< PreviousCOVER STORY 50MARCH 2024 disruption and capitalise on change. Men still outnumber women but, by and large, today’s real estate leaders see the benefi ts of developing and empowering women at all levels. And today, ideas are turning to action; many real estate companies are pushing gender diversity initiatives to the top of the strategic agenda. With broad support for change and new approaches, programs, and initiatives beginning to emerge, slowly but surely, the real estate industry is making progress. “The old belief that some men preferred to People are starting to look beyond gender and instead focus on the skills and advantages a professional can off er to a company” 50 Left: Sevgi Gur, Chief Marketing Offi cer, Property Finder; A royal master bedroom Right: Minimalism at play in the secondry bedroom; The library is an architectural centrepiece MARCH 2024COVER STORY 51MARCH 2024 work only with other men and didn’t take women seriously in business is slowly fading away. People are starting to look beyond gender and instead focus on the skills and advantages a professional can off er to a company,” believes Ilnara Muzafyarova, CEO of Colife. “The current climate presents an opportunity to drive forward towards gender equality. In 10 years, I hope that on the occasion of International Women’s Day, we will no longer need to focus on issues such as gender inequality, pay gaps, or gender-specifi c issues, instead, the real estate industry will be more diverse in every aspect,” concludes Tamara S, a Doha-based real estate realtor. 52MARCH 2024 CRAFTED CONCEPTS Peeking into the world of design and architecture in the Middle East’s real estate scene 52MARCH 202453MARCH 202453MARCH 2024CRAFTED CONCEPTS 54MARCH 2024 CRAFTED CONCEPTS 54MARCH 2024CRAFTED CONCEPTS 55MARCH 2024 CONCOCTING E LEGANCE Located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, Nazcaa emerges as a culinary haven that defies convention, exemplifying what it means to integrate history and architecture Words by Julianne Tolentino CRAFTED CONCEPTS 55MARCH 2024CRAFTED CONCEPTS 56MARCH 2024 The convergence of gastronomy and architecture remains a captivating subject of intrigue within elite circles. Undoubtedly, the art of weaving narratives through ambience and storytelling serves to elevate the dining experience, and Dubai stands as a beacon for such culinary adventures. In our exploration of fi ne-dining establishments in the city, we encountered Nazcaa—a culinary haven off ering a distinctive fusion inspired by the vibrant cultural legacies of Peru and Japan. Designed by Habitat Architects, the idea for Nazcaa was born out of a deep admiration for the Nazca Lines, the enigmatic geoglyphs in the Peruvian desert, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Despite the enigmatic nature of the Nazca Lines and the various theories surrounding them, these ancient wonders remain a testament to the extraordinary ingenuity and limitless creativity of their creators. Thus, the challenge was evident: to capture the essence of these mystical lines while pioneering a fusion of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine. In delving deeper, CW Property Middle East talked to Zafar Masud Chaudhary, the CEO, Founder, and Principal Architect of Habitat Architects. What specifi c elements of the Nazca Lines served as the primary inspiration for the design of Nazcaa? How did you translate these elements into the restaurant’s interiors? The primary inspiration for the design of Nazcaa has been drawn from the Nazca Lines, particularly their symbolic representations of animals, plants, and geometric shapes etched into the Peruvian desert. These ancient marvels served as a testament to ingenuity and creativity, inspiring us to encapsulate their essence within the restaurant’s interiors. We translated these elements by intricately weaving them into every facet of the design, from the layout and colour scheme to the choice of materials and design accents, thus creating a space that pays homage to the cultural heritage and Images supplied by: Habitat ArchitectsCRAFTED CONCEPTS 57MARCH 2024 Left: Velvet red seating area; Bar area at Nazcaa Right: Close up of the art decorations and plush velvet seatingCRAFTED CONCEPTS 58MARCH 2024 artistic prowess of the Nazca civilisation. Can you elaborate on the challenges and creative process involved in fusing the rich cultural heritage of Peru and Japan within the design and architecture of Nazcaa? The challenges were multifaceted. It required a deep understanding of both cultures, their design principles, and their culinary traditions. Our creative process involved extensive research, collaboration with experts, and a meticulous approach to balancing and harmonising elements from both cultures. By carefully integrating Peruvian-inspired colour schemes, material palettes, and native symbols with Japanese design principles, we achieved a cohesive fusion that celebrates the unique identities of both cultures while creating a distinctive and immersive dining experience. The design of Nazcaa is said to be centred around Nazca Lines. How are these symbols intricately woven into diff erent facets of the interiors? The design of Nazcaa revolves around the symbolic elements of the Nazca Lines, which are intricately woven into various facets of the interiors. For example, the ceiling mirrors the Nazca Lines, while fl oating glass crystal doves suspended from above simulate nature within the restaurant. Additionally, the choice of materials, such as Nero Saint Laurent and Armani Bronze Marble fl ooring, abstractly represents the geoglyphs, further reinforcing the connection to the Nazca civilisation. These symbolic elements serve as a visual narrative, enriching the dining experience and inviting guests to embark on a journey of discovery and exploration. The layout of Nazcaa includes sectionalised spaces. How did the design contribute to the overall dining experience, and what was the thought process behind it? The sectionalised layout of Nazcaa, including private corners and the main seating area, was designed to enhance the overall dining experience by off ering guests a sense of intimacy and exclusivity. The thought process behind this design CRAFTED CONCEPTS 59MARCH 2024 was to create distinct zones that cater to diff erent preferences and occasions, whether an intimate dinner for two or a lively gathering with friends. By providing varied seating options, we aimed to accommodate diverse dining experiences while maintaining a cohesive atmosphere that refl ects the restaurant’s ethos and aesthetic. Nazcaa is described as a musical fusion mirroring culinary fusion. How was the musical aspect integrated into the design? The musical aspect of Nazcaa’s design was seamlessly integrated to mirror the culinary fusion of Peruvian and Japanese infl uences. Electronic tunes interwoven with soulful melodies of South American instruments create a dynamic and immersive atmosphere that complements Nikkei’s diverse fl avours and textures. This musical fusion adds another layer of depth to the dining experience, enhancing the overall ambience and creating a sensory journey that delights the senses and transports guests to the vibrant streets of Peru and Japan. Could you elaborate on how the design narrative aligns with the culinary experience and enhances the overall story that Nazcaa aims to tell? At Nazcaa, design is not just about aesthetics; it’s a narrative that unfolds with each course, enriching the culinary experience. The design narrative aligns closely with the culinary journey, guiding guests through a sensory exploration of fl avours, textures, and cultural infl uences. From the symbolic elements woven into the interiors to the carefully curated ambience and musical accompaniment, every aspect of the design is thoughtfully crafted to create a cohesive and immersive dining experience that resonates with guests long after they leave their restaurant. Left: Colour blocking interiors; Outdoor terrace seating area Right: Private dining space at Nazcaa The primary inspiration for the design of Nazcaa has been drawn from the Nazca Lines, particularly their symbolic representations of animals, plants, and geometric shapes”Next >