< Previouscommercialinteriordesign.com June 2022 30 Design director at RMJM, international architectural practice Making his debut on the CID judging panel for 2022, Mohamed Ali is a dedicated Design Director at the 60-year-old architecture company RMJM. He has more than 16 years of experience in the UAE, working in the design development of low/ high-rise residential, retail, offi ce, and mixed-use buildings. Across his career, he has developed more than 25 projects of various scales from high and mid-rise residential buildings, luxury villas, hospitality, mixed- use retail, commercial, industrial and offi ce buildings to master planning. When asked about his approach to the judging process, Mohamed said: "Design is the game of options; it is a recurrent process to sculpture visionary ideas into realistic buildable structure. During my judgement assignment, I will be looking at how designers managed to apply a holistic innovative approach to design and considered the local context of each individual project. A designer who understands the design's purpose and brand needs will make the aesthetics work accordingly. It is usually the messaging and the style that fails to tick the box. "Whether designing for a new space or renovating an existing one, a commercial interior design project is always a complex and intensive undertaking with many budgetary and logistical considerations that can be, at times, detrimental to daily business and as the demands of spaces changed exponentially over the past two years, combined with prolonged periods of restricted access to commercial spaces, the lines between hospitality, commercial and domestic design have never been more blurred. Some spaces are being redesigned with a similar approach to the hotel-lobby-as-destination concept – a place where people can be both together and separate as they socialise, work or unwind, featuring communal seating areas alongside breakout spaces. "I am a fi rm believer in the ideas of functionality, design, and the use of environmentally friendly materials in the interior design. The construction industry is one of the most resource-intensive sectors of the economy, accounting for 60% of all waste generated. It will be unavoidable to make the essential transition to a circular economy. The long- term goal would be to create a sustainable interior while still being able to maintain contemporary aesthetics." "Whether designing for a new space or renovating an existing one, a commercial interior design project is always a complex and intensive undertaking with many budgetary and logistical considerations that can be, at times, detrimental to daily business and as the demands of spaces changed exponentially over the past two years." Cover feature MOHAAMEMEMEDD ALALALIII DesigndirectoratRMJMinternational recurrent process to sculpture visionary ideasintorealisticbuildablestructure the line anddo "W fo ren on p com co de eeexxp Mohamed AliCover feature 31 June 2022commercialinteriordesign.com ROCK GALPIN Established furniture and product designer from London who has now set up a studio in Dubai, UAE Though new to the CID judging panel, Rock Galpin has over 30 years' industry practice, latterly based in Dubai. Passionate about design, Rock has worked on projects designing furniture collections for manufacturer brands, interior designers, architects and developers to limited edition pieces for private clients. His work has been exhibited in over 40 exhibitions worldwide. Rock has also been a tutor at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London for over 23 years. He said: "I am honoured to be invited to be one of the judges this year for the CID Awards. This for me represents a fi rst-hand opportunity to see what exciting projects have been completed over the year and meet the talented designers and teams responsible. I believe this year represent a truly inspiring moment in design at large, with diffi cult and even challenging and disruptive pandemic times around the world only seeking to further focus creative and entrepreneurial minds to fi nd new and even more exciting possibilities within interior design coming out the other side. Combining a realisation of the value of human contact, over the last couple of years, a refocus on deeper values and global responsibilities with higher levels of expectation and a hungry pent-up design community, we have a whole new and exciting material world being reinvented as we speak. In the GCC this can clearly be seen in the big growth in residential decoration and development, redefi ning uses of areas of the home collectively as well as individually and focusing more on comfort and new types of luxury defi ned by our updated value sets." meet the talented designers and teams Rock Galpin " I believe this year represent a truly inspiring moment in design at large, with diffi cult and even challenging and disruptive pandemic times around the world only seeking to further focus creative and entrepreneurial minds to fi nd new and even more exciting possibilities within interior design."IN GOOD SHAPE Inclusive and expansive – holistic healthcare design for the 21st century SPECIAL REPORT commercialinteriordesign.com June 2022 32PAGE 34 MOMA commercial manager Mohamed Rezk shares an insightful white paper on the autonomy of healthcare architecture PAGE 36 Two inviting yet innovative clinic projects completed by EMKAY Interiors for the Medcare group PAGE 38 A new wellness centre in Dubai with interiors by Swiss Bureau Interior Design – introducing Maison Santé PAGE 40 The right illumination in hospitals can create calm and enhance care, explains lighting design expert Paul Nulty PAGE 42 A project with vision: a concept health, education and wellness campus in Sharjah by DLR Group Image: Musthafa E.K HEALTHCARE Maison Santé by Swiss Bureau Interior Design 33 June 2022commercialinteriordesign.com Special Report commercialinteriordesign.com June 2022 34 DESIGN REPORT T wo types of knowledge have shaped the path for the professionalisation of architecture and the contingent skills claimed by