< PreviousOpinion commercialinteriordesign.com October 2020 20 20:30 Vision Paul Firth, senior associate director at CRTKL, on the future of Saudi Arabia's retail sector Over the past decade, the retail sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has achieved an annual growth in excess of 10 per cent. The Kingdom is likely to witness an even bigger increase over the coming years following the billions of dollars in planned investments. For example, an $800 billion plan has been drawn up to double the size of Riyadh alone, taking it from a current population of seven million to 15 million within the next decade. This further substantiates plans to transform the capital into an artistic, economic, social and cultural hub for the Middle East. As part of the aspirational Saudi Vision 2030, to reduce Saudi Arabia's dependence on oil and to diversify the economy, the country is committed to building a thriving economy and vibrant society that improves the quality of life and empowers its citizens. Achieving this will depend greatly on the retail entertainment sector and its ability to attract modern, local, regional and international brands that all contribute to the economy, through modern trade and experience. Along with these ambitious plans, it is safe to say that COVID-19 has irreversibly changed the way that the retail industry will operate in the future. The pandemic has caused a massive decline in the sector over the past few months, with footfall and sales dropping due to the closure of retail projects and the movement restrictions implemented across the world. This has led to an increase in e-commerce that is now fi rmly part of the portfolio and means savvy retailers now need to look for ways to encourage shoppers back into malls if they are to strike a balance between bricks and mortar and online sales. This is without a doubt the key to ongoing development. There are many ways in which retail destinations can be adapted to drive growing in the coming years. Retail developments such as Riyadh Front in the heart of the Kingdom's capital city are already ahead of the curve when it comes to delivering the future of retail and display many of the design considerations brought forward by the pandemic. Riyadh Front, the new development by Kaden Investment Company, for example, is a multi-use destination that directly contributes to the economic, cultural and societal pillars of the esteemed Saudi Vision 2030. The fi rst-of-its-kind development changes the way people experience destinations and is also pioneering outdoor retail lifestyle hubs in the region. Creating an outdoor retail destination is not something that has typically been seen in Saudi Arabia, as shopping experiences with indoor air comfort and privacy are usually key components. By contrast, this development was designed by CallisonRTKL (CRTKL) to be consumers back while still adhering to social distancing measures. Outdoor and drive-through shopping experiences are becoming popular in some countries, with this a trend that is likely to continue The country is committed to building a thriving economy... CallisonRTKL designed Kaden Fashion VillageOpinion 21 October 2020 commercialinteriordesign.com square. This unique lifestyle destination is actively driving tourism and curating entertainment experiences for all ages. The project is also contributing to the strength of a growing retail sector and paving the way for unique infrastructure and entertainment solutions. As KSA's retail and entertainment sector regains its footing and prepares for a prosperous future following its pandemic recovery, we will see more innovation in this area and culture and entertainment brought to the forefront. Riyadh Front is just the beginning, with this now triggering an onset of new and exciting mega-developments that promise to transform the future of business and leisure in the Kingdom. Outdoor retail and entertainment destinations will be what tempts consumers back to physical shops, with the design principles demonstrated here a solution for both the current social distancing requirements and the Kingdom's modern retail movement. About the author Paul Firth is a senior associate director in CallisonRTKL's Dubai offi ce. A graduate of the UK's Birmingham School of Architecture, he is a also a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects. SCHOLLGLAS GmbH Schollstraße 4 · D - 30890 Barsinghausen Tel.: +49 (0) 5105 777- 0 · Fax: +49 (0) 5105 777-118 info@schollglas.com www.schollglas.com PRINTABLE GOLD Gold stands for wealth and power and has a special attraction. Just like glass, the precious metal is timeless and blends into classic, modern and extravagant styles. With digital printing, SCHOLLGLAS can combine these two unique mate- rials, thus enabling new creative freedom. In addition to the basic colors, photorealistic printed pictures with real gold partitions on glass as seen on the right