The role of materials is changing. Middle East Covering and Middle East Stone are the spokespersons; the two collateral events of the bigger Index focus them on stone, interior surface materials, marble and ceramic industries. Both of them has been inaugurated yesterday by the Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Saeeds Halls and – until the 26th of May – will entertain professionals with exhibitions and two free educational initiatives: The Designers’ Forum and CPD Workshops.
The halls of the Trade Centre present a dynamic platform to share information and inspiration among interior designers, architects, manufacturers, contractors and the wider design community. Nigel Eckersall, Vincenzo Porciello, Massimo Imparato are only few of the 40 speakers who debate with the public during the four-day event which immediately has a good response in terms of attendencees.
The educational meetings explore new trends in wall and floor covering surface designs, sustainability, the latest in stone interior ad exterior surfaces as well as provide insights into the stone and covering needs of healthcare, hospitality and real estate facilities.
The MENA – Middle East and North Africa – region’s vibrant interior design sector is expected to be worth $8,2 bn in 2016 according to figures in the Dubai Design Outlook 2015 report.
«There has been a great increase in the use of marble in a contemporary way; over the last couple of years marble has been used to create a luxurious contemporary feel. Everybody is striving for a cleaner look», said Eckersall – Design Manager of Omniyat.
The variety of materials being used to create these effects sees natural stone being combined with metals such as copper, aluminium or steel in a way that all of them are celebrated. Designs are also taking elements once deemed to be structural detail that had to be hidden and exposing it as a feature. It is a trend which has its origins in large public spaces, such as hospitals or airports.
