< PreviousR - T - AD 5 0 - P A GE 1 7 DUB AI The Architect: Riyad Joucka has worked in New York and Hong Kong, and lectured at several architecture schools and design events around the globe. The Studio: MEAN*, or Middle East Architectural Network, incorporates cutting-edge technology into its process to elevate its architectural solutions. Its projects include the Audi Innovation Hub for Dubai Design Week 2018 and a ferry terminal in South Korea. m-e-a-n.design KUWAIT CITY, KUWAIT AND PORTO, PORTUGAL THE FOUNDERS: Hend Almatrouk and Gijo Paul George met while studying at Universität für Angewandte Kunst in Vienna. Since launching Studio Toggle in 2012, they have overseen the growth of their experimental practice from two to 12. Spanning the fi elds of architecture and urban design, the duo advocates an architecture that combines context, technology and sustainability. THE OUTPUT: Recent highlights include a contemporary courtyard house in Mishref, a chocolate bar in Salmiya and a temporary installation built from construction waste. studiotoggle.com SUMAYA DABBAGH___ ARCHITECTURE DUB AI The Principal: UAE-based Saudi architect Sumaya Dabbagh established Dabbagh Architects, more than a decade ago and is also chair of the RIBA Gulf Chapter. The Project: Sharjah’s Mleiha Archaeological Centre, completed in 2016, was a landmark project for Dabbagh Architects that shot the boutique studio to fame. The Future: Dabbagh Architects is working on an upcoming museum in Al Ain, as well as projects in Saudi Arabia. dabbagharchitects.com STUDIO TOGGLE___ARCHITECTURE RIYAD JOUCKA___ ARCHITECTURE, DESIGN SHAHIRA FAHMY Architecture CAIRO & LONDON The Creative: Egyptian architect Shahira Fahmy launched her eponymous studio 21 years ago. Since then, she’s delivered impressively eclectic projects, while lecturing at universities around the world. Fahmy is also an actress and her creative passions often infl uence one another. The Portfolio: Fahmy’s architectural work is an interesting mix of large-scale projects, cultural establishments, social responsibility initiatives and residences. In addition to winning third place in the masterplanning competition for Andermatt, Switzerland, she’s also delivered the expansion for the Delfi na Foundation in the UK. SFAHMY.COM S AD50_11043529.indd 2210/12/2019 06:43:17 AMR - T - AD 5 0 - P A GE 1 8 T SAKHI___ARCHITECTURE BEIRUT & MILAN The Principals: Polish-Lebanese sisters Tessa and Tara Sakhi have turned their hands to everything from architecture to product design and thought-provoking installations since launching T Sakhi in 2016. The Philosophy: The Sakhis are inspired by the emotional experience of space and have a trans-global perspective, working with craftspeople from around the world. The Landmark: Adar, a Mediterranean restaurant in Paris, captures the duo’s chic, streamlined style, with unfussy décor that reflects the raw palette of the Levantine landscape. tsakhi.com T AD50_11043529.indd 2310/12/2019 06:43:41 AMT - W - AD 5 0 - P A GE 1 9 TABANLIOGLU ARCHITECTS___ ARCHITECTURE ISTANBUL, DUBAI & NEW YORK The Practice: The Istanbul-based, award-winning fi rm Tabanlioglu Architects’ history spans six decades, with several iconic projects across Turkey marking its timeline. The fi rm is known for high profi le cultural buildings, galleries, luxury hotels, mixed-use complexes, masterplans and renovation projects. The Directors: While Tabanlioglu Architects was unoffi cially established by Hayati Tabanlioglu in the 1950s, it’s now run by his son Murat Tabanlioglu and fellow architect Melkan Gursel. The Vision: In addition to crafting sculptural yet functional masterpieces, Tabanlioglu Architects stays on the pulse of modern demands, and designs buildings that consider current social needs and environmental impact. tabanlioglu.com DUBAI The Studio: T.ZED Architects focuses on delivering niche, high-end architecture and interiors projects across the region and beyond. The Founder: Tarik Al Zaharna has long worked to advance and contemporise regional architecture, and emphasises quality craftsmanship and materiality in his work. He designs projects that are informed by both a place’s architectural heritage and a resolutely forward-looking vision. It invariably makes for impressive results. tzed-architects.com T.ZED ARCHITECTS___ ARCHITECTURE TALIN HAZBAR Art, Design, Architecture SHARJAH The Creative: Talin Hazbar’s work, which spans architecture, art and research, is deeply connected to the landscape and its materiality. Accentuating the importance of working within natural systems, her creations experiment with materials, challenging their properties and recalling natural built structures. The