picture below is now also possible. Individual design templates become private works of art and let rooms shine in a whole new light. Application areas of gold-printed glass • Façades • Partition walls (e. g. in beauty salons) • Table tops • Doors • Interior design of e. g. hotels and restaurants an innovative outdoor retail resort in the Saudi capital – one that integrates smart architecture and human-centeric design. Here, state-of-the-art modular offi ces, stunning green spaces, and water features are hosted alongside world-class shopping, entertainment and dining experiences. As a result, Riyadh Front becomes more engaging and attractive for visitors, creating a dynamic environment that excites its patrons with something different on offer in every direction – from the luxury and wellness plazas, to the entertainment court and central town In the studio commercialinteriordesign.com October 2020 22 IN THE STUDIO WITH... Marija Puresic, senior interior designer at Swiss Bureau Interior Design and Build Tell us about yourself… I am Marija Puresic, an architect from Serbia, and I'm currently a senior interior designer at Swiss Bureau Interior Design and Build. This year, I'm celebrating my second year with Swiss Bureau, my third in Dubai, and sixth within the region. 2014 was a major milestone in my life as I moved to a different part of the world and embarked on a new career journey. … And the company you work for. Swiss Bureau is a thriving community of creative, experienced professionals ready to challenge interior design norms every day. Bringing our clients' vision to life is one of our top priorities. Describe your studio Vibrant! Swiss Bureau is based in Bay Square on the fi rst fl oor, which I personally enjoy. Our creative space allows me to feel a closer connection with the outside world. Catching a glimpse of a bird on the windows or seeing people on breaks in front of the building provides a great sense of community, which signifi cantly inspires my work and truly helps bring my designs to life. Our teammates are people from all over the world, and they each bring their own unique and colorful energy to the offi ce. Sharing everyday life and work challenges with them is a precious part of my day. Are you in the studio or still working from home? I am working from the offi ce at the moment. The home offi ce was a necessary precaution and a good idea for a while, leading us toward a remarkably productive period. But our success has derived from our collaborative efforts. The transition to Zoom calls and emails worked well, but the synergy we have developed here at the offi ce, and human connection prevails. What does the start of your day look like? My day starts early, with some good music during the car ride to work. Bringing positive energy and good vibes with you is essential for any creative work to fl ourish. Greeting my teammates, and a fresh cup of coffee is a must. The part I never skip out on is a detailed to-do list and emails. What are you working on right now? Several corporate offi ce projects. One of them is particularly challenging as we are developing a concept based on the local context of the Middle East region while being restricted by minimal, corporate design guidelines. Another one of my projects is currently on-site, and I am so excited to see it come to life. Coordinating with a large team of consultants, clients, and project management teams are a big part of my day. What are the high points and challenges of the day? Being creative under pressure. Shuffl ing between emails, calls, meetings, and creating a good design at the same time is the most challenging part of my work. However, being appreciated by the people around you is priceless. Seeing your design built on-site always gives such an adrenaline rush that you forget all about its past challenges. How and where do you seek inspiration? Our team follows a specifi c methodology to ensure the highest quality of work. We spend a lot of time on research, brainstorming, story, and idea development. Each project has its own story, and it is essential to translate it into a cohesive design language. Storytelling is the most crucial part of the project, the rest of the design just comes naturally as a logical part of the concept. I have an 'online library' I use to get inspired in terms of fi nishes and the effects I'd like to achieve. What's on your desk? What are you listening to? Coffee, water, two notebooks (one for scribbles, meeting notes and sketches, another one for to-do lists), and one blue pen. The messy parts go inside the drawers. We always have some relaxing, funky tunes playing in the background Swiss Bureau's verdant offi ce in Bay Square, Dubai during the workday. Chatting and laughing with the team is mandatory. Tell us three bookmarks on your browser Pinterest, ArchDaily, and Weather2Umbrella, because I like to know what the weather is like at home. ... And three