xtures, ensuring sustainable garbage disposal, incorporating water fi xtures that save water or bringing in an element of natural lighting to save energy. Awareness is one of the biggest challenges designers face regarding sustainability. It is extremely important to educate clients on the long-term impacts of using materials and fi xtures that are harmful to the environment. This brings us to cost, as awareness is directly related to questions regarding cost. Sustainable products do come with a higher price tag, and although the attitude towards sustainable materials is becoming more positive, the industry has a lot of room for improvement. Sourcing and procuring products and ensuring a low carbon footprint of a product's journey from design to delivery are other challenges designers face. The advent of technology in interior design has been phenomenal. From visualisation applications for clients to view 3D designs of their space to the usage of smart products that in turn support sustainability (lights that switch off automatically when there is no movement detection, water taps using less water because of its smart output technology, among others) and 3D printing that is one of the most recent technologies, that helps design intricate furniture. Focus on sustainability has been one of the most welcome changes in the industry. Furthermore, consumers are becoming more conscious of their impact on the environment, and eco-friendly materials have been making a serious appearance in commercial interior design. Minimalism has also been another welcome change in interior design. The idea of using essentials, having uncluttered spaces, monochrome colour palettes, clean lines, and high functionality encompasses the minimalist movement. It is a signifi cant change from heavy decor spaces, bulky furniture, and colour clashing interiors.HANDWASHING POWERHOUSE Create a hygienic, touchfree handwashing experience anywhere in your facility with Bradley’s new suite of Express ® Lavatory Systems. Seamless construction and repairable solid surface material make Express Lavs the perfect upgrade to china sinks and fabricated countertops. Commercial washrooms brought to life. Watch the Express video at bradleycorp.com/express Economical Repairable Seamless Easy to install Easy to clean GLX SERIES TLX SERIESELX SERIESCover feature commercialinteriordesign.com March 2022 24 Diane Thorsen Principal, hospitality design director; Nour Toubia Senior interior designer; Samar Hussein RIBA associate, senior architect, co-leader for Design Resilience in the APME, all Gensler NOUR: At Gensler we are determined to be part of the solution. Surveys portray women to be the 'greener gender' because women are stereotypically responsible for creating homes, raising families and by default are seen as powerful consumers. To create a more sustainable society, we believe our focus should be on creating an equitable society. This will in turn achieve our common social goal to approach climate change as a community. It will require radical changes in the way we live and work but most importantly we need to change our thinking. And the only way we will see real change is when everyone assumes an equal active role in this mission together. SAMAR: Climate change is one of the biggest challenges we are facing currently. The design industry needs to respond fast, and actively drive solutions. Gensler is actively applying creative thinking and using our problem-solving capacity to lead change within our industry, our supply chains, our partners, and our communities in general. To meet the ambitious UAE climate change plan, it will take a unifi ed community to challenge and evaluate our design processes to align and meet the sustainability goals. Buildings account for approximately 40% of the global carbon emissions. As a design industry, an integrated approach, collaborative engagement, and commitment to create sustainable solutions will therefore facilitate advancements in the building design industry. SAMAR: Women make up half of the global population, so we have a signifi cant role to play. Sustainability and inclusivity are deeply interlinked, therefor our approach to sustainability should also be inclusive and involve the 'W' power of society. This is quite relevant to the fact goal number fi ve of the UN sustainability development goals is dedicated to gender equality. Climate change severely impacts impoverished communities where the strain is felt by the females. Through sustainable and climate focused design, the power of design can aid and positively impact the lives of women around the world. Historically women were excluded from participating in critical decision making that shaped our world. Our approach is to ensure we focus on inclusive and holistic ecological design solutions. NOUR AND DIANE: The industry requires a commitment to educating our students and raising awareness to embrace the opportunities to achieve a sustainable design approach. We promote working as a collaborative industry to meet a net zero goal. This means working together as a supply chain from start to fi nish including client, designers, suppliers, contractors, developers, and facility managers to commit to this goal. Certifi cation and holding the team accountable will support this goal as we cannot manage what we cannot measure. Our region is