< Previous60 commercialinteriordesign.comSpecial Report: ProjectFebruary 2025 AMONG THE PILLARS Pioneering sustainability in retail design61 commercialinteriordesign.comSpecial Report: ProjectFebruary 2025 R etail pop-ups are often celebrated for their dynamic and innovative nature, but they also present a signifi cant challenge: waste. From single-use signage to disposable countertops and freestanding units, these temporary installations can contribute to the growing global problem of excessive single-use materials. For Ramadan 2024, luxury Swiss watchmaking Maison Vacheron Constantin found a sustainable solution in its seasonal collaboration with Emirati designer Omar Al Gurg. The result, Among The Pillars, is a masterclass in how surface material innovation can revolutionise retail design, providing a pathway to reduced environmental impact without compromising on creativity or craftsmanship. In this collaboration, unveiled at the fl agship boutique in The Dubai Mall and replicated across boutiques in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain, Al Gurg reimagined Middle Eastern heritage through a minimalist lens. His design integrated two ground-breaking materials, PlyPalm and DateForm, showcasing how discarded natural elements can fi nd new purpose in high-end retail installations. The project stands as an example of how sustainable design can meet the aesthetic and functional demands of luxury retail while addressing the environmental footprint of temporary displays. Al Gurg is the founder of Modu Method and is celebrated for his ability to merge cultural storytelling with modular, accessible design. In Among The Pillars, his signature style is evident in the installation’s towering hexagonal forms and their understated elegance. The Maison’s annual theme, ‘Less’ential’, is embodied through Al Gurg’s refi ned approach, which amplifi es the beauty of simplicity and the power of materials to tell a story. Standing at four metres tall, the installation refl ects the region’s architectural and cultural heritage while paving the way for a more sustainable future in design.62 commercialinteriordesign.comSpecial Report: ProjectFebruary 2025 At the heart of this project is PlyPalm, a material derived from the discarded midribs of date palm trees. With over 40 million date palms thriving in the UAE, each producing significant agricultural waste annually, PlyPalm offers a visionary approach to reclamation. This innovative material, developed by Egyptian designer Lina Ghalib through Tashkeel’s Tanween design programme, transforms what was once considered waste into a robust, hardwood-like substance suitable for furniture and interiors. PlyPalm is a modern reinterpretation of a historically signifi cant natural resource that has been integral to Middle Eastern culture for centuries. The hexagonal pillars of the installation, crafted from PlyPalm, are both symbolic and functional. They evoke the strong roots and foundation of the region’s heritage while referencing the origins of timekeeping, traditionally marked by the shadow of a pillar on the ground. In doing so, they underscore the timeless interplay between tradition and innovation that defi nes Vacheron Constantin’s ethos. Complementing PlyPalm is DateForm, the world’s fi rst solid surface material made from date seeds. This pioneering material not only pays homage to the cultural signifi cance of dates, particularly during Ramadan, but also addresses sustainability challenges in retail design. DateForm serves as the backwall of the installation, grounding the structure with its rich texture and cultural resonance. Its use exemplifi es how surface materials can merge functionality with storytelling, creating immersive and meaningful experiences for retail consumers. The craftsmanship of the installation is elevated further by the details that connect it to the Maison’s legacy. The shorter pillars are adorned with engraved plates bearing 63 commercialinteriordesign.comSpecial Report: ProjectFebruary 2025 the Maltese cross, a signature emblem of Vacheron Constantin. This delicate touch bridges the world of high watchmaking with the local craftsmanship techniques celebrated in the design, reinforcing the installation’s role as both a cultural artefact and a symbol of luxury. For Omar Al Gurg, Among The Pillars represents a continuation of his commitment to accessible, meaningful design. A Dubai native with architectural training in Belfast, Al Gurg has carved out a unique space in the design world, blending Arab identity with contemporary functionality. Through his Modu Method studio, he has created pieces like the “Spike” and “NU” collections, which are celebrated for their intuitive and pragmatic design philosophy. With Among The Pillars, Al Gurg extends this philosophy to a larger canvas, exploring the intersection of sustainability, community, and heritage. Retail professionals and designers across the Middle East can draw valuable lessons from this collaboration, especially given the increase in pop-up and experiential design and marketing. By leveraging locally-made materials like PlyPalm and DateForm, temporary retail spaces can reduce