must-follows on design industry social media @Archdaily, @Dezeen, @architonicag What do you love about your offi ce space? What would you change? Relaxed working environment. Our open space plan allows for dynamic and fl uid communication between teams. However, we are growing fast, and we need more dedicated areas for focused work and collaboration. In the studio 23 October 2020 commercialinteriordesign.com Marija at work TECTUS® Glass Minimalist hardware components for glass doors NEW up to 80 kg SIMONSWERK GmbH (DMCC Branch) Unit No 2005, JBC-1 Building Cluster G, JLT, Dubai www.simonswerk.com Hinge system TECTUS® Glass – Product overview Handle Magnetic PlateClosing Magnet Find out more: www.tectus-glass.com SIM_Anz-2020_TectusTEG_UAE_halb_94x242+3_RZ.indd 114.08.20 11:29Cover story commercialinteriordesign.com October 2020 24 FURNITUREFLOORINGCover story 25 October 2020 commercialinteriordesign.com LIGHTING Here at Commercial Interior Design, we have an overview of the many suppliers working with the interior design industry. However long you've been in business, no-one wants to be let down by a supplier that has missed deadlines, failed to deliver or over-run on budget. Which is why, over the years, you've doubtless gone back to the same people for the same services; you know they can deliver. Peace of mind is essential, and rare, in the frenetic world of business. Each month we feature a handful of trusted brands in the 'Suppliers You Should Know' section of the magazine. Now we've rounded up a selection from the last 12 months to create an essential resource and hopefully expedite your process of fi nding good suppliers and maybe even introduce you to new ones. Less romantic than a leather-bound tome, but a surer bet than swiping right, we hope our 'little black book' of contacts for interior designers and fi t-out fi rms are highly useful and highly decorative. Delve into our directory to fi nd names from the worlds of bathrooms, fl ooring, lighting, surfaces and more, plus a run down of why we rate them and all the information you need to get in touch. Suppliers in demandCover story commercialinteriordesign.com October 2020 26 KITCHENHOSPITALITYDOORS & FACADESDOOBATHROOM Geberit A strong local presence Geberit Group is a European leader in the fi eld of sanitary products and operates with a strong local presence, providing added value to sanitary technology and bathroom ceramics. New product releases for 2020 see a signifi cant expansion in the Geberit Selnova bathroom series, with the focus on a modern range of furniture with new colour options and rimless WCs with timeless design. Innovation has been part of Geberit’s DNA since the conception of the company in 1874 and so Geberit has noted the trend towards customisation to offer Sigma21 and Sigma50 actuator plates in fashionable metal colours and surfaces. Strict new standards for hygiene are met by the Brenta and Piave deck- mounted taps, which commercial bathrooms can easily be upgraded with. Bradley A long track record Bradley Corp. designs and manufactures public space plumbing fi xtures, washroom accessories, toilet cubicles, solid plastic lockers and ablution products. The fi rm's 100-year history began with the invention of the iconic washfountain, designed to save water and time while washing hands effectively and effi ciently. Today, with a strong commitment to global markets, Bradley has a long track record of developing numerous high- quality products and technologies to help architects, specifi ers and end-users meet their building goals. In 2020, Bradley introduced a new line of matching Verge soap dispensers and faucets that enhance the look of Verge Basin Systems in an industry-leading collection of four styles, six fi nishes and patented dual sensor technology. B702-705 Building 1, Dubai Design District +971 4 447 0914 sales.gulf@geberit.com www.geberit.ae Jafza One, Offi ce A1603, Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai +971 4 288 6848 international@bradleycorp.com www.bradleycorp.comCover story 27 October 2020 commercialinteriordesign.com SURFACES LIGHTINGFURNITUREFLOORING BSH One stop shop Clients benefi t from a one-stop shop when they work with BSH Walls & Flooring. The Dubai-based fi rm promises the same excellence and passion now as when it was founded over 20 years ago. A stunning and wide range of wall and fl oor covering products from a portfolio that's constantly expanding, helps designers create coherent, harmonious and sustainable environments. BSH provides the innovative option of creating custom hand-tufted carpets and rugs in Dubai. The fi rm's competent in-house design team and highly qualifi ed technical staff can also manufacture Axminster and printed carpets, which are made especially for commercial projects. It's good to know that the material yarn content is primarily high quality 100 per cent wool, mostly being manufactured with 100 per cent New