November 22, 2024
Hilton Al Habtoor City Al Joud Ballroom

  • Gold Sponsor

  • Gold Sponsor

  • Silver Sponsor

  • Silver Sponsor

  • Category Sponsor

THE FORUM

ABOUT OUR EVENT

The Design Forum 2024 is a key event for knowledge-sharing in the design industry, offering a platform for professionals to explore the latest trends and innovations. With discussions on topics such as Designing for the Region’s Young, Tech-Savvy Population, Fast-Track Fit-Out Projects, and a dedicated panel on Digitalisation by suppliers to enhance the customer experience, attendees will gain valuable insights into the evolving landscape of architecture and design. Industry leaders and experts will share their experiences, offering practical solutions and inspiring new approaches to tackling challenges in the region, particularly in integrating smart technologies and digital tools into the design process.

In addition to knowledge exchange, the forum is a prime venue for networking, connecting designers, architects, and industry stakeholders. It creates an opportunity for participants to build relationships, collaborate on future projects, and engage in discussions that shape the direction of the design industry. Through these interactions, attendees can not only expand their professional networks but also foster meaningful partnerships that drive innovation and creativity in their work.

TOPICS 2024

PANEL 1

Designing for the Region's Young, Tech-Savvy Population!

How the rise of a young, digitally connected population in the UAE is influencing design trends in residential, commercial, and retail spaces. The role of smart technologies, co-living, and tech-enabled environments in creating spaces that cater to millennials and Gen Z.

TALKING POINTS:

Integration of Smart Technologies

  • Modern designs incorporate smart home features like voice control and IoT devices. These technologies cater to the tech-savvy preferences of millennials and Gen Z, enhancing convenience and connectivity.

Emphasis on Co-Living and Shared Spaces:

  • Co-living arrangements highlight a preference for communal living and shared resources. Designs focus on creating adaptable, social environments that foster interaction and collaboration among young residents.

Tech-Enabled Retail Experiences:

  • Retail spaces are integrating digital features like interactive displays and mobile payments. These innovations provide a seamless shopping experience tailored to the digitally connected population.

Flexible and Multi-Functional Design:

  • Young people prefer spaces that adapt to various needs, such as home offices or entertainment areas. Designers are creating versatile layouts that support work, social, and leisure activities.

Focus on Sustainability and Well-Being:

  • There is increasing demand for eco-friendly and health-conscious design elements. Sustainable materials and wellness features align with the values of younger generations, prioritising environmental impact and personal well-being.

PANEL 2

Fast-Track Fit-Out Projects

How companies are delivering large-scale fit-outs in shorter time frames without compromising on quality. The role of modular construction and prefabrication in expediting project timelines.

TALKING POINTS:

Efficient Project Management:

Streamlined processes and clear communication channels help keep projects on schedule. Regular progress tracking and proactive problem-solving ensure timely completion.

Modular Construction and Prefabrication:

Prefabricated components are produced off-site and quickly assembled on-site. This approach reduces construction time and minimises disruptions.

Advanced Design Technologies:

Building Information Modeling (BIM) enhances accuracy and coordination. This technology reduces errors and rework, speeding up the project timeline.

Optimised Supply Chain:

Timely procurement and strategic supplier partnerships ensure materials are available as needed. Efficient inventory management prevents project delays.

Maintained Quality:

Rigorous quality control processes and effective risk management maintain high standards. Ensuring quality is preserved despite the accelerated schedule.

PANEL 3

Digital Advances by Suppliers Redefine Customer Experience

Digitalization by suppliers is revolutionizing the way customer experiences are enhanced across various industries. The use of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) tools by suppliers has transformed the way customers interact with lighting, flooring, walls, paints, fabrics, and other design elements. These technologies allow customers to visualise their design choices in real-time, offering a more immersive and accurate experience. For example, AR apps can project paint colors on walls or lighting setups in a space, enabling users to see how different shades and lighting effects will look before making a final decision. Similarly, VR allows customers to "walk through" a fully designed virtual room with selected flooring, wall textures, and lighting options, ensuring a perfect match before any physical installation begins.

TALKING POINTS:

Real-Time Visualisation:

Customers can instantly see how lighting, paint colors, flooring, and wall treatments will look in their spaces, reducing the risk of mismatched choices.

Enhanced Decision-Making:

Architects, designers, and end users can explore multiple design scenarios without physically testing materials, saving time and resources.

