< PreviousSpecial Report commercialinteriordesign.com July 2020 30 artworks that are resistant to wear and tear, and maintain a luxury fi nish for an extended period of time. Artelier works with plaster artists who use innovative techniques to create modern murals that are refi ned and elegant, as well as being robust. The use of cutting-edge, patented plaster methods allow the studio to create hand-sculpted artworks that are crack resistant and durable. Crafted within the studio thay are rolled up and shipped worldwide and are uniquely made for each space, so fi t corner-to-corner. It means they're suitable for a range of contexts – any wall shape can be accommodated, and, despite being a site-specifi c artwork, installation is as swift as applying wallpaper. The plaster also allows artworks to be washed. An air of calm for spas Art has the potential to create a sense of tranquillity and contemplation within spas, and transport visitors far away from everyday life. The wet and humid conditions of a spa, however, require art to be specially adapted. Ceramic art is also especially suitable for feature walls in a spa, as it is resistant to exposure to water, and has an inherent affi nity with nature through the use of clay. The ceramic art of Peter Hayes speaks to his journey as an artist, which has been shaped by the ceramic practices of diverse cultures. In keeping with the Japanese Raku ceramics tradition, Hayes works with natural clay and the fl ames of the kiln to create contemporary pieces that have been inspired by ancient craftsmanship. His art presents an intuitive response to the natural elements, as earth itself is transformed to create wall art. This gives his work a deep connection with a return to nature, and brings a sense of earthiness to the spa surroundings. Hayes is able to produce a series of monumental ceramic panels that join together to make a continuous artwork, and so can be adapted to the necessary wall dimensions. The paintings of Adam Arbeid are captivating and meditative; the artist uses crushed marbles, mineral ores and pigments to create otherworldly impressions that explore macro and micro images. Emerging from Arbeid's frescoes are resemblances of atolls in the ocean and craters in the Earth's crust, as well as distant cosmos and cellular structures. Artelier has worked with Arbeid to create feature walls for spas, adapting the subject matter so that it speaks to the water of the spa, as well as integrating the artwork into its surroundings. Giving a hammam-style hotel spa space a contemporary edge, Artelier and Adam Arbeid developed the concept for a feature wall above a plunge pool – the composition references the water below and the rising hot air, merging the surrounding natural elements. The artist was inspired by the ocean depths and how light is refracted underwater, and so recreated this ethereal experience through subtle gradations in deep blue hues, bringing the stillness of the deep ocean to the spa. To further integrate the artwork into the surroundings, Artelier developed technical solutions to adapt the painting so that water could stream through it, and coated the painting in a water-resistant lacquer. The streaming waterfall also causes the painting behind to shimmer, incorporating the spa's water into the artwork and creating a sense of constant movement. Sculptor Simon Allen, who creates carved panels that are fi nished with gold leaf, is also inspired by the movements of water – the undulations, peaks and troughs of his carvings are a refl ection of how Allen sees dramatic ocean scenery For a spa project, Artelier and Allen developed an abstract interpretation of rippled water that was in keeping with the modern design of the spa, yet created a statement in an otherwise minimalist space. A sense of movement in the sculpture is enhanced by the gilded fi nish, which causes the artwork to glisten; this effect is amplifi ed by specialist integrated lighting around the artwork. By placing the feature wall art directly above the pool, the sculpture is refl ected in the water itself, creating an impactful 'double' artwork. EXPLORING: COMMERCIAL ARTWORKS An Adam Arbeid piece in situ Peter HayesSpecial Report 31 July 2020 commercialinteriordesign.com Due to the custom sculpture's proximity to the water, specialist protective lacquer was developed for coating the artwork, ensuring its resistance to splashing. Luxury for presidential suites Artelier's experience in the luxury residential sector has given them particular insight into what it takes to create remarkable private spaces, which the most sophisticated hotel guest has come to expect. Atist Janine Lambers works with hand- applied gold leaf and watercolour to create dazzling feature walls. Nature in its infi nite beauty and ever-changing cycles are a constant inspiration for Lambers; the enduring calmness of nature makes its Sculptor Simon Allen imagery especially appropriate for relaxing private spaces. The subtle qualities and lustre of gold leaf is the artist's chosen medium to reveal her subject in its full luminescence. Lambers has a deep understanding and reverence for the gilding craft, refi ning ancient techniques of gilding with gold, silver and platinum leaf. She works intuitively with this refi ned palette of subtle hues and shades to skilfully form an image from individual fragments of differently coloured gold leaf, revealing her true mastery of the medium. Artelier has collaborated with Lambers to make her art especially suitable for wall features in interior spaces. Together, they have adapted the materials and methods in order to ensure the artwork's longevity, and developed compositions that make use of the expansive scale of feature walls. A creative & collaborative journey