Zealand wool yarn. Mezzanine 2, H.H. Sheikha Mariyam Bint Rashid Building, Oud Metha, Karama, Dubai +971 4 309 4600 info@bshwallsandfl oors.com bshwallsandfl oors.com Shaw Global yet local With offi ces in London, Paris, Oosterhout and Dubai, headquarters in Georgia, USA and a manufacturing base in Scotland, Shaw Contract offers a global, yet local approach. Parent company Shaw Industries Group is the world's largest carpet manufacturer and a leading fl oor covering provider. Shaw's response to the environment in which we live and work includes aesthetic, tactile and emotional elements. Designed to add a laid-back sophistication to every environment, the Suited collection draws upon all these responses to both soothe and empower, inspire and engage. Taking its cues from timeless fabrics, this lushly tactile collection reinterprets them to create an evolving story of pattern and texture: the result is a multi-layered experience where the familiar and new forge a bond between person and place. Building 6, Suite 108B, Dubai Design District +971 4 5 84 6956 infomea@shawcontract.com www.shawcontract.comCover story commercialinteriordesign.com October 2020 28 KITCHENHOSPITALITYBATHROOMDOORS & FACADES Hawa Sliding Solutions Highly aesthetic designs Hawa Sliding Solutions creates sliding solutions for buildings, using innovative applications, systems and materials. New to the market for 2020, the company has launched a product range that check all boxes for designers' aesthetic and functional needs. EKU Porta, the sliding fi tting system for wooden and glass doors in buildings, impresses with its highly aesthetic design versions that require minimal installation height, have suitable aluminium panels and see technology integrated invisibly in the running track. Launched in January, 'Black Edition' fi ttings in wood and glass have black running tracks and aluminum panels to further expand design possibilities. Meanwhile, EKU Banio is the sliding solution for all-glass shower enclosures. Hawa Middle East FZE, Jebel Ali, Dubai +971 4 887 3694 infome@hawa.com www.hawa.com Lindner Group Excellence & expertise The Lindner Group is a European leader for interior fi t-out systems, facades, steel and glass construction and insulation engineering. This excellence and expertise has been brought to the MENA region by Lindner Middle East LLC, which has supplied its systems to high-profi le projects like the headquarters of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and Metro stations in Dubai. Now more than ever, Lindner knows space requirements in the workplace can change quickly. Its partition walls and doors are easily adapted to new situations and almost unreservedly combine to offer designers a huge range of options. Recently launched modular space management system Cube is dedicated to open plan areas and features integrated demountable and relocatable combination of partitions and ceilings. Lindner Middle East, Business Bay, Dubai +971 4 453 2525 middleeast@lindner-group.com www.lindner-group.comCover story 29 October 2020 commercialinteriordesign.com SURFACES LIGHTINGFLOORINGFURNITURE Louis Kline Quality & originality Louis Kline is a US based company, with customisation branches in the UAE, Europe, and Asia. Operating online mostly through its e-commerce business, it offers highly competitive pricing and a wide range of trendy designs. With roots in Los Angeles - a melting pot of styles and ethnicities, with a touch of glam - at the centre of the company's credo is the ability to customise colours, sizes and styles for clients, creating a truly original look. Louis Kline can infuse identity and character into any commercial project. From design driven chairs, sofas, and barstools, to lounges, tables and outdoor furniture with a touch of whimsy, the brand creates pieces that complement hotels, restaurant and bars, whether customised one-of-a-kind pieces, or a bulk order for large projects. USM Timeless design USM furniture is a Swiss furniture company that's one of the biggest design brands in the world. For 50 years, USM has stood for modularity coupled with value, maintaining the highest quality materials, Swiss styling, modifi able functionalities and timeless design. The fi rm's original Haller system has been widely celebrated as a design classic and is included in the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. USM furniture can be found in the Louis Vuitton Foundation offi ces, The Musée d'Orsay and the Zurich Design Museum, Doha Airport, among others. Now available in the Middle East, the new Haller E System includes lighting and USB charging options and can be confi gured into a range of sizes, with 14 colour combinations and two light choices. Warehouse 4,10th Street, Al Quoz Industrial Area 4, Dubai +971 4 346 6908 info@louiskline.com www.louiskline.com One52 Furniture Trading, 266 Al Wasl Rd, Dubai +971 4 2275752 sasan@one52.ae www.one52.aeNext >