faced with the challenge of balancing the expectation of luxury design while meeting effi cient design. How do we create the iconic buildings but ensure we build 'right size' as opposed to applying excessive luxury materials and the convenience of many lifts, large volumes, and energy consuming facades. Another challenge is managing the developers' budget expectations. Value engineering and short-term solutions often take precedence over longevity and quality to last. It is our responsibility as designers to support the industry to implement a more sustainable and innovative approach to ensure designs become more resourceful, resilient, and regenerative. DIANE: The construction industry has positively evolved since my relocation to the Middle East in 2008. Promoting gender equality from a human rights and diversity inclusion perspective has attracted more women to our industry. Gensler believes this is good for business as it not only raises awareness to reduce overconsumption patterns but includes a diverse group in fi nding solutions in our built environment. Also, a variety of rating systems and green building codes have evolved in the Middle East. Whilst it would be better to have consistent baselines for energy, water, and environmental impact, this is still tremendous progress and supports our common goal to achieve carbon neutrality. Nour Toubia Diane Thorsen Samar HusseinCover feature 25 March 2022 commercialinteriordesign.com We're working towards minimising waste... Image credit: Michael Kruger Photography Carla Conte Founder & creative director, Brand Creative We are not a studio tied to gimmicks or buzzwords hence our sustainability philosophy is simple; we support the environment by being cleverly resourceful and tapping into our local supply chain. Simplicity is key to the overall acceptance of sustainable practices otherwise clients and contractors are overwhelmed by the complexities that the topic presents. Over the last decade, we have been actively working towards minimising waste by repurposing the materials and fi nished joinery in our retail builds in addition to sourcing sustainable and recycled materials and specifying locally to reduce our carbon footprint. Whether we incorporate repurposing strategies for the future with emerging brands in the construction of the fl agship build or use what's already been created in established brands, we've found innovative ways to create concepts that are timeless and exciting whilst being mindful about wastage. A few years ago, a major shopping centre developer in the region updated its requirements for tenants to refi t-out their retail spaces every fi ve years, which entails a full demolition of the space to shell and core. This posed obvious budget issues for the client but also presented an opportunity for us as retail designers to rethink how we design for this situation and prevent our designs from reaching the landfi lls. The best example of this thinking is our space for Ixora in DFC, which was designed so that the major joinery works along the perimetre could be dismantled and re-installed elsewhere or within the same space after refurbishment. We built into the design a 1M space behind all units and carefully considered joints so that wastage and damage would be minimised during the demolition phase. All joinery works utilised Arreis – a sustainable fi breboard (no added formaldehyde, recycled FSC wood fi bre content) – one of the few brands available through a local supplier (reducing carbon footprint). Locally sourced live edge wood was used for the fl oor display nesting tables. The epoxy fl ooring brand used, Florock, contributes to fi ve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) credit categories. The trial area includes sinks made from Altrock, which is made of 87% recycled marble waste. To set the stage for in-store demonstrations, the carved feature wall behind the trial sinks emulates soil topography – each layer strategically designed to depict the multiple layers found in fertile soil. The dried stalk from the Igusa plant (a key product ingredient) was used as the wall's main material. The brand had their factory in Turkey retain and dry the plant's stalk and later a local joinery company in the UAE was able to laminate the pulp to create a very fl exible substrate. Another example of simple sustainable resourcefulness is our current design for Salon 306; an established business that presented us with the opportunity to repurpose materials, lighting and furniture from the brand's fi rst location and incorporate the elements into our new space. This process involves inventory and stock review along with delicate removal and potential repairs of items, which requires far more time and effort but the end result is a reduction in overconsumption and resulting waste and of course cost savings of new purchases for the client. We are actively encouraging clients toward a more sustainable approach in 2022 by presenting compelling solutions that are beautiful whilst allowing our team the opportunity to infuse sustainable thinking from the onset of the concept. Being mindful of where our materials come from is of utmost importance. It has become easier to source organic and fair- trade materials like wood, wool and stone with minimal environmental impact but it still presents a challenge to ensure