Increased Engagement:

These tools create a more interactive and engaging experience, making it easier for customers to collaborate with suppliers and designers in creating their ideal environments.

Customisation and Personalisation:

AR and VR tools offer a greater degree of customization, allowing customers to experiment with various styles, materials, and layouts before finalizing their design.

Technology is reshaping the customer experience, creating a seamless bridge between design concepts and execution. This shift towards digitalisation enhances both efficiency and creativity, allowing for more informed and confident decision-making in the architectural and design process.

Improved Collaboration and Communication:

Digital tools facilitate better collaboration between suppliers, designers, and clients. Shared digital platforms and visualizations ensure all stakeholders are aligned, enhancing overall project coordination and satisfaction.

AGENDA

9:00am - 10:00am

Registration, Followed by coffee and networking

10:00am - 10:45am

Panel 1: Designing for the Region's Young, Tech-Savvy Population!

10:45am - 11:00am

Presentation by Stefan Schmied, Leader, LIXIL IMEA

GROHE is at the forefront of sustainable innovation, driving forward eco-friendly solutions that redefine the future of water and energy efficiency in the industry.

Stefan Schmied

Leader, LIXIL IMEA

11:00am - 11:45am

Panel 2: Fast-Track Fit-Out Projects

11:45am - 12:30pm

Panel 3: Digital Advances by Suppliers Redefine Customer Experience

12:30pm

Conclusion of Design Forum 2024, followed by lunch

PAST FORUM

SPEAKERS 2023

Firas Alsahin

Co-Founder and Design Director, 4SPACE

Krystal Goretti Fernandes

Project Manager, Summertown Interiors

Dr Bhakti More

Chairperson, School of Design & Architecture, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Dubai Campus

Enayat Ghaedi

Associate Director, RMJM

Rasha Al Tekreeti

Creative Director, Co-Founder Waru

Dr. Chadi Chamoun

Director of Innovation & Development , Bond Interiors

Justin Wells

CEO, Wells International

Manu Abraham

Co-Founder, Aujan Interiors

SPONSORSHIP

PLATINUM ALLY

  • Onsite product branding alternatives
  • Placement of logo on event advertisements
  • Placement of logo in event email shots to the Design Middle East mailing list
  • Mentions in press releases and subsequent published materials
  • Social media Platinum Ally placement mentions on all Design Middle East social media platforms
  • Placement of logo on event print and digital invitations
  • Placement of logo on event site branding
  • Ally seating affords two full tables for the Platinum Ally that will accommodate 10 guests
  • Video footage and imagery of the event released for promotional usage
  • Pre and post event coverage to be featured on our websites and dispersed via relevant social media channels
  • Twelve full print pages to be used at the Platinum Ally's discretion within a period of six months in any Design Middle East print edition

GOLD ALLY

  • Onsite product branding alternatives
  • Placement of logo on event advertisements
  • Placement of logo in event email shots to the Design Middle East mailing list
  • Mentions in press releases and subsequent published materials
  • Social media Platinum Ally placement mentions on all Design Middle East social media platforms
  • Placement of logo on event print and digital invitations
  • Placement of logo on event site branding
  • Ally seating affords one full table for the Gold Ally that will accommodate 10 guests
  • Video footage and imagery of the event released for promotional usage
  • Pre and post event coverage to be featured on our websites and dispersed via relevant social media channels
  • Six full print pages in the Design Middle East

SILVER ALLY

  • Onsite product branding alternatives
  • Placement of logo on event advertisements
  • Mentions in press releases and subsequent published materials
  • Placement of logo on event print and digital invitations
  • Placement of logo on event site branding
  • Ally seating affords one full table for the Silver Ally that will accommodate 10 guests
  • Video footage and imagery of the event released for promotional usage
  • Pre and post event coverage to be featured on our websites and dispersed via relevant social media channels
  • Four full print pages in the Design Middle East

CATEGORY ALLY

  • Placement of logo on event advertisements
  • Mentions in press releases and subsequent published materials
  • Placement of logo on event print and digital invitations
  • Placement of logo on event site branding
  • Ally seating affords one full table for the Category Ally that will accommodate 10 guests
  • Pre and post event coverage to be featured on our websites and dispersed via relevant social media channels
  • Video footage and imagery of the event released for promotional usage
  • Two full print pages in Design Middle East