architects. Occupational and professional powers are related to technical (i.e., the component transferable by standardisation and routinisation) and indeterminate (i.e., the non-transferable component, such as artistic initially inaccessible components of new research) elements of professional knowledge. In architecture, technical aspects are adapted from engineering and technological fi elds, such as civil and mechanical engineering and computerised information. The utilisation of technical knowledge is a signifi cant source of income because it is an instrumental tool (e.g, BIM and CAD programmes) in carrying out architectural tasks, informed decisions and input in the early design process. Nonetheless, the progressively technical nature of professional knowledge dramatically develops de- professionalisation. Therefore, technical aspects may unintentionally decrease professional autonomy. By contrast, the indeterminate components of professional practice, including aesthetics and generating new scientifi c knowledge, might permit architects to preserve some exclusive professional autonomy. Aesthetics is scientifi c and non- transferable, as knowledge cannot support evidence-based design until it is produced and shared. These contributions are essential to the users, clients, and society. However, there are concerns about architectural knowledge domains using knowledge formalisation. Autonomy Autonomy provides an analysis of the formation of the discipline of architectural design. 'The Production of the Practical Knowledge' is a constitutive component of a structure of occupational control. The autonomy of the architect is bordered in all directions; the client controls the budget while the constructability is controlled by builders, engineers, and industry's materials/equipment and is susceptible to economic conditions; architecture operates on conditions that can be easily doubted, its legitimating is obstinately cultural rather than compelling scientifi c, and issues of style are particularly outstanding. It is defi ned as self-governance; in theory, professionals are equipped with the knowledge, extensive education and licenses. In architectural practice, autonomy is found when architects can make design decisions free from external constraints. Architects need to become client- focused and entrepreneurial to win design commissions, leading to decreased artistic autonomy for practitioners since owners want to control their aesthetics. Thus, the confl ict generated from the interaction between style, other design issues and different tastes among architects and lay people is defi ned as aesthetic complexity. Specialised knowledge With increasing project complexity and technological development, the specialised knowledge domains are more important than ever. Healthcare, due to its complexity, demands a range of knowledge and skills, including: 1. Functional effi ciency and design fl exibility 2. Technologies 3. Medical knowledge of design 4. The design impacts the behaviour and the psychological needs of the occupants 5. Market and fi nance 6. Future pandemics and risks Holistic healthcare design complexities Functional Complexity; due to operational issues since the design required three Why healthcare architects perceive that their design-decision autonomy is decreasing Holistic healthcare design, specialised knowledge, and healthcare architects' professional autonomy, by Mohamed Rezk, Commercial Manager at MOMA International Design functional zones based on services: A. Medical services (e.g, medical ward, consulting clinics, emergency, radio- diagnostic, operating rooms / obstetric, and ICU/CCU/ laboratories) B. Medical support (e.g, pharmacy, sterile, library, records) C. General support (e.g, administration, food/linen supply and disposal, engineering/ maintenance, transport and communication) The change within these zones increases the complexity. For example, rapid developments in medical technology in the diagnosis and treatment departments change medical practice and demand modifi cations in functional relationships (e.g, the proximity of spaces). Therefore, the unprecedented requirements increase the hospital's functional complexity and speciality. Technological Complexity; the technology available at the construction time is Special Report 35 June 2022 commercialinteriordesign.com another factor infl uencing healthcare design. Mechanical systems are a particular example; elevators and radiological technology have also infl uenced the form of hospitals as a critical component of modern hospital design. The most signifi cant factor infl uencing modern medical practice is radiological technology with a signifi cant impact and MRI. Research (scientifi c knowledge) Complexity; knowledge plays a signifi cant role in healthcare design and the most dramatic transformations in the fi eld. Healthcare design has been affected by two scientifi c knowledge domains: A. Medical knowledge on the health outcomes of the patient B. Environmental psychology in response to the 'supportive design' The design is affectionate with medical knowledge and practice forms. Thus, all subsequent modifi cations to hospital design might be the product of alterations in medical knowledge. For example, hospital shapes (e.g, from block-plan to pavilions to skyscraper hospitals) present the impact. The psychologists shaped current healthcare facility confi gurations and suggested that nature has a healing effect on patients. Therefore, the healthcare design will be more hospitable as the human touch, 'supportive design' become a focal point in healthcare architecture based on the quality-of-life experience; designing from a psychological perspective and promoting wellness via: A. Controllable physical and social surroundings B. Social support C. Positive distractions in physical surroundings Aesthetic complexity; psychologists suggest that architects use a different system to understand and evaluate the environment than lay people. This different system of judgment is implemented within the architectural schools during the