Innovation in the spotlight at Dubai event

THE changing nature of organisations, work and workplaces will be the focus of professional debate and insight at The Office Exhibition 2012. Through a series of high-level addresses and interactive seminars, regional architects, designers and executives will gain access to sought-after industry opinion on the issues that matter most in modern workplace design.

The show, now in its 11th year, is the Middle East’s premier trade event for commercial fit-out and design. As part of the three-day event, taking place from May 15 to17,  at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre, Dubai, UAE, a series of workshops, led by local and international design experts, will be organised for industry professionals. 

On the opening day, the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) will host a design executive roundtable with business and design leaders from the Middle East. Building on the success of last year’s event, which explored the new global economy as a driver of sustainable design, this year’s session will discuss how the practice of commercial design must respond to the different ways we now view the workplace.

On day two, delegates can join their peers for industry led discussions about sustainability in the workplace. The ‘Green Day’ will be led by Summertown Interiors, the UAE’s first fit-out company to be accredited with Leed (Leadership in Energy and Environment Design) Gold certification. Together with international and regional representatives, it will discuss local perspectives on green design and project execution featuring presentations, panel discussions moderated by Emirates Green Building Council and case studies from the region.

Leading furniture manufacturer Okamura and top distributors Human Space and Loft will open up their design archives to show how furniture has responded to the changing way in which we work while remaining true to the design aesthetics for which these companies are renowned.

A special presentation by Loft, exclusive manufacturer of Robin Day OBE collections, will deliver an insight into Britain’s most revered and accomplished furniture designer of the 20th Century. A great pioneer of contemporary furniture in the 1950s, 60s and 70s, Day received widespread international acclaim for his creations which are all licensed British design icons of the 20th Century.

While sustainable design and build will be the main topic at the table, the seminars and workshops will also address other pressing issues in commercial interior design including best practices in healthcare designs and reinventing the classroom –  ‘how furniture and space design can change the way we collaborate.’

Confirmed speakers at the workshops and seminars include Pringle Brandon’s managing director Steven Charlton; ISG’s Stephen Taylor; and Peter Di Sabatino, Dean of Architecture, Art and Design at American University Sharjah (AUS). Also speaking at the seminar will be the winner of the 2010 Interior Designer of the Year Award Pallavi Dean.

David Wilson, event director of The Office Exhibition, said: “Market education has always been an important pillar in The Office Exhibition’s offering. We aim to strengthen the opportunities for knowledge transfer every year to help local architects and designers keep pace with global trends within a regional context. At the 2012 show we have an excellent roster of international and regional speakers that will stimulate healthy debate and foster great professional learning.”

The show is organised by dmg::events.