In the creation of an Artist Wall, Artelier engages with the unique context of each project to develop an artwork that resonates with the client's vision, whilst evolving a deep connection to its surroundings. It's a collaborative journey, one that is instinctive and imaginative as the artist explores subtly layered narratives that reveal themselves through the artwork. Each new project brings its own set of challenges and opportunities. Integral to the ethos of Artist Walls is a pioneering spirit to break new ground, nurturing the client's vision and ambitions in the creation of an artwork that can be considered a true masterpiece. Work by SImon Allen Janine Lambers at workSpecial Report commercialinteriordesign.com July 2020 32 Minimalism and fl exible furniture are in ON TREND What’s coming up in surface design for 2020/2021 Surface has always been used by interior designers and artists alike to create illusions and representations of our 3D world. This month, design academics Vanessa Northway and Malini Karani, from Heriot- Watt University Dubai share their forecast for the future of surface design. "Surface design makes the most of our visual sensory system and can greatly modify spatial character. Today interior designers are going well beyond merely painting or applying a surface coating or facing. We are however, seeing another new and interesting development – the reevaluation of surface design in a post- COVID era. Few other events in history have changed the world as much as COVID-19 has, and it is therefore only natural that it should usher in changes in the design community as well. "The rapid spread of COVID-19 has signifi cantly changed what design may mean for a world that will never be quite the same. This is true especially of large commercial spaces such as salons, retail, hotels, hospitals. However, the situation does not need to be viewed entirely through a negative lens. The challenges brought on by the pandemic also offer an opportunity to come up with fresh ideas and new ways. For example, what we now know about remote work can help interior designers create offi ce spaces that allow for a balance of isolated concentration and meaningful collaboration." Flexible furniture "Social distancing is possibly one of the biggest changes brought on by the coronavirus outbreak. "It means to deliberately increase physical space between people to avoid further spread of the virus. Studies show that staying at least six feet away from other people lessens chances of catching COVID-19. Flexible furniture is therefore likely to be a hot trend. The advantages are obvious – they take up little space when not needed (think stackable chairs), allows you to arrange space the way you like and ensure social distancing. "Such furniture can come equipped with castors that help it move quickly and easily and reconfi gure space as needed." Minimalistic design "This has been in style for a while now but it’s likely to become more popular in the post-COVID era. Simplicity and a lack of clutter and with no compromise on functionality are the hallmarks of minimalism. "Such a style also makes hygiene easier to maintain – surface designs that are minimalistic are easier to clean, have fewer nooks and crannies that could potentially trap germs and make it easier to carry out multiple rounds of sanitising in a day." Antimicrobial surfaces "While frequently washing our hands, wearing masks and practicing social distancing are effective steps in slowing the outbreak of COVID-19, pathogens, along with bacteria, mildew, and mould, can live on surfaces for up to several days. "In light of the pandemic, surface treatments have come up for closer scrutiny. Studies show that the virus can Students from the interior design courseSpecial Report 33 July 2020 commercialinteriordesign.com MEET THE EXPERTS Vanessa Northway Associate head of school, associate professor, School of Textiles & Design and senior teaching fellow, Heriot-Watt University Dubai live for up 72 hours on materials such as plastic and steel but can last for only our hours on copper. Antimicrobial surfaces can therefore either kill micro-organisms or stop their growth. "Other examples are the use of quartz or antimicrobial laminate countertops, bamboo and cork fl ooring. Epoxy also has antimicrobial properties and can be used to seal fl oors. Synthetic textiles such as acrylic, polyolefi n and polypropylene are hydrophobic (i.e. they don’t absorb water), thereby making them resistant to mould." Design changes "We expect to see changes in design in commercial spaces, taking into account changes in behaviour. For example, there is already an increased preference for automated doors, so people can avoid having to grasp door handles. "Similarly, customers are now consciously choosing fabrics that can be sanitised effi ciently and are less susceptible to damage in the process. In restaurants, you are more likely to fi nd leather upholstered chairs that are easy to wi"pe down, rather than velvet chairs. Malini Karani Director of studies for interior design (undergraduate and postgraduate), Heriot-Watt University Dubai "According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, sanitising reduces the number of germs on hard surfaces or objects by at least 99.9 percent, so it is natural for consumers to opt for easy-to-sanitise furniture and fi ttings in a post-COVID era. Finally, with working from home being the new normal, there will be increased focus on actually creating a functionality from scratch that includes the right seating, lighting, temperature control and more, rather than compromising the dining room or family room shared with kids." Aesthetics "Despite the above trends, the biggest one is that aesthetics will still trump. We expect