period of education; the same implies that aesthetic appraisal could be different between architects and users due to their different backgrounds. Thus, this difference can cause confl icts associated with a design decision between clients/users and architects. Architects and their artistry is the core skill in architectural design. Architecture has not established a monopoly over other aspects of building in professions like engineering, claiming expertness in building practice. Thus, aesthetic theories have infl uenced architecture to secure its position in the building industry. Aesthetic theories (e.g, postmodernism, deconstructionism) have generated their own style. The rhetoric of style is a critical component of coherent aesthetic practice in organising professional status and constructing a market for professional services. Interest Group Complexity; many interest groups, including funding agents, administrators, and doctors. This multi- voiced situation leads to confl icts. Politics in planning and consensus building among a heterogeneous planning group determine the design process. The architect's role is not limited to problem-solving and aesthetic expression; instead, it needs the skill of consensus building to negotiate the different demands among different interest parties which challenge the architectural practice. Conclusion The context of healthcare design complexity appears to infl uence the culture of healthcare design practice. Likewise, changes in the culture of healthcare design practice may impact the context of holistic healthcare design complexity. Increasing holistic healthcare design complexity may cause low credibility regarding the task performance of healthcare architects. Thus, increasing holistic design complexity decreases the design-decision autonomy of healthcare architects. Specialised knowledge, including evidence- based design, may increase the design- decision autonomy of healthcare architects. Healthcare design fi rms, which emphasise knowledge generation and evidence- based design, may increase the number of indeterminate elements of professional power. Consequently, this type of fi rm preserves design decision autonomy. In summary, it's always recommended that the complexity of healthcare design results from external infl uences, the demands of clients and users, and the need for extensive knowledge. They experience diffi culty convincing clients of their design decisions, and the informality of standard information acquisition (without research/scientifi c knowledge) is not fully respected. Strong delivery is a dominant design philosophy of healthcare design fi rms. The context of healthcare design complexity includes external infl uences (e.g, regulatory issues, clients/users and healthcare policies). Specialised knowledge domains (e.g, technical aspects, building systems, and indeterminate elements, such as artistry and unique knowledge generation through research) play a critical role in holistic healthcare design. Another fi nding, clients/users of healthcare facilities are knowledgeable and specifi c about what they want. Architects struggle to persuade clients/users to accept their design decisions due partly to their lack of knowledge, which reverses the competence gap between professionals and clients. Consequently, architects perceive that their design-decision autonomy is decreasing. It is always suggested that specialised knowledge and skills positively impact design-decision autonomy. Therefore, research-informed design decisions may increase the design-decision autonomy of healthcare architects. The implication for the practitioner is that they will benefi t greatly from the incorporation of research into the design process. Additionally, to support this process, universities should incorporate curricula in evidence-based design to prepare young architects to interpret and, ideally, conduct research. Mohamed RezkSpecial Report commercialinteriordesign.com June 2022 36 E MKAY Interiors' most recent projects include two in the Dubai healthcare sector – the fit-out of the Medcare Medical Center, a multi-specialty clinic at City Center Mirdif, as well as The Clinic by Medcare, in the Meadows Village, situated in Emirates Living Community. Company MD Michel J. Khoury talks us through his firm's work. Medcare Medical Center Strategically positioned in City Center Mirdif, this unit is seen from one of the prime entrances to the mall and links to three corridors, which in turn lead to other anchor stores. Whether you are walking towards the Medcare unit or away from it, the location plays a focal point for all visitors, and you can hardly miss it. Following the new design criteria of mall owners Majid Al Futtaim, the shop front is welcoming, with a wide entrance that takes you into the space in an organic manner. Knowing that there are several MEP services under the floor, the steps up to the space smoothly lead to the reception. The eye-catching archeframes in bronze carried out by EMKAY Interiors leads to a stylish yet simple reception counter where patients feel welcomed right away. The fit-out scope encompassed consultation rooms, primary laboratory, radiology facilities, pharmacy as well as a welcome area. Earthy and grey tones with a touch of colour and bronze design elements can be found throughout the spacious area of the 2,300 square metre anchor store. "For many years, the overall look and feel of most healthcare facilities was pretty standard, however, hospitals and clinics nowadays are shaking things up with their design concepts and palettes, embracing a holistic approach to healthcare design," adds Tarek F. Ardakani, who is EMKAY's Director Operations. The Clinic by Medcare Many challenges were overcome on the project, especially on the MEP side. Respecting the design intent and not adhering to MEP restrictions that a clinic dictates, EMKAY Interiors' MEP team solved all the challenges that arose and managed to deliver a functional unit. Hence, the Clinic by Medcare in Meadows Village, Emirates Living Community is yet another successful