Day 1 of INDEX: Dramatic installations, insightful discussions, and more
INDEX was opened by his Highness Sheikh Ahmad bin Saeed Al Maktoum at the World Trade Center yesterday. The event is running from May 31- June 2, 2021.
Guests were welcomed to explore over a global variety of exhibits and experiences through a dramatic archway installation designed by Kristina Zanic Design Consultants and built by Bond Interiors, titled “The Bottleneck. Inspired by the Covid case ‘curve’, the installation provides visitors a glimpse of life before and after the pandemic. Zanic explains: “We are taking the attendees and public through a short journey of life before and after COVID, from normal to the new normal. We have seen that disruption as an opportunity, and we want to deliver that experience with our design.”
A second entrance is another thought-provoking and visually impactful installation designed by Brand Creative, and built in collaboration with Design Infinity. Titled “Off The Grid”, the concept reflects the inner workings of human thought over three periods: pre-pandemic period, our current covid-19 world and a positive outlook on the future.
The show’s conferences kicked off with The Work Design Summit, with discussions on ‘Experience Driven Workplaces’ opened by Pallavi Dean and Kathryn Athreya from Roar, followed by the much-anticipated INDEX Design Talks with a creative review and a reflection on ‘how social/economic crisis and recovery can provoke bursts of innovation and productivity’. This was hosted by key leaders in the industry, including Paul Bishop, Kristina Zanic, and George Arvanitis. Another insightful talk took place featuring Kate Instone, founder & creative director of Blush International, on “The Current State of Play in Residential Design’ informing listeners on the current design trends in home designs.
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Bauporte Gulf to launch a design challenge for architects and designers at INDEX and Workspace
Gear up for the Bauporte Gulf Design Challenge at the upcoming INDEX and Workspace Shows in Dubai starting on May 31, 2021.
Bauporte is offering architects and interior designers the opportunity to work with its in-house team of designers to create new, one-of-a-kind doors and revolutionary office partitioning concepts. Some ideas for new designs include telescopic sliding doors to minimise space, oversized pivot doors and touchless entry systems that can provide building users with the ultimate flexible interactive office experience. The challenge is intended to achieve a push the boundaries of design. Extra-tall or extra-wide doors with wow-factor are envisaged while reimagining standard, fixed office partitioning in favour of new, flexible alternatives where every single panel of office partitioning is instantly changeable.
Designers can register for free at the Bauporte Gulf stand at the INDEX and Workspace shows being held at Dubai World Trade Centre running from May 31- June 2, 2021. Bauporte Gulf is offering a complimentary package of design services on a no-obligation basis, like free initial design consultation, design renderings, and technical checks and specifications.
The successful new designs, once commissioned, will be manufactured by Bauporte Gulf at its factory in Hamburg, Germany and shipped to the Middle East. Finalised designs, together with the various design challenge participants, will be featured in architectural and design media in the Middle East and internationally.
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Israel’s largest furniture group to exhibit at INDEX 2021
Wissmann Holdings, Israel’s largest furniture group have confirmed their participation at INDEX Dubai, the Middle East’s largest interiors trade fair.
Wissmann Furniture was established in 1932, and produce wood furniture, supplying international markets through their recently opened logistics centre in Israel’s Western Galilee, one of the largest facilities of its kind in the Middle East.
Arie Wissmann, Wissmann’s Group Chairman explained “Our company mission is to enter new markets to grow our business. INDEX has a great reputation for success so was an obvious choice for our first entry into the UAE market. We’ll be exhibiting a range of dining table sets with additional 2-6 seat extensions, and a big range of comfortable well-designed chairs in an independent pavilion. We are proud to lead the way for Israeli furniture companies to exhibit at INDEX.”
INDEX postponed to May 2021
The 30th edition of INDEX, the international interiors trade fair, has been postponed to 2021. Originally due to take place in September, it will now be held from Monday 31st May to Wednesday 2nd June alongside the co-located events: WORKSPACE, The Leisure Show, and The Hotel Show.
Katie McBride, commercial director design, dmg events explains: “Over the past few months, we’ve been astounded by the positivity and resilience creative businesses have shown when facing the unprecedented challenge of COVID-19.”
“This global pandemic has impacted the interiors community in multiple ways, not least the ability to meet face-to-face and see first-hand the latest innovations in design and products. With this in mind, and considering the important role that INDEX plays as a platform to facilitate networking, trade, and business connections in the Middle East, today we are announcing the postponement of the event to 31st May – 2nd June 2021, at Dubai World Trade Centre.”
“I am deeply moved by the perseverance of all our clients and customers during the last three months,” McBride continues “and whilst the situation is slowly improving, moving to 2021 will ensure we can provide a safe environment and a truly international event that delivers real value to the interiors industry in the Middle East.”
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