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Designing the future [identity (United Arab Emirates)]
[October 22, 2014]

Designing the future [identity (United Arab Emirates)]


(identity (United Arab Emirates) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Downtown Design is coming back to Dubai after the great success of last year's edition.

The contemporary design exhibition, which sees identity as one of its strategic media partners, will open its doors later this month, showcasing a curated collection of the best in design today.

From cutting-edge installations to debut exhibitions on future technology, on show will be the best products from selected top international and regional brands, such as Axor, De Vecchi, De Castelli, Fritz Hansen, Gaggenau, Herman Miller, Lasvit, Louis Poulsen, Preciosa and Vitra, among many others.



Special attention will be reserved to six up-and-coming design brands from Latvia, which will exhibit their pieces in a dedicated 'Latvian Pavilion': from unique seating made with volcanic fibres to hand-woven textiles and mouth- blown glass bowls, traditional methods married to contemporary design will feature in a refreshing line-up of pioneering collections.

Also on display will be the very best in global commercial design, with a focus on the key interiors sectors of furniture, lighting, carpets and flooring, kitchen and bathroom, accessories and textiles.


The four-day design fair, whose main theme this year is Original, will also present a vibrant programme of activities and talks, complemented by daily brand perspectives led by exhibitors, daily business  insights led by market leaders - giving visitors an overview of regional market trends - and daily lectures and seminars led by key international designers and architects.

Turkish design studio Autoban - Red Dot 2014 winners for the unique interior design of Baku's newest airport - will be identity's special guests at the fair, and will be present on 30 October at id's stand to talk about their design approach.

Dubai is one of the world's fastest growing markets and this contemporary fair highlights once more its role in the region and the world as a global destination for high-quality brands, as well as a high-visibility platform for established and new talents in the creative world.

"The way people live, work and travel is undergoing a radical transformation today," says Cristina Romelli Gervasoni, Fair Director.

"This is reflected in the creations of the world's foremost designers, and it's the single most important driver of the innovations we are witnessing worldwide, and which we bring to Downtown Design every year." Visit the id team from 28-31 October and join Red Dot winner Autoban Architects on 30 October, invited as identity's special guests, at Stand A9, Downtown Design 2014, Downtown Dubai.

  Who's who at Downtown Design * the line-up for this year's exhibition has been carefully selected and includes cutting-edge, pioneering international brands.

1.

The LaTvian PaviLion the latvian pavilion will present six innovative design brands based in the Eastern European country, who are taking part in downtown design for the first time this year.

An&Angel this red dot award-winning brand specialises in crystal and glass bowls and vases.

led by its creative director, designer artis nimanis, the company offers a plethora of minimalistic yet luxurious creations made by blending mouth-blown techniques with state-of-the-art technology.

Anna Kilpe Exclusive designs and innovative products, carefully curated down to the packaging, are this brand's main priority.

among its pioneering products are originally shaped soy wax candles, created with natural ingredients, that demonstrate meticulous attention to quality and design through a unique balance of form and function.

Ars Tela a team of young designers and an expert group of artisan craftsmen are the creators of these striking collections of natural, hand-woven textiles, accessories, carpets and clothing fabrics.

only two metres of fabric are produced each day, bringing an exclusive and unique artisan touch to each piece.

Hugu innovation is often best when mixed with tradition, as this brand shows  by creating hand-knitted bears, in which one can record one's own voice, making for a truly unique keepsake, a family heirloom in the making, or simply a clever gift idea.

Maffam Freeform led by designer raimonds cirulis, this workshop is the only one in the world that creates striking hand-made, cocoon-like hanging chairs using volcanic basalt fibres - a technique patented by the innovative designer and unique to this brand.

these eco-friendly pieces are durable and 100 per cent organic.

Studio Natural this brand, led by designer laima Kaugure, is renowned for successfully blending contemporary design and state-of-the-art quality control with classical handicraft embroideries and fabrics.

its collections of luxury textiles are all hand-woven on antique wooden looms using