project on all levels. The clinic is characterised by modern facilities and visual aesthetics to provide a comfortable and welcoming environment. Innovative individual seating areas, subtle colour schemes combined with wooden wall claddings in light green enhance the clinics design and contribute to a peaceful and the relaxing overall atmosphere of the space. The design concept was developed by the Medcare Engineering Department and both clinics offer a complete and comprehensive healthcare experience from the moment you enter. Skill and expertise Michel concludes: "There had been times when projects posed complications that would have affected the timeline of its Medcare in City Center Mirdif Duo for doctors by fit-out firm EMKAY Interiors CASE STUDY: A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO HEALTHCARESpecial Report 37 June 2022 commercialinteriordesign.com completion. EMKAY'S hands on approach by the management supported by a highly qualified team, managed to deliver all projects on time and within budget. It goes without saying that the cumulative skill and expertise of the team is the core that propelled EMKAY'S steady growth over the years. "Our biggest project is still ongoing; a vision to build a better EMKAY than today. Challenges and obstacles are constant factors on such journeys, but I can say with certainty that the foundational values and work ethics that we have adopted, along with continuous support from all our stake holders will soon bring this vision to reality," he enthuses. Bronze arches greet visitorsInside Medcare Meadows A peaceful and relaxing spaceSpecial Report commercialinteriordesign.com June 2022 38 T hink of your body's health like you would the condition of your home – is it well-maintained and invested in for longevity? Or are there snags aplenty calling out for professional intervention? A new wellness centre in Dubai offers a space for recovery from troubles of the mind or body, with an alternative design to foster recovery and prevention in a soothing environment. Maison Santé is a wellness centre located in Jumeirah's new 44-unit Meyan Mall in Al Thanyah, Dubai. Home for regeneration, balance, and growth of mind, body, and spirit, the space founded by Dr Maria Alonso connects patients to an ecosystem of experts in a range of medicines including traditional Chinese and nutrition coaching. Swiss Bureau was appointed to design and build a 1,393 sq m space that embraces a holistic lifestyle and reimagines the sacred bond between aesthetics and a healthcare facility's rigorous clinical requirements, with interiors to match such a comprehensive practice. On a mission to honour this unique lifestyle, while bringing the clinic's individualised program to light, Swiss Bureau worked closely with the client to thread the beauty of the inner workings of the body and mind into a thoughtful design, implementing effi ciency, functionality, and user-friendliness perfectly into an unparalleled experience toward preventive health measures and recovery. Drawing inspiration from the clinic's purpose, the design narrative illustrates a holistic journey calmly fl owing with rhythmic energy within a natural space. Made up of two distinct areas, The Clinic and The Lounge carry the same story throughout, rooted in the theme of transformational healing, wellness, and a connection to nature. Designing the customer journey The overall concept of curating a holistic therapeutic experience fostering recovery Lighting is bespoke CASE STUDY: MAISON SANTÉ WELLNESS SPACE BY SWISS Image credit: Musthafa E.K A home for healthSpecial Report 39 June 2022 commercialinteriordesign.com Start the journey here BUREAU INTERIOR DESIGN Brands on display Warm tones More about Swiss Bureau Interior Design Joakim de Rham, a Swiss interior architect and his local partner, Maher Al Zarooni, founded the Dubai-based company in 2003. Since then, Swiss Bureau has grown from a medium sized studio to a market leading consultancy and fi t- out contractor. and bespoke lighting aim to aid the process of recovery. Beverages and healthy bites The Maison Santé Lounge sits adjacent to the clinic and is where we celebrate a healthy preventive lifestyle. Completing the journey within a safe space, the lounge includes a pharmacy and retail space stocked with vitamins and medicine to complement the clinical treatments. Brands on display are carefully selected to enhance patients' lives and include leading healthcare labels such as Biogena & Swiss Smile, demonstrating a responsible and sustainable approach toward consumers. A cafe counter focused on healthy bites offers a bespoke selection of organic beverages and superfoods, while also acting as the space's main focal point to encourage guests to explore. Bringing forth a sensory offering, the interiors honour the use of materials in their raw form, allowing guests to see, feel and touch while being educated on their offerings. It aims to provide the space to stimulate and build community between patients while sharing delightful treats and moments, tying the whole journey together in delivering a unique, memorable, authentic, and overall cohesive experience. For clients dedicated to uncommon health journeys, visiting Maison Santé will be like coming home. and preventive action is marked by carefully selected material fi nishes and furnishing coming together to form a path toward wellness. Focused on the individual patient, every touchpoint along the customer journey is designed with purpose, creating the opportunity to build relationships while inspiring a deeper exploration of the elements that make up our bodies. Forming a complete experience while answering the main operational requirements of the client, the clinic comprises various treatment rooms, consultation rooms, assessment rooms, a psychology department, osteopathy, and other clinically required rooms that help support the clinic's purpose. Warm and earthy fi nishes are used along the walls and fl oors, and natural stones are used in various forms, enhancing the experience. Carefully designed acoustics Next >