< PreviousRADAR Spaces 46 admiddleeast.comPhotography Mohammed Ashkanani Kuwaiti designer Meshary AlNassar’s studio for an up-and-coming painter is a masterclass in using curves and pale, light-enhancing shades Drawn from Life AD_047_46-49_Radar_Spaces Meshary AlNassar_12630561.indd 4604/10/2022 10:15:23 PMW hen you think of a painter’s studio, what do you see? You’ll most likely envision canvases, brushes, tubes of paint and a measure of cre- ative disorder, but perhaps not the serene, luminous environment of this Kuwait City space by interior designer Meshary AlNassar. With its delicate colours, curved silhouettes and full-height windows that allow sunlight to fl ood in, it’s sure to inspire an artistic spirit. The space is perfectly in tune with AlNassar’s fresh design philosophy. Fusing Scandinavian and “minimal oriental” infl u- ences with Middle Eastern elements, his interiors are carefully tailored to their own- ers’ needs. “I design each project with daily functions in mind, and I like to surround peo- ple with familiar objects and materials, so they always feel at home,” he says. “A space also needs to age with the client, so they can build on it gradually. Timelessness is key.” In this case, the client is a young artist who sought out AlNassar after learning about him through word of mouth. “When she checked out our website and Instagram page, she real- ised that we share a love of furniture and aes- thetics,” he explains. “We met at my studio and the interior spoke to her; then, she allowed us to design freely.” The space she wanted transformed was a gift: high up in a newly built tower in Kuwait City’s historic quarter, with views of the old Al Mubarakiya souk and the beach. A warm, nature- inspired palette blurs the lines between the walls, fl oor and ceiling, creating a seamless experience. TOP RIGHT: A sculptural desk emerges from a wall. AD_047_46-49_Radar_Spaces Meshary AlNassar_12630561.indd 4704/10/2022 10:15:36 PMIn AlNassar’s hands, the studio has ceased to be the kind of anonymous, cube-like interi- or typical of most skyscrapers. “I approached it as a blank canvas, just like the beginning of one of the client’s paintings,” he says. “I want- ed to create something that she would be able to add layers to, so it grows with her. I soft- ened the rooms with rounded edges, and con- cealed all the functions and mechanical details behind a false ceiling so that the eye wouldn’t be distracted.” The designer also worked his magic on some structural col- umns interrupting the space, “dissolving them into the curved walls”, and installed a huge, arched pocket door, which divides the studio in half. On one side is a social space with a seating area, a meeting table and a built-in “coff ee station”, where the artist can welcome clients and friends; on the other is her painting zone. Here, says AlNassar, she can work freely and “get messy”, but without descending into chaos: a dedicated paint-mix- ing station, complete with built-in sink and custom storage for paper and tools, takes care of that. “It was inspired by a 19th-century French wooden workstation that we both loved,” explains the designer. The décor, meanwhile, is intended to be “easy on the eye from the moment you step inside”. Earth tones are a signature of AlNassar’s interiors, and here he picked a soft, pinkish sand shade to envelop walls, fl oors and ceilings. “It refl ects the light, and was chosen specifi cally to be neither too warm nor too cool.” As for furniture, the designer returned to his belief in leaving spaces uncrowded, so that they can evolve as needed. “We found the perfect base pieces in the shape of midcentury Italian classics,” he says. “They serve as guidelines that the client can build upon.” Concealed lighting com- pletes the seamless eff ect, and helps to rein- force the idea that the artist can personalise the space as she likes. “She enjoys the feeling that it’s completely hers, and she can make it feel more like home by adding books and knick-knacks on the shelves,” says AlNassar. “It truly transforms with just a few tricks.” mesharyalnassar.com – AMY BRADFORD I treated this space like a blank canvas, just like the begining of an artist's painting AD_047_46-49_Radar_Spaces Meshary AlNassar_12630561.indd 4804/10/2022 10:15:57 PMA chunky