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Herman Miller is a name synonymous with modern furniture. Working with legendary designers George Nelson and Charles and Ray Eames in 1950s, the company’s design collaborations have become industrial design classics. Continuing its collaboration in the present day, Herman Miller works with some of the most renowned designers in the world: Alexander Girard, Isamu Noguchi, Robert Propst, Bill Stumpf, Don Chadwick, Ayse Birsel, Studio 7.5, Yves Béhar and Doug Ball.

Lauded for its attention to detail and quality manufacturing, THG bridges the gap between old-world artisanship and 21st century technology, giving birth to a timeless collection of products. The subtle nuances that can only come from THG handcrafted detail reinforce the fact that one is in the presence of an exceptionally well-designed and quality product that will stand the test of time.

For 70 years Snaidero has been designing and manufacturing customized kitchen furniture that has its uniqueness rooted in the heritage of great craftsmanship.

Italian brand Foster manufactures built-in gas and electric hobs, sinks and mixers, dishwashers, refrigerators, hoods and ovens- everything required for a kitchen to function smoothly. Foster is known for its impeccable, seamlessly designed cooking appliances often in stainless steel- the AISI 304 steel that they use has a high level of chrome and nickel, and such a bright finish that it is completely resistant to rust and corrosion. Its main goals are functionality, safety and ergonomics in the kitchen.

The Middle East has seen a constant growth in the development of mid-range hospitality projects with Dubai alone projecting 100,000 new hotel rooms in time for EXPO 2020. With the number of visitors expected to rise up to 20 million by the end of the decade; hotel operators, architects and designers face the challenge of meeting this growing demand.

Visitors will be able to explore the pavilion to discover furniture, lighting, floor and wallcoverings, as well as a diverse range of home accessories from home scents to linens.

Lauded for its attention to detail and quality manufacturing, THG bridges the gap between old-world artisanship and 21st century technology, giving birth to a timeless collection of products. The subtle nuances that can only come from THG handcrafted detail reinforce the fact that one is in the presence of an exceptionally well-designed and quality product that will stand the test of time.

As Design Manager for a local developer, my FF&E and Joinery eye is in hot pursuit of trends and innovations for the modern home. With intriguing items like those coming to Downtown Design, any design aficionado can make their home a functional and chic palace. I am glad to see a diverse list of exhibitors from the UAE, MENA and international with products across the Interior Design Spectrum.

For 70 years Snaidero has been designing and manufacturing customized kitchen furniture that has its uniqueness rooted in the heritage of great craftsmanship.

For discerning furniture shoppers of the Middle East, Aati offer the most comprehensive selection of designer furniture and accessories in the region. With more than 30 years of experience working with the world’s finest brands, Aati caters to those seeking the ultimate in luxury lifestyle. Returning to Downtown Design this year, they will be showcasing a portfolio of best-in-class international luxury brands featuring: Bentley Home, Fendi Casa, Minotti, and Edra.

Moroso’s established artisanal approach to product manufacturing and creativity formed the foundations of a vision which has enabled the firm to have distinguished growth since it was established in 1952. Nearly sixty years later, Moroso is positioned at the vanguard of international design. Through the creative input of designers, they have created a collection of iconic designs, of which Armada is the latest.

Woodfloors Middle East represents over 20 leading brands from across the world including Finland, Austria, Germany, Italy and the USA, fulfilling every need ranging from exotic species to the more commonly available wooden floors.

Leading British designer Tom Dixon, whose works can be found in permanent collections of museums such as V & A and MoMA, is known world-over for his furniture and lighting designs, and now carpets.

Abu Dhabi based designers Fouad Mirza and Ritchie Nolasco started the brand with a shared vision: to bring local artisanal design and craftsmanship to the forefront of the furniture industry by featuring Arabesque design elements. By doing so, they aim to represent the UAE as a leading source of high-end design on a global platform.

For discerning furniture shoppers of the Middle East, Aati offer the most comprehensive selection of designer furniture and accessories in the region. With more than 30 years of experience working with the world’s finest brands, Aati caters to those seeking the ultimate in luxury lifestyle. Returning to Downtown Design this year, they will be showcasing a portfolio of best-in-class international luxury brands featuring: Bentley Home, Fendi Casa, Minotti, and Edra.

The wood, provided by the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) and the pavilion design, imagined by T.ZED Architects, come together to create a unique architectural experience for fair visitors. The basic concept is to create a somber cocoon that is gently placed in a dynamic and frenzied environment. The overall structure allows individuals to physically and metaphorically disconnect themselves from the surrounding urban setting and invite them into a quiet space where moments of reflection simply emerge.

Woodfloors Middle East represents over 20 leading brands from across the world including Finland, Austria, Germany, Italy and the USA, fulfilling every need ranging from exotic species to the more commonly available wooden floors.

Abu Dhabi based designers Fouad Mirza and Ritchie Nolasco started the brand with a shared vision: to bring local artisanal design and craftsmanship to the forefront of the furniture industry by featuring Arabesque design elements. By doing so, they aim to represent the UAE as a leading source of high-end design on a global platform.

Though Bernhardt Interiors was only established in 2008, it is a division of the 125-year-old Bernhardt Furniture company. As one of the largest, family-run furniture companies in North America, it has a longstanding history of creating beautiful, lavish concepts.

Three designers will be showcased from Middle Eastern neighbour Beirut Design Week, at Downtown Design 2016. The collaboration supports the MENA region as an ever-expanding design market, with Downtown Design as a central platform for both established and emerging designers.