that the certifi cations are legitimate like FSC- certifi ed wood from sustainable forests and that building materials aren't greenwashed.Cover feature commercialinteriordesign.com March 2022 26 Stephanie Kinnick Operations director, DLR Group Middle East I think that the argument has been made that women tend to be greener in the sense that they make altruism more of a priority than their counterparts. Women also tend to be more socially responsible, which results in a stronger interest in environmental problems that lead them to be greener. Various articles and studies have noted that being eco-friendly and green is actually perceived as feminine. As more women become leaders and drivers of change in the industry, I think we will continue to see a stronger focus on sustainable construction and communities that support a much more eco-friendly and healthy lifestyle. As the number of women in leadership grows, we will see the importance of these issues moved closer to the top of this list. I do think sustainable design appeals to women and some have already have offered their perspectives on the fi eld. For example, Lance Hosey, FAIA (Fellow of the American Institute of Architects), co-authored 'Women in Green,' in which he noted that the fi rst female AIA president was also the fi rst to set sustainable design as one of the primary missions during her tenure. These kinds of initiatives will only grow as more women become leaders in the design industry. Some of the challenges are those that come with any type of shift or change in how something is done. For example, clients will assume that sustainable projects cost more and have longer lead times in order to source them properly. This region is known for short, unrealistic schedules which leads to designers not having enough time to study or fi nd the best available materials or products in the market that would contribute to a better environment and user wellbeing. Additionally, for those regionally available brands and local products that are easily accessible, they do not have the necessary product information or declaration labels that enable the designer to select them. The biggest improvement since post- Covid lockdowns has been the user realisation about the importance of their surroundings. This has led to everyone, including clients, to question the quality of their physical wellness and mental health. There has been a drive towards healthier projects, not just by engaging sustainable practices on the buildings themselves, but also the wider well-being implications that are questioned along with an encouraging the need for aesthetically interesting and activated environments, through story- telling, engaging circulation and so on. There's a drive for healthier projects...Cover feature 27 March 2022 commercialinteriordesign.com Zoe Burnett Head of ID, RSP Melden Francia ID Associate, RSP There is a preconceived notion that a sustainable lifestyle only appeals to women. However it's more of a generation issue than gender one. Fortunately and unfortunately the younger generation is more conscious about climate change, depletion of the earth's resources and the importance to be sustainable due to imminent situation they've been born into. We need this mindset when thinking not only on how the design is built and going to look for its immediate life time, but instead have a 10+ year plan and how it can be repurposed, recycled, re- used and be foreseen to have an impact in its next its next life time. The Rove Expo 2020 hotel, designed by RSP, is an outstanding example of females contribution to the sustainable design movement, empowered by woman from all facets and the hotel was also awarded a LEED Gold rating with 67 points by the US Green Building Council. Vera Dieckmann Founder & creative director at XO Atelier If we look at the Women's Day theme for this year, the United Nations supports the notion that women are the 'greener gender'. It's recognised that women contribute signifi cantly to sustainability goals, leading the charge on climate change adaptation, mitigation and response. But more than that, it's about gender equality and female empowerment being central to environmental sustainability. In industries like interior design where there are higher numbers of women in key decision making positions, adopting a greener agenda can be championed and change can be prioritised. In architecture however, where a shift towards being carbon neutral is more urgently needed, as long as innovations in terms of materials and building techniques are integrated then that could really impact the design ecosystem as a whole. It's about being able to convince clients that 'greenwashing' isn't enough. Laila Al-Yousuf Design director & partner at SAY Studio Is there a greener gender? Yes, absolutely. In fact, the market research fi rm, Mintel, carried out a survey in 2018 that indicated that 71% of women try to live more environmentally friendly, compared to 59% of men. In addition, they also found that as women, we encourage our family and friends to adopt these behaviors in their everyday lifestyles. While some of this can be attributed to our natural inclinations, green products are overwhelmingly marketed to and bought by women since we are still more disproportionately considered responsible for the domestic sphere. The result of this is what has been termed the 'Eco Gender Gap.' Interestingly though, research indicates that this gap is also generational. Millennials and Gen Z have been shown to be more eco-conscious, with Gen Z shoppers preferring to buy sustainable brands, the most willing generation to spend 10% more on sustainable products. L-R Melden and ZoeCover feature commercialinteriordesign.com March 2022 28 The women architects of the Poland Pavilion The architecture of the Poland Pavilion and the exhibition were designed by the workshop WXCA from Poland and the Swiss studio Bellprat Partner: Szczepan Wroñski, Marta Sekulska-Wroñska, Michał Czerwiñski, Anna Dobek-Lenczewska, Anna Majewska-Karolak, Paulina Kucharska, Małgorzata Gilarska, Piotr Łosek. The authors created a consistent, engaging, memorable experience. 