Losberger De Boer delivers record-breaking Jeddah Superdome event venue
Losberger De Boer has delivered the record-breaking Jeddah Superdome venue in Saudi Arabia, handing over the dome’s frame three days ahead of schedule and completing the project on time despite disruptions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Jeddah Superdome officially opened its doors on June 9, 2021.
Jeddah Superdome has claimed the Guinness World Records titles for the world’s largest geodesic dome and largest dome with the continuous roof. It is a multi-purpose event space and will play an integral role in the Jeddah Season events programme. From live shows, concerts and sporting events to brand activations and exhibitions, the dome will host some of the Kingdom’s stand-out events.
Although Saudi Arabia announced Jeddah Season, originally scheduled to take place in June and July 2020, plans were cancelled as part of the country’s measures to curb the coronavirus outbreak, work on the ambitious Jeddah Superdome project continued with an aim to continue the attempt to break the Guinness World Records title, and ensure it is complete when Jeddah Season returns.
In February 2020, Losberger De Boer was awarded the dome construction project by Jeddah Superdome’s operator, Sela Sports Company, the leading events management company based in Saudi Arabia. Losberger De Boer’s scope included the design and build of the structure, along with a project management and consulting role, coordinating with third-party subcontractors assigned by Sela Sports Company. In addition to manufacturing and constructing the dome’s frame, Losberger De Boer also installed the PVC covering, walls and doors.
With a diameter of 210m and offering a covered area of 34,636sqm and a surface area of 39,753sqm, the dome has a ring beam built of 326 tonnes of steel to support the structure rings.
Waleed Khaled, Losberger De Boer Middle East’s Regional Sales Director, said: “It has been an honour to work with Sela Sports Company on such a groundbreaking project. Losberger De Boer’s in-house design team along with our trusted consultant Geometrica designed the dome’s concept, working closely with the client to meet every aspect of the brief and create an events space, the likes of which have not been seen in this region before. The adaptability of the space means it can be used for any large-scale event and can be repurposed quickly and efficiently for the next event.
“Within weeks of the project commencing, the world was gripped by the COVID-19 pandemic. Movement restrictions and periods of lockdown followed. However, even while work on the majority of projects in the Kingdom stopped, Losberger De Boer continued to work onsite, adhering to government regulations and guidelines. We were able to complete the frame three days ahead of the revised schedule despite the challenging conditions and have gone on to complete the remaining works within the agreed timeframes.”
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Ideal Standard inspires bathrooms of the future with premiere of unique event series
Ideal Standard has launched the first in a unique series of theatrical events, merging design, art, and architecture. Taking a creative and thought-provoking approach, the event in Milan on the April 21, 2021, encouraged attendees to consider the impact that interior design has on modern living.
The Together World Tour, created by Ideal Standard, is an event series linked to six iconic cities. Each destination provides a unique visual and cultural backdrop for the launch of a new product collection from the brand. Through an intriguing, cinematic digital format, each event in the series takes a unique approach to combining cultural and lifestyle trends with architecture and design.
Speaking about the Together World Tour Series, Torsten Tuerling, Chief Executive Officer at Ideal Standard said: “We wanted to create an immersive experience for our customers that really challenged and inspired the way we think about bathroom design. We are proud to have a long legacy in driving design innovation in the bathroom industry and the Together World Tour takes a unique, theatrical format to bring to life some of our latest ranges. These new lines combine modern design principles with inspiration from some of our most iconic pieces, to create aspirational products that are helping to shape bathrooms of the future.”
“Together World Tour is a dynamic experience enabling us to explore the values of our brand in the MENA region and resulting in what we believe to be a journey of unforgettable moments of inspiration and delight.” added Ahmed Hafez, Chief Executive Officer at Ideal Standard MENA.
A tribute to the Linda collection created in 1977, by A. Castiglioni, the new collection, Linda-X, designed by Ludovica + Roberto Palomba, proudly takes inspiration from the original piece, celebrating the brand’s cultural heritage, while incorporating modern influences to create a contemporary collection which reflects the future of bathroom design.
“This collection stems from the desire to pay homage to Ideal Standard’s DNA with an eye to the future” – said Roberto Palomba. “For us it meant studying the historical collection and rethinking the design with an updated vision. When you choose a model to inspire you, you also take on the values it represents, not just the physical design. We strongly believe that the foundation for timeless design is grounded in values, rather than trends, and this was an important consideration for us when it came to Linda-X.”