Steelia by ARCLINEA, finished in black, bronze and champagne, brings a new sophistication to the brand, combining perfectly with the beauty of natural wood and stone, and offering unique and extraordinary combinations.

Dubai is future focused; it’s the energy that fuels the city’s inherent ambition. In emerging regional markets as well as in the developed West, governments are increasingly looking to diversify and invest in the creative economy. Design is the new economic driver.

Studio EM is a Dubai0based creative design agency with a portfolio of clients that includes the Armani Hotel, Candylicious (Dubai Mall), Wagamama, Novo Cinemas and more.

Producing artistic mirrors for over three generations, Arte Veneziana represents the modern expression of Venetian engraving tradition. Constantly researching forgotten trends, the brand hopes to revive Venetian and European artistic history both aesthetically and in their craftsmanship, and at the same time keep up with contemporary styles and production methods. By using different engraving styles in every piece, they ensure their mirrors are exclusive and diverse. Arte Veneziana also manufacture upholstery, cabinets, consoles, bed stands, chests, tables and bathroom furniture.

The commercial centerpiece of the Dubai Design Week also gives design professionals a chance to network with like-minded individuals, gain insight from the talks programme and find opportunities to work together. With 43 new brands, 5 Destinations presenting Design Weeks from Addis Ababa, Barcelona, Beirut, Reykjavik and Taiwan and 10 regional exhibitors presenting new work; the fair will be the ultimate design destination of the year.

As a fair that supports emerging design brands, designers and innovative product; Downtown Design sees its sponsorship of the Boutique Interior Agency category fit with its ethos. With excellence in design being showcased by a budding generation of interior design agencies that work with passion, uniqueness and design edge there’s no reservation in the potential that boutique design firms have to offer.

Senior Designer at global-leading interior architectural design firm DiLeonardo; Aida Karimi believes in a collaborative design approach where each team member makes a contribution by sharing experience and creativity through effective communication to create spaces with exquisite and unique identities.

With an aim to promote Addis Ababa as a global design capital, the Design Week Addis Ababa was established in 2015 in an effort to provide an international platform for both emerging and established designers, technologists, innovators, artists and artisans. The multi-disciplinary event that’s is endorsed by UNESCO also advocates for development by design initiatives - projects that incorporate a design-centered approach to Ethiopia’s development challenges.

From the outset, Kristalia has given special attention to innovative design projects through experimentation, searching for new technical solutions and using materials borrowed from the fields of fashion and sport.

Specialists in luxury lighting design, Serip stands out for its utmost attention to detail, combination of precious materials bronze and glass, and its nature-inspired, organic form chandeliers. Designed and made in Portugal, Serip’s original and refined pieces adapt perfectly to any environment be it contemporary or classic.

When it comes to T Design’s presentation at Downtown Design 2016, Lladró, a family-owned Spanish multinational porcelain brand, takes centre stage:

Italy-based Lealpell has been in the business of leather for 44 years. The brand supplies 1700 different colours of leather including some that are fireproof, made for outdoor use and machine washable. On display at this year’s Downtown Design will be the latest pieces from the innovative highly customizable Fantasy collection.

Whether you are looking for a beautiful feature fireplace or an artistic freestanding balcony stove, Ecosmart Fire has a wide-ranging chimney-less collection suitable for mansions, villas, apartments, restaurants, hotels or even the workplace.

The brand will present new collaborations that add to an already impressive list which includes design studios, architects and solo designers such as Nendo, Daniel Libeskind and Borek Sipek.

4Space Interior Design is a dynamic and multitalented interior design firm that holds customer service and quality at its core. The firm has consistently provided innovative design solutions in various sectors including hospitality, retail and commercial spaces. Established in 1999; 4Space has grown to be a multi-award winning design firm recently receiving the BIZ 2016 Recognition award in Washington DC for Entrepreneurial Companies.

Much lauded for its attention to detail and quality manufacturing, THG bridges the gap between old-world artisanship and 21st century technology, giving birth to a timeless collection of products. The subtle nuances that can only come from THG handcrafted detail reinforce the fact that one is in the presence of an exceptionally well-designed and quality product that will stand the test of time.

The perfect bedroom varies on what customers find important. Some prefer to keep the bedroom as their place of rest with minimal distractions, while others enjoy watching a movie before bed and need space to lounge before they sleep.

At Dubai Design District (d3):

How did you arrive at the design for the Dubai Opera House?

Exposing the breadth and diversity of brands in the Middle East, Downtown Design recognizes the importance of locality in regional interior design. With the development of new hotels, commercial and public buildings, there comes a need for interior design to reflect the region’s graphic language, design narrative and love of colour. Our exhibitors present a truly broad range of unique solutions to creating a distinctly local, contemporary space.

Curated with the regional buyer in mind, Downtown Design will present leading brands in all categories from furniture and lighting, to bathrooms and kitchens, as well as innovative new design from Addis Ababa to Taipei. We tie up this year’s show in stats, for five reasons why you need to register for Downtown Design 2016:

KriskaDECOR’s cool metallic curtains are imaginative creations that have allowed both designers and architects (such as Patricia Urquiola or Rockwell Design) or even artists (as in Andrew Sabin’s ‘The Sea of Sun’ installation) to find creative methods of demarcating and partitioning spatial environments.

German family-owned company Rolf Benz may be best known for its bespoke high quality sofas but it’s its multi-purpose stools and coffee tables that are currently causing quite a stir. In particular, its “2 Go” collection.

Through moments, expressions and textures that have been seized in cities around the world, Bat Eye aims to create pieces that remind us of bustling city life.

USM Haller has reached modern design classic status and in 2001 was included in the permanent collection if the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York.