velvet arm chair from Tacchini creates contrast in the monochrome space. OPPOSITE PAGE FROM TOP: Soft lines and curves lend an etheral quality to this studio; Designer Meshary AlNassar. Spaces RADAR admiddleeast.com 49 AD_047_46-49_Radar_Spaces Meshary AlNassar_12630561.indd 4904/10/2022 10:16:18 PMRADAR Design The Middle East’s leading design fair is set to spotlight the best regional and international talent Bright Lights 50 admiddleeast.com At Downtown Design 2022, Czech atelier Moser will present vases and tableware born from a special facet-cutting technique that makes handcrafted coloured crystal sparkle like gemstones. AD_047_50-53_Radar_design DTD_12640900.indd 5004/10/2022 10:17:38 PMV irtual real estate in the metaverse might be the next big thing in design, but when it comes to curating our spaces in the here and now, we still crave an in-per- son experience. We want to sit on the couches, touch the fabrics, be wowed by the latest lighting marvels and most impor- tantly, be inspired. That is where Dubai’s Downtown Design fair steps in. Taking place 9-12 November 2022 by the creekside at Dubai Design District, it will bring the best contemporary design brands from around the world to the Middle East, while simultane- ously exposing exceptional regional talent to the global audience that’s in town for Dubai Design Week. “In many ways, Downtown Design mirrors Dubai’s dynamism and drive,” says AD50 designer Jonathan Ashmore whose practice, Anarchitect, has projects in KSA, Kuwait, Serbia, Kenya, Uganda and London. “Just like Dubai is a base for design fi rms working around the Middle East, the fair effectively serves as a beacon for the wider region.” In the past two years, the Middle East’s design industry has not only bounced back, any signs of looming trouble have been erased with a surge in demand for luxury residences, exceptional hotels and ultra-exclusive leisure destinations – and Dubai is the focal point of it all. “In comparison to historically recognised luxury markets that are ailing, the Middle East is a promising destination for design brands looking to grow their business,” says Jaipur Rugs director Yogesh Chaudhary. This year he’s presenting the atelier’s latest collection developed with Indian design star Ashiesh Shah. “Here, not only do the clients have good taste and high budgets, they are viewing invest- ment in design as a way of building their legacy, so the focus is on quality and originality.” FROM TOP: Lebanese-Italian designer Jwana Hamdan’s debut outdoor furniture collection; Liquid, Tom Dixon’s fi rst bathroom range is soft yet sculptural. LEFT: Slamp’s art deco-inspired light by artist Lorenza Bozzoli. AD_047_50-53_Radar_design DTD_12640900.indd 5104/10/2022 10:17:50 PM52 admiddleeast.com RADAR Design In comparison to historically recognised luxury markets that are ailing, the Middle East is a promising destination for design brands AD_047_50-53_Radar_design DTD_12640900.indd 5204/10/2022 10:18:11 PMAlongside country specifi c showcases by France, Italy and Spain, internationally renowned brands such as Poliform, Moser, Slamp, Minotti and cc-Tapis are set to launch their latest collections in the Middle East at the event. Plus, Downtown Editions, the fair’s section dedicated to limited-edition design will spotlight the region’s brightest talents: Nada Debs, who is celebrating the 20th anni- versary of her atelier, Omar Al Gurg who will present new work from his Modu Method range, and studios including The Line Concept, Doodle and The Gang and Quarter Moon that create original work inspired by the region’s heritage and locality. “What has struck me is how quick the Middle East has been to adapt, and move for- ward since the global pandemic,” says Scott Maddux, co-founder of Maddux Creative, an award-winning international design fi rm known for its artfully designed homes. “I’ve been coming to Downtown Design for years and I can see progress refl ected – and even foretold – in the product focus that is not only different from other fairs, it also fosters design innovation and cross-cultural collaboration.” Tom Dixon’s sculptural designs for Vitra, Lebanese-Italian designer Jwana Hamdan’s Bedouin-inspired outdoor collection with Purity and Samovar’s collaboration with Kuwaiti architect Jassim