'Creativity Inspired by Nature' is the motto crafted by the team to build a unique narrative around it that originates from the very source – a fascination with learning about nature by harnessing it wisely for people's needs, right up to the refl ection that we are all part of the ecosystem, that diversity is our strength, and that by referring to this diversity we are reaching as far as the stars. Indeed, there is no other home than our beautiful planet and the fate of this celestial globe is in our hands. First we spoke to Anna Dobek- Lenczewska and Anna Majewska-Karolak, architects at WXCA: "We don't feel that caring for environment is something that defi nes a particular gender. However, we Image credit: Suneesh Sudhakarani/Expo 2020 Dubai Marta Sekulska-WroñskaAnna Dobek-LenczewskaCover feature 29 March 2022 commercialinteriordesign.com do believe that diversity within the design team is something that inspires the most creative, wise and strong solutions allowing different perspectives and various aspects to thrive in the design. Sustainability was an idea that laid the foundations for our design of Poland Pavilion – its shape, materials, layout and exhibition and both male and female architects in our team understood that it was a key issue that could be materialised thanks to the teamwork. "We honestly believe that simple, low- tech solutions make the most effective impact on the sustainability of design and the biggest challenge is to understand and use them wisely. In this particular project we used the shape of the building to provide shade and create cool, naturally ventilated space that can effectively decrease power consumption. We used natural, renewable materials and building techniques that enable the structure to be disassembled, transported and rebuilt in a different location after the end of Expo 2020 Dubai. We also designed an exhibition that promotes nature and sustainability, as welll as biodiversity." Paulina Kucharska, architect at WXCA: "Sustainable design is important topic and a direction that design thrives. "Challenges we face nowadays in terms of sustainable design such as low emission building, using materials and materials circulation, design process, using architectural parameters and features requires knowledge and experience. "Every input is important, especially those when many solutions are born within exchanging ideas between professionals. Having a good working team which bring knowledge from different fi elds and enrich project is essential. From what I experience from every day work there is no division between genders in such a global theme." Marta Sekulska-Wroñska, architect/ partner at WXCA, and the president the Warsaw branch of the Association of Polish Architects [SARP], adds: "Sustainable design is our duty. One of the key tasks is to raise the awareness of the importance of this issue. We need to mitigate the effects of a myopic view and replace it by a long-term perspective that everything we do today in design fi eld has a huge impact on tomorrow. The construction industry is responsible for roughly 40% of carbon dioxide emissions. The numbers are horrifying, but we can act. The beginning stage of the investment project is the best time to make decisions about the impact that the building might have on the environment. At the end of the day, we are the ones who have the power to protect the future of our planet." Paulina Kucharska, architect at WXCA, adds: "One of the improvement [in the design sector] is using BIM technology, which makes phases precise and more effi cient. We often mix techniques and media within different design stages. That's allow us to design freely in early stages and by the time when the project is more advanced, to make a fi nal design in a sustainable and thoughtful way." Marta concludes: "WXCA is taking part in the international movement, The Architects Declare Climate and Biodiversity Emergency. It is a solid paradigm for us to act with the respect to the environment. For example, our intention was to make the Poland Pavilion the manifest of the circular economy based on Life Cycle Cost. We try to convince our clients to acknowledge that the sustainability is reachable for them and worth the effort. Personally, I am the president the Warsaw branch of SARP and we do a lot to promote the idea of developing without breaching the earth's boundaries. I'm working with extremely energetic and positive people willing to change the world around us." Anna Majewska-KarolakPaulina Kucharska Image credit: Katarina PremforsNext >