to see concerted efforts by designers to come up with creative ideas, fresh thinking and ways by which design can combine both aesthetics and post- COVID design. "Given that owners of all commercial establishments want their spaces to look inviting in order to attract customers, designers will now be pushing the envelope when it comes to combining visual appeal with safety and hygiene." We'll be seeing more of bambooSuppliers commercialinteriordesign.com July 2020 34 Vitra Mixing legacy products with work from new designers Swiss furniture brand Vitra is dedicated to improving office spaces through design. Its products are for both the home and office and are an inspiring mix of legacy pieces and current designs and designers. Founded in 1950 as a family-owned company, Vitra now has a global presence that's steeped in design credibility. The brand has a Vitra Campus and Museum in Switzerland, dedicated to design and architecture projects that have been designed by leading global architects. Interestingly, the Vitra Fire Station on the Vitra Campus, Weil am Rhein, was the first-ever built architectural work by Zaha Hadid. Today it functions as an exhibition space. Its award-winning products can be found in a number of high-profile business settings, including Dubai International Airport and the Tate Modern in London. New additions for 2020 include the Chaise Tout Bois - the only chair by the legendary French 'constructeur' and designer Jean Prouvé that is made entirely out of wood. A classic from the extensive range is Stephan Hürlemann's Dancing Wall (pictured below right), which is a mobile partition that can be used to flexibly divide offices into zones, while providing vertical work space. The Middle East team is in Dubai and it has a presence at both Swisscotec in D3 and Ikonhouse in Al Serkal Avenue. In 2018 Vitra collaborated with Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation to present re-imagined perspectives of its iconic Panton chair. Swisscotec, Dubai Design District 971 4 241 4400 info@swisscotec.com www.swisscotec.com Inside Vitra Fire StationSuppliers 35 July 2020 commercialinteriordesign.com USM Modular offi cer furniture from Switzerland Create an offi ce space tailored to your requirements with modular furniture from USM. The Swiss brand behind the celebrated Haller modular system supplies multi-purpose furniture, workstations, room dividers, display cases and more to businesses and educational establishments. More off-beat projects include a pop-up shop for premium fashion brand Billionaire Boys Club EU, founded by Pharrell Williams and Nigo, which has launched a space in the Galeries Lafayette which opened on the Champs Élysées in Paris in 2019. USM also met the offi ce furniture needs of the priests' quarters in the historic Zuishoji temple in Tokyo, Japan. The company has carried out research into the 'third space' that blends between home and offi ce and introduced ts third space concept at its Downtown Design booth in 2019, designed by Dubai-based architecture fi rm Wanders Werner Falasi. The same fi rm also designed the fl agship Middle East showroom in Dubai of One 52, which is the offi cial distributor of USM in the region. One 52, Al Wasl Road, Dubai 971 4 227 5752 www.one52.ae The Haller system comes in many combinationsProducts commercialinteriordesign.com July 2020 36 The Moore ArmchairProducts 37 July 2020 commercialinteriordesign.com SITTING COMFORTABLY? Pull up a chair and we'll begin. Cosy spaces to curl up or statement pieces that demand you sit down and listen, the best of new chairs are here... New chair, don't care? Upholstered in linen, the Moore Armchair from Wood Tailors Club would have a special place in any interior. Aside from lending soft cushions to rest on, its walnut wood structure and chic colour ways offer simple lines yet exceptional comfort. What's in a name? Member of Brooks's, one of the most oldest gentlemen's clubs in London, Thomas Moore was an Irish poet, singer and songwriter. The club was a haunt for a group of fashionable young men called the 'Macaronis', who dressed and behaved in outlandish ways. History is silent on Moore's sartorial choices, though notes he was friends with the rock star poet, Lord Byron. Instead, Moore is best remembered for the lyrics of the 'Minstrel Boy,' which has been covered by everyone from Bob Dylan to The Corrs.Products commercialinteriordesign.com July 2020 38 Kilt by Marcello Ziliani for Ethimo A dining chair with a weave that takes its name from the fabric worn as part of traditional Scottish dress. Inspired by Mediterranean vegetation, new Olive Green and Ruby Wine hues combine with its distinctive FSC certifi ed teak frame. Like its namesake, the Kilt chair brings elegance and solid comfort – just don't ask what's underneath. Mak suh muh by malabar Less is bore, say the designers at Malabar. Vivid colours and bold shapes make for a playful and artsy dining chair. Crafted in walnut wood by expert artisans, the cotton velvet colours of the Mak Suh Muh abandon all rules of mixing patterns and shapes. Instead, authenticity is key.Products 39 July 2020 commercialinteriordesign.com Charme elite chair by Tonin Casa Made in Italy isn't merely a slogan. Tonin Casa products seek to create a new contemporary and relaxed atmosphere. Here high density rubber padding gives the desired comfort, while an elegant rhombus pattern on the backrest comes in eco-leather or traditional leather fi nishes in a variety of hues, from black to fuchsia. La schaise by smarin A radical alternative to seating is composed of a round steel frame and elastic straps. Ergonomic and rebounding, la sChaise doesn't size shame, but is adaptable to all body shapes to give the constant comfort our derrières crave.Next >