AlSaddah featuring crystalline shapes emerging from hand-knot- ted rugs are just some of the creative code-sharing projects that're are set to wow . “Our aim’s always been to build connec- tions and be a space for design lovers to dis- cover the best that the industry has to offer,” says Mette Degn-Christensen, director of Downtown Design. See you at the fair. downtowndesign.com – IAIN ROSS FROM TOP: Iwan Maktabi will showcase Italian designer Duccio Maria Gambi’s Tempore rugs for cc-Tapis; iGuzzini’s recycled thermoplastic Polsino lamp; Aati brings Minotti’s latest collection to the fair. OPPOSITE PAGE: UAE-based atelier Doodle and The Gang’s sculptural bench with old world charm. AD_047_50-53_Radar_design DTD_12640900.indd 5304/10/2022 10:18:20 PMRADAR Agenda 54 admiddleeast.comPhotography Yasir Al Qunais and Ahmed Al Thani Building Blocks Step into the future of the Middle East’s dynamic design scene at Tanween, Saudi Arabia’s largest platform for creative exchange AD_047_54-55_Radar_Agenda_12636501.indd 5404/10/2022 10:19:25 PMTanween 2022 will be an inspiring space to explore our creative future together A s soon as it opened its doors in 2018, Ithra, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, became an instant icon. The Arab king- dom was at the cusp of a cultural renaissance and Ithra’s futuristic architec- ture foretold the sea-change we are witness- ing now. It is the same forward-thinking strategy that informs the center’s mission to be a platform for regional talent to empower themselves and uplift the Middle Eastern creative landscape. Established to motivate, inspire and pre- pare a new generation of innovators and dis- ruptors, Tanween, Ithra’s annual creativity season is a cornerstone of that intent. Over the past four years, the event has hosted 160 regional and international speakers, facilita- tors and experts, engaging more than 200,000 creatives and enthusiasts. Taking place on the weekends from October 27 to November 12, the theme for Tanween 2022 is inspired by the phrase ‘Collaborate to Create’ and is set to focus on cross-cultural exchange within the creative industries in KSA and beyond. “What a great way to describe the creative process required to address today’s challeng- es,” says Robert Frith, Ithra’s creative direc- tor and the curator of Tanween. “This year’s event spotlights the need for a collaboration of cultures and a partnership between nature and technology. We've developed a multi-lay- ered programme with the aim to enrich the minds of curious learners of all ages.” Addressing arts, science and design, pur- suits that have become a vital force in acceler- ating human development, a range of topics promise to unlock the potential of the local and regional cultural economies. Staged on-site in Dharan and amplifi ed to the wider public through livestreaming and virtual activations, Tanween Talks will intro- duce audiences to the designers and entre- preneurs balancing commerce and creativity with aplomb. An array of masterclasses will off er opportunities to learn from renowned practitioners, whilst thought-provoking workshops will explore how we can better relate to each other, our environment and the planet, through design. There will also be one-on-one mentoring sessions off ering access to experts in archi- tecture, products and graphics, as well as dig- ital design: think gaming design, augmented reality and immersive tech. Looking to discover tomorrow’s design leaders? Tanween is the place to be. Ithra’s Grad Expo off ers recent graduates a platform to reveal their concepts to the public and access resources for fast-tracked develop- ment, thanks to the center’s network. “For those interested in the creative indus- tries this is an unmissable experience,” says Firth. “It will be an inspiring space to connect with like-minded people and explore our cre- ative future together.” ithra.com – P.S. CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: Ithra's Tanween is a key pillar of Saudi Arabia's creative calendar, annually bringing design lovers and experts together; its programme explores the intersection of heritage and innovation; established and emerging designers reveal their latest ideas at the event, AD_047_54-55_Radar_Agenda_12636501.indd 5504/10/2022 10:19:34 PMNext >