Architecture, design, technology, and environmental awareness are the guiding principles of this collection. Comprising a range of basins and an elegant bath tub, the Linda-X collection stands out for its super-light design, which is minimalist and clean, but designed to have a dramatic impact.
One of the key visual elements of this collection is the ultra-thin edges of the basin. Linda-X is made with unique ceramic blend Diamatec®, which not only results in a fine ceramic which is visually appealing, but also guarantees extra durability, as well as reducing the use of raw materials in its production. The result is a piece that meets the expectations of modern-day design: sustainability and grace.
The platform on which the basin stands is a key part of the design, which gives the visual impression the basin is almost weightless and ‘floating’, while also creating a space-conscious solution for the needs of modern lifestyles, as it means you can place the basin on narrow furniture.
Linda-X basins are available in 5 sizes (45 to 75 cm) and two finishes (glossy white and silk white).
The perfect match to Linda-X is the Joy taps collection, also designed by Ludovica+Roberto Palomba.
Joy has a very different but equally striking look. The design stems from the desire to create a smooth and continuous surface, resulting in a clean and modern singular piece of brassware. This product was designed to be versatile, as it suits both square or round ceramics. It’s a piece that adapts perfectly to different environments. Its four finishes (chrome, silver storm, brushed gold and magnetic grey) each reflect the form of the tap and its intention to create a strong visual statement. The neat design is complemented by a water saving feature, the Eco Flow regulator, which reduces the water consumption down to 5L/min.
Registration is now open for the next stop on The Together World Tour in Berlin on June 16, 2021, which is followed by appearances in London, Paris, Dubai and Shanghai. Each event, will be streamed on the digital platform www.togetherworldtour.com, where it is possible to watch past events, register for upcoming ones and also access exclusive, inspirational content around each destination of the journey, and the new collections.
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Space-focussed event launches Expo 2020’s thematic programming
A virtual event bringing together some of the brightest stars in space travel and exploration, including Her Excellency Sarah Al Amiri, UAE Minister of State for Advanced Technology, Chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency and science lead for the Emirates Mars Mission, will probe the benefits, solutions and challenges of exploring beyond our planet’s orbit.
Open to the public and hosted by Expo 2020 on 5-6 October 2020, during World Space Week, the virtual event will also feature James L. Green, Chief Scientist at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). It underlines Expo’s commitment to bring together the world’s most ambitious minds, across 10 thematic weeks, to address some of the greatest challenges facing the planet.
Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau, said: “Our theme weeks will draw on Expo 2020’s central role in bringing together the world’s brightest, most inquisitive and innovative minds from more than 190 participating nations, to participate in the sharing of knowledge, new ideas and innovations that will stand the test of time.
“Space, as a resource shared by all humanity, is one of these crucial topics. With the technological advancement of space travel and exploration making the dream of space tourism closer to a reality than ever before, managing it peacefully and equitably requires the concerted international cooperation of all space-faring nations.”
The event will bring together numerous members of the Expo family, including Expo 2020’s participating nations, Official Partners and the general public, who can find out more and get involved on Day 1 and Day 2. It will highlight the latest innovations in space research and travel, while also providing a platform to discuss focus areas including space exploration, governance and law, space data and remote sensing, and the UAE’s space landscape.
Her Excellency Sarah Al Amiri said: “Since its inception some 50 years ago, the UAE has never rested on its past laurels – guided instead by our wise leadership in striving to improve across every field. Expo 2020, the first World Expo ever hosted in the region, mirrors these efforts – helping to inspire the change-makers and future leaders of tomorrow and bring the world together, in a changed world, to chart a course towards a brighter future for the UAE, the region and the world.”
Comprising Q&A sessions and panel discussions, the virtual event – the first in a series offering a taste of the exciting content and conversations that will take place during Expo 2020 Dubai – will also highlight the UAE as an ambitious pioneer in the field of space exploration.
It takes place a year ahead of Space Week, one of 10 thematic weeks held during the six months of Expo that will explore collaborative solutions to key pressing issues, including Climate and Biodiversity; Health and Wellness; Urban and Rural Development; and Travel and Connectivity.
Space Week during Expo 2020 will also feature space projections and shows that depict the UAE’s incredible space journey, held at Al Wasl Plaza – the beating heart of the Expo site that features one of the largest 360-degree projection surfaces in the world.
The first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, Expo 2020 will serve as a global event, with its expansive thematic programme offering something for everyone, while addressing some of the greatest challenges facing people and the planet.
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