< PreviousSpecial Report commercialinteriordesign.com Month 2021 40 SPECIAL REPORT Sanofi offi ce, Dubai, by Summertown InteriorsSpecial Report 41 Month 2021 commercialinteriordesign.com PERFECT FIT Shrink your carbon footprint and secure your project's green credentials – it's next generation fi t-out for the 21st century PAGE 42 Green fi rm Summertown Interiors on the future of sustainable fi t-outs PAGE 44 A specialist fi t-out for the education sector with the new Heriot-Watt Dubai campus PAGE 46 Thinking global? Shop local. That's the advice of Designsmiths PAGE 48 Introducing the UAE's fi rst fi t-out Superbrand, plus two of its latest projects # FIT-OUTSpecial Report commercialinteriordesign.com May 2021 42 OPINION: MARCOS BISH, MANAGING DIRECTOR AT SUMMERTOW As world evolves post COVID-19, demand for a healthier and more sustainable way of living and working is at its peak.From implementing sustainable strategies through to hybrid offi ce models and putting workplace wellness at the forefront, businesses are having to adapt to societal and governmental changes. The UAE's 2040 Master Plan marks a major step towards making Dubai a smart city of the future and improving happiness levels for current and prospective citizens and residents. This urban development strategy endeavours to upgrade existing areas rather than simply create new ones; introduce green corridors to improve everyday mobility as well as enhance community spaces to encourage healthy lifestyles, with more time spent outdoors. It will also cement Dubai as one of the most attractive places to live and work. But what does this mean for the workplace? COVID-19 drastically accelerated the implementation of the digital workplace, forcing businesses into operating primarily online. We now see a transition from the traditional offi ce space towards a desire for social hubs, to accommodate the hybrid working model, where employees come to the offi ce and work from home. We believe the hybrid model will be the most widely adopted and aligns with future regional and global sustainable workplace practices. Ideally, physical fi t-out changes for hybrid What the UAE's Master Plan means for the future of workplaces Smart Dubai Offi ces uses biophilaSpecial Report 43 May 2021 commercialinteriordesign.com Summertown Interiors has always aimed to be among the pioneers of sustainable development in the UAE, and we are encouraged by increasing numbers of businesses who want to be as sustainable as possible. Key to achieving this is healthier buildings and interiors that met or exceed sustainable criteria, and the use and function inside these spaces. Adopting simple sustainable solutions such as going paperless, reducing resource consumption, and creating a space that encourages effi ciency, creativity, and productivity of its users are a great start. Businesses that can lead in supporting the smart city agenda will be those that adopt global certifi cations such as, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and WELL, ensuring their buildings meet global health standards and improve health and human experience through design. With the focus on enhancing employees' experience and wellbeing in the workplace, biophilia is a trend we see evolving further in fi t-out design. Biophilia focuses on incorporating elements from nature into the design to benefi t human health and wellbeing. Bringing the outdoors in by having plants indoors as well as providing a space with natural sunlight is said to not only improve air quality but improve mood and concentration of those using the space. Many of our LEED certifi ed fi t-out projects such as Takeda, Sanofi , and our current project at Times Square Center (aiming for certifi cation) include biophilia design, smart technology and open 'phygital' layouts, and have a health and wellbeing focus for its occupants. Creating workplaces should include reconfi guring the space to be more fl exible, with spaces that facilitate team collaboration, and include functional breakout zones. W Businesses are having to adapt quickly About Summertown Interiors For over 22 years, Summertown Interiors has been among the UAE's leading and most sustainable contractors, offering superior quality interior fi t out solutions. Reputed for its green expertise and exceptional client service, the company specialises in commercial, healthcare, and education projects for global Fortune 500 companies, government authorities and local businesses. Its mission is to consistently deliver high end sustainable interior projects on time and within budget, which help clients achieve their environmental goals, improve energy, water and resource effi ciency for building, create inspiring workplaces to enhance employee health and happiness and to deliver operational savings, increasing building value and decrease utility costs. sustainable interiors solutions is what we do, from construction to resource- effi cient, high-performing building operations and maintenance. As the UAE's Master Plan and other regional and global sustainability regulation accelerates a more sustainable way of living, re-thinking the functionality of the workplace is fast becoming a priority for companies in the region. Learning to adapt to smarter ways of working by going greener and implementing healthy initiatives is a long-term solution for all. Sanofi was another green fi t-out N INTERIORS LEED certifi ed TakedaSpecial Report commercialinteriordesign.com May 2021 44 CASE STUDY: CAMPUS FOR HERIOT-WATT DUBAI BY BDP WITH F Afuture-proof new campus for Heriot-Watt University Dubai recently opened doors. Operating in Dubai since 2005, the university moved from Dubai Academic City to a 20,252 sq m shell and core seven-storey commercial building in Dubai Knowledge