Exhibition: Hazbar's latest work Structures of Impermanence explores a water feature found in Syrian courtyard homes, highlighting their forms and our attachment to architectural objects. TALIN-HAZBAR.COM AD50_11043529.indd 2410/12/2019 06:43:58 AMT - W - AD 5 0 - P A GE 2 0 W WALEED ARAFA___ ARCHITECTURE CAIRO & LONDON The Visionary: Egyptian architect Waleed Arafa combines design with research, with the aim to understand the essence of Islamic architecture and inspire new design approaches. The Approach: Arafa’s practice focuses on fi nding and establishing continuity between the past and present, particularly for areas that have a long legacy of Islamic architecture. The Landmark: His latest project, Basuna Mosque in Egypt, attracted international attention for its contextual design that respects the needs of the local community, while also incorporating elements of regional vernacular architecture. dararafa.com AD50_11043529.indd 2510/12/2019 06:44:14 AMW - Z - AD 5 0 - P A GE 2 1 ZAHA HADID ARCHITECTS___ ARCHITECTURE, INTERIOR DESIGN, PRODUCT DESIGN WALID SFEIR & ASSOCIATES___ INTERIOR DESIGN LONDON The Visionary: The late Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid’s architectural vision and creativity was so unique and inspired that her fi rm operates more as a school of architectural thought. Drawing from the artworks of early modernism, Hadid’s designs redefi ned what buildings could offer – and what architecture could mean. The Company: The 400-strong Zaha Hadid Architects works across scales and sectors, creating transformative cultural, corporate, residential and other spaces. The Trademark: ‘Curvaceous’ and ‘sinuous’ are commonly used adjectives for the UK-company’s signature style, which can also be futuristic and fl uid. zaha-hadid.com Z X BEIRUT, LEBANON The Principals: Walid Sfeir opened his studio in 1995 and now works with his sister Gina, an antiques and textiles expert. Together, they create bespoke spaces with unique furnishings and artworks. The Vision: The studio’s style alternates between classical, modern and oriental, with ornate villas in Lebanon and Kuwait and minimal, neutral apartments in Downtown Beirut. walidsfeir.com X-ARCHITECTS Architecture DUBAI The Founders: Principal architects Ahmed Al-Ali and Farid Esmaeil founded their award-winning architectural studio in 2003. Proponents of Arab culture and its translation into contemporary design, the duo are committed to bettering the region’s built environment. The Project: X-Architects have recently received an Aga Khan Award for their Al Wasit Visitor Centre in Sharjah. X-ARCHITECTS.COM REGIONAL OFFICES: ABU DHABI & DUBAI THE PRACTICE: A major presence in the Middle East since 2001, Woods Bagot has a global reach, with high-profile public projects like Riyadh’s King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Centre and the Hotel Kempinski Muscat. THE VISION: Its buildings are notable for their strong silhouettes, which often make a statement in their contexts. THE FUTURE: At over 430 metres high, the new Chongqing Tower will transform the city’s skyline. Slated for completion in 2020, it boasts a five-star hotel, apartments and offices. woodsbagot.com WOODS BAGOT___ ARCHITECTURE AD50_11043529.indd 2610/12/2019 06:44:33 AMAD ME-30_DEC 2019_DPS AD PAGES.indd 3809/12/2019 12:06:44 PMAX OR MYEDITION Setting oneself apart from the masses. Gratifying the need for uniqueness. Striking out in a new direction. This is the mission statement of AXOR MyEdition. Clear, linear design sets the stage for personal fulfilment. For one’s own creativity. With a wide range of plates. Upon request available in exclusive materials. Individualization. In perfection. Design: Phoenix DesignFor more infomation visit www.axor-design.com or contact us at sales.mea@hansgrohe.com AD ME-30_DEC 2019_DPS AD PAGES.indd 2117/11/2019 03:36:38 PM99 “ENSURING THE FUTURE OF A CASTLE THAT’S BEEN IN YOUR FAMILY FOR 800 YEARS IS A HUGE RESPONSIBILITY” Arena 100 P H O T O : T O M M A N N IO N AD_99_ARENA_Opener_11015876.indd 9909/12/2019 05:20:07 PMSLEEPING BEAUTY In an enchanting corner of South West France, a 700-year-old castle has been given a colourful makeover by an artistic aristocrat 000 AR E N A/ F ranc e AD_100-111_Arena_French Castle_10974230.indd 10009/12/2019 05:22:06 PMWords Yves Marbrier and Paola Moretti Photography Tom Mannion 101 A R EN A / P e rigo rd N o ir Cyril de Commarque and Ortensia Visconti with their daughter, Oro, on the limestone stairs. OPPOSITE PAGE: The 800-year-old Chateau de la Bourlie appears through the mist. PR ODUC T ION : P A OL A MORE T T I AD_100-111_Arena_French Castle_10974230.indd 10109/12/2019 05:22:17 PMNext >