The Productive Centre by MB Consultancy, United Arab Emirates
The global lockdown was a mass experiment that prompted the rise of remote working and in turn communicated its effectiveness in many ways.
This allowed the realisation that many of the neighbourhoods in which we reside in the UAE lack a diversity of function, resulting in isolated scenarios where spaces are dissected into stand-alone functions. There are neighbourhoods for living and working and those for entertainment.
Often, these areas are not within walking distance from each other. The Productive Centre by MB Consultancy considers the interconnectedness between residents and their neighbourhood to create hybrid communities that can be interrelated with the new wave of remote working.
As a result of the studio’s analysis of Dubai’s neighbourhoods, the team developed a prototype for communities that responds to current needs and future challenges. The Productive Centre is an evolution of a neighbourhood hub, comprising facilities that grant residents an opportunity to work remotely, socialise, workout and actively interact within their communities, with the aim of created truly integrated environments.
EVOLVE by Rabih Geha Architects, Lebanon
Post COVID-19, we are still able to visit a nightclub we just need to find a different way to do it.
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Handcrafted gems
Finance professional-turned-designer Shima Samaei is behind the heritage-inspired brand Chapter-101, whose pieces bring together the evocative beauty of the Middle East region
Uniting design
Founded by London-based interior designers Sophie Ashby of Studio Ashby and Alex Dauley of Dauley Design, United in Design is a charitable organisation set up to address the lack of diversity within the design field. Aidan Imanova speaks to the founders to find out more.
All around the world
NextSpace, founded by Laurence Dehlen, aims to introduce the Middle East market to a myriad of brands from across the globe
Exploring identity
Three Kuwait-based designers investigate the potential of a local design identity by merging existing regional and borrowed elements in an exhibition showcased at 1971 - Design Space in Sharjah
Dubai Design Week
While many of the world’s design events went virtual this year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the fifth iteration of Dubai Design Week – a festival that has quickly become one of the most sought-after events on the arts calendar in the Emirates – presented a combination of physical exhibitions and outdoor installations, bringing together international works and regional talent in addition to an online showcase of brands and talks, making the event accessible to a global audience.
Products
This month’s products include wish list items that will make perfect gifts this festive season. From beautifully sculptural storage pieces to home fragrances, there is something here for everyone.
Preserving the past
‘A Thobe Story’ features 10 unique garments embroidered by Palestinian refugee women that recall missing memories
MONUMENTAL MASS
Sahel Al Hiyari’s Barghouti House softly integrates into the landscape while remaining impressively monolithic
DESIGN FOCUS: OUTDOOR FURNITURE
DESIGN FOCUS: OUTDOOR FURNITURE
A Sharjah icon
The recent restoration of Sharjah’s iconic Flying Saucer returns the Brutalist landmark to its former glory – and investigates its past in the process
LEXY PANTERRA
INDIE RAPPER & SINGER - SONG WRITER Aside from dancing, Lexy’s true passion in life is music. She has also collaborated with artists like DJ Snake, Major Lazer, Too Short, Prologic, Shaun Frank, Louis Bell, and several others. With 2.6 million followers on Instagram, 2.3 million subscribers on YouTube, 3.1 million followers on Facebook, and billions of impressions across all social platforms, Lexy is a name to know in the business. Follower her on Instagram @lexypanterra!
Future Forward
A visionary approach influences the shape of things to come in Dubai.
MILO SLADAKOVIC - THE NATURE OF MAN
Burdened with care and appreciation of everyday spectacle Excerpts of everyday life and passion - documentary and behind the scenes stories of daily life and lesser-known events captured around the UAE.
LOOK OUT, MARS: HERE WE COME WITH A FLEET OF SPACECRAFT
Mars is about to be invaded by planet Earth — big time.
LOOK OUT, MARS: HERE WE COME WITH A FLEET OF SPACECRAFT
Mars is about to be invaded by planet Earth — big time.
The Middle East's Mission To Mars
As space gets cheaper and more accessible, new countries are drawing our gaze to the heavens—and away from their controversies on Earth
Virus Slows Dubai Airport, World's Busiest For Global Travel
Perhaps nowhere is the world’s lack of flights due to the coronavirus pandemic more clearly felt than at Dubai International Airport, for years the world’s busiest for international travel.
DUBAI AIRPORT CEO: GLOBAL TRAVEL STILL UP IN AIR OVER VIRUS
The CEO of the world’s busiest airport for international travel wants to get the globe flying again, but even he acknowledges everything remains up in the air during the coronavirus pandemic.
ISRAELI POLICE USE DRONES TO CHECK IN ON VIRUS PATIENTS
The drone glides up toward a high-rise until it reaches an apartment window where a woman waves from inside, proving to police that she is self-isolating after testing positive for the coronavirus.
ART DUBAI 25-28.3.2020
Art Dubai 2020 reaffirms commitment to alternative global perspectives with the announcement of gallery list, new Africa focus for Residents section, and a line-up of international curators.