Park that was designed as a series of large open fl oor plates. UK-based BDP was commissioned in May 2019 by the university as lead design consultants for all design stages from the initial concept to construction supervision, drawing on the multi-disciplinary studio's long history of designing user-focused educational facilities. Having teams in Scotland and in the UAE also enabled the design to include elements of the university's roots in Edinburgh with a strong design infl uence from the Middle East. Education specialists at the Glasgow offi ce developed the design from concept to schematic stage, working with key fi gures in Heriot Watt's Edinburgh campus, with BDP MENA providing support. The role of the MENA studio was also to develop the detailed design from construction supervision through to completion. Principles of biophilic design were applied to include elements of the natural environment as a way to build the occupants' connectivity to nature. Green elements were introduced throughout the campus to avoid a disconnect with the outdoors. The design also comprises two halves – a rational orthogonal half inspired by Edinburgh's elegant 'New Town,' and an organic half referencing the complexity and vibrancy of the 'Old Town.' Within the two halves is a learning landscape called 'The Park', which functions as the circulation spine and has nature-focused break-out spaces. For the layout, contrasting materials and colours were used to defi ne different zones. Vibrant colours and patterns are used in the break-out spaces, natural colours and materials in the circulation spine and more simple and calm choices in the offi ce and study spaces. Walls were textured to refl ect elements of nature using timber and natural slate. Glazed partitions divide the spaces while letting The new campus in Knowledge Park A place to studySpecial Report 45 May 2021 commercialinteriordesign.com natural daylight in, which creates a bright and airy feel across the campus. BDP also incorporated an open ceiling concept with exposed services providing an industrial loft aesthetic to the premises whilst maximising the height of the spaces. The entrance and reception areas all have illuminated lighting fi xtures to focus on the Heriot-Watt University branding. The main entrance also has mashrabiya screens that reference local architecture, fi ltering light through a lattice formed from a symbol abstracted from the University's coat of arms. Heriot-Watt University Dubai opened to students and staff in April 2021 and, at the time of writing, is operating at reduced capacity due to COVID-19 guidelines. The main project contractor was Khansaheb, one of UAE's leading construction organisations. Ross Trivet, general manager at Khansaheb Interiors, said: "Khansaheb are delighted to have had the opportunity to work in collaboration with Heriot Watt and the entire project team in the successful delivery of their new world-class Dubai campus. The project allowed us to demonstrate the value and capabilities of our unrivalled in-house resources. Not only did interiors, joinery, MEP and metals seamlessly come together to deliver the project, Khansaheb Industries also supplied and installed all the ductwork throughout the campus utilising Spiralite energy saving ductwork." Mashrabiya screens at the entrance Green elements in break-out spaces IT-OUT BY KHANSAHEBSpecial Report commercialinteriordesign.com May 2021 46 When the UAE government wanted to be at the forefront of supporting SMEs, it tapped into something the country has huge reserves of – national pride. 'MADE IN UAE' was launched by the Ministry of Economy to create a unifi ed national mark that recognises products made in the country. Intended to create a trusted symbol to strengthen the manufacturing sector, it also encourages young entrepreneurs and businesses to launch services and products that will support the region. The initiative is part of the Dubai Industrial Strategy, which is projected to increase Dubai's total GDP by AED165 billion ($44.9 billion) by 2030. Impact on design Zooming in on the design industry, the ripple effect has been a wave of new names entering the FF&E design market. These companies are able to sources materials from Europe, US and UK and hold stocks to deliver the same level of manufacturing that was previously being delivered when importing directly from the source. Mihir Sanganee, design director of DESIGNSMITH on 'MADE IN THE UAE' trends in the luxury residential and hospitality industry As millions of consumers choose to renovate their current homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, the retail home furnishings category has seen tremendous growth in both site traffi c and spend. At the higher end of the market, HNW and 'luxury' home owners are investing further to ensure every aspect of a social experience is covered. This has led to a surge in tech-fi lled home offi ces, theatre room, in-house gyms and even wellness spaces such as saunas and spas. While it's fair to say the COVID-19 pandemic has ruffl ed the design industry PRODUCTS & SERVICES GO LOCAL Mihir SanganeeSpecial Report 47 May 2021 commercialinteriordesign.com worldwide, at the same time it has opened opportunities for local businesses to grow. In Europe lengthy and repeated lockdowns led to empty order books for manufacturing fi rms, if they could operate at all. However UAE factories have been pushed into top gear to be able to step in and take a larger share of the pie. Logistics fi rms, which are involved in the movement, storage, and fl ow of goods, have also been directly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. As an integral part of value chains, both within and across international borders, the surge in pricing and lead times