their reliance on single-use elements, transforming installations from waste generators into sustainable showcases. These innovations not only address environmental concerns but also open up new possibilities for storytelling and brand engagement in retail environments. Among The Pillars demonstrates how locally sourced materials can be elevated to meet the demands of luxury, how cultural narratives can enhance aesthetic appeal, and how design can balance environmental responsibility with commercial objectives. For Vacheron Constantin, it is a testament to nearly three centuries of craftsmanship and innovation, and for Omar Al Gurg, it is a continuation of a journey that places heritage, community, and sustainability at the forefront of design. For the broader design community, the project serves as a call to reimagine the possibilities of what retail spaces and other commercial interiors can achieve when tradition and innovation work hand in hand. •66 commercialinteriordesign.comResidential ProjectFebruary 2025 I n the ever-evolving architectural landscape of Dubai, the Blue Copper Loft by ANARCHITECT stands as a daring rebellion against convention. This private residence challenges preconceived notions of urban luxury, redefi ning how space, light and materials interact in a home. At fi rst glance, Blue Copper Loft exudes a calm, almost understated presence. But beneath this tranquillity lies a radical rethinking of what it means to live luxuriously in a modern metropolis. Eschewing the superfl uous, ANARCHITECT instead embraces intentionality. Spaces are designed to breathe, light is meticulously controlled and materials tell their own stories. This is not about ostentation. It’s about creating a sanctuary that speaks to the soul, where every detail feels deeply personal. “Surface fl oor area and room count have long been the default metrics for judging a property’s prestige. We challenge this reductive notion, prioritising the architectural quality of space, access to natural light, and spatial volume as intrinsically valuable,” states Jonathan Ashmore, principal of ANARCHITECT. MATERIAL ALCHEMY Rooted in its materials, Matteo Brioni’s clay- based fi nishes, sourced through Collectional, warm the walls, while DeCastelli’s metalwork, curated by Purity, introduces a raw industrial edge. These contrasting textures create a dialogue between the organic and the mechanical, the ancient and the modern. The loft’s surfaces carry the weight of history, patinas evolve with time, and imperfections are celebrated rather than concealed. It’s an approach that is as rebellious as it is reverent, a signature of ANARCHITECT. LIGHT AS SCULPTURE Lighting in Blue Copper Loft is not just functional; it’s sculptural. Collaborating with Deltalight and PSLAB, ANARCHITECT has crafted a series of lighting interventions that defi ne the mood and rhythm of the space. Natural light pours through strategic openings, softened and refracted to enhance the loft’s tactile qualities. By night, curated lighting fi xtures transform the space into a warm cocoon, where every shadow and highlight feels deliberate. It’s light as an artist’s brushstroke, painting the loft with depth and emotion. OBJECTS OF DESIRE From Jim Zivic’s artisanal designs (via Ralph Pucci NYC) to Ochre’s sculptural lighting fixtures, the space is a celebration of craftsmanship and curation. Each collectible feels as though it belongs, yet none demand attention. Arno Declercq’s creations, with their primitive modern aesthetic, punctuate the loft, adding a layer of narrative depth. The loft rejects the disposable trends of mass production, opting instead for pieces that age gracefully. The result is a space that functions as both home and gallery. THE ANARCHITECT MANIFESTO Blue Copper Loft is the result of a fi nely tuned collaboration. BW Interiors, with their meticulous craftsmanship, executed the project under the expert project management of Savills and alongside Collectional, as procurement specialists. Founded by Jonathan Ashmore in 2013, ANARCHITECT has built its reputation on the belief that architecture should be as human as it is daring. The studio thrives at the intersection of understated luxury and contextually modern design, creating spaces that are radical without being ostentatious. DUBAI’S NEW RESIDENTIAL VANGUARD In a city where bigger and bolder often dominate the conversation, Blue Copper Loft is a refreshing counterpoint. This loft represents the future of urban living, spaces that prioritise the human experience, embrace the beauty of imperfection and connect occupants to their environment in meaningful ways. ANARCHITECT has set a new benchmark, one that challenges the very idea of what it means to live well in Dubai. •67 commercialinteriordesign.comFebruary 2025Residential Project “At ANARCHITECT, the architectural quality of space, access to natural light and spatial volume are more intrinsically valuable”68 commercialinteriordesign.comWorld ViewFebruary 2025 Two Sides, One Story 69 commercialinteriordesign.comWorld ViewFebruary 2025 Anchored by a striking bicolour metal structure, El Departamento’s design of Siroko is revolutionising retailNext >