has directly affected the design industry. Disrupting supply It is only through the timely production of furniture that logistics fi rms facilitate trade and commerce and help businesses get their products to customers. With lead times increasing from the regular eight weeks to now a minimum of 12 to 16 weeks, the ability to control project timelines locally has come into play. All of this comes at a time when furniture retailers and brands are noticing a major surge in local demand. UAE-based manufacturers have taken positives from the supply chain disruptions by not only offering economical pricing but also quality products. Supporting local projects thus positively impacting economic growth has led to prospects of local job creation. In March 2021 Dubai launched 'Operation 300bn' that will create "thousands" of roles in the manufacturing sector. The Italian touch In regard to the demand side of the business and consumer buying behaviour, Italian furniture has always been in high demand for luxury residential and hospitality projects. At Designsmith we chose to partner with upcoming furniture manufacturer FLORENSTYLE, set up in Sharjah under the watchful eyes of Italian designer Roberto Pascalli, who brings almost 40 years of experience to our shores. The 32,000 sqft facility produces FF&E for hospitality and commercial projects using Italian techniques, materials, and quality, overcoming delayed timelines and shortfall experienced in the industry internationally. Mihir is the design director of DESIGNSMITH, a boutique interior design fi rm headquartered in Dubai, specialising in F&B, hospitality, residential, retail and commercial projects. His "second home" is the fi rm's studio in Al Quoz and says he checks in on every member of staff before leaving the offi ce at night, a habit he picked up from his father, who works in the UAE's construction industry Meet Mihir UAE-based warehouse facilities and delivery teams ensure everything is delivered quickly and effi ciently. Support and thrive The design industry must look to support local vendors giving and sharing opportunities for an entire ecosystem to develop and thrive. 'MADE IN UAE' is not just a label anymore, it is the start of something revolutionary where we take our products and designs to the world. Designsmith project The Bowl One, DIFC Bespoke chairs at Nourish Restaurant Nourish in Al Khawaneej WalkAdvertorial commercialinteriordesign.com May 2021 48 BRAND FOCUS: DESIGNS ON 2021 WITH LEADING FIT-OUT FIRM Leading fi t-out company Design Infi nity was founded in 2012 and since then has clocked up an impressive 450-plus projects across the UAE, where it has headquarters in Dubai. Specialising in professional interior turnkey solutions, the fi rm has expertise in commercial fi t-out in the banking, corporate, food and beverage, healthcare, retail and hospitality sectors. This expert level of knowledge was confi rmed by the UAE Superbrands Council earlier in 2021 when Design Infi nity was awarded with 'SUPERBRAND' status. The 'SUPERBRAND' programme is based on three criteria: quality, distinction, and reliability, along with other measures including market share, public relations, longevity, customer loyalty and brand visibility. After following a strict selection process, Design Infi nity became the fi rst interior fi t-out company in the UAE to be awarded 'SUPERBRAND' status. This accolade supports Design Infi nity's vision of becoming the top-most fi t-out company, committed to delivering quality designs, providing timely delivery and creating inspiring, sustainable workplaces in the region. With this award and multiple projects delivered successfully in the fi rst quarter of 2021, the year looks optimistic for Design Infi nity. Some of the recent notable projects executed by the fi rm are Oman Insurance Headquarters and Zayed University Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre. Let's look at those key projects in more detail: Fit-out fi rm Design Infi nity celebrates SUPERBRAND status and two major projects Zayed University Innovation and Entrepreneurship CentreAdvertorial 49 May 2021 commercialinteriordesign.com M DESIGN INFINITY ICONIC PROJECTS OF DESIGN INFINITY Design Infi nity recently executed the fi t-out for Zayed University, which was designed by HOK and managed by Insite Project Management. The project, spanning 30,000 square feet, is spread out across the fi rst and mezzanine fl oor of Zayed University. It features interior elements of interest, such as the use of acoustic elements in the entire fi t-out –acoustic interlay carpets, acoustic lights, sound absorbing panels, 3D mesh etc. All the customised wooden and glass works were done at Design Infi nity's factory in Dubai Investments Park. Design Infi nity announced the achievement of 100,000 safe man-hours without any LTI (lost time injury) at the Zayed University Project site. Oman Insurance Headquarters Another remarkable project executed by Design Infi nity is the new headquarters of Oman Insurance in Deira, Dubai. Spanning 56,510 sqft, the eight storey offi ce is designed by Bluehaus. Since the building is 25 years old, there were several obstacles to overcome with the MEP services. Design Infi nity brilliantly strategised the planning of the project to achieve an outstanding execution. In just 3.5 months, the project was delivered to the highest standards and is marked with striking features including the curved walls, glass partitions, planters, pantry and chill-out areas. The overall ambience is colourful and green colour furnishings have been kept to keep the corporate colours of the brand intact. Zayed University Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre Oman Insurance Headquarters Caption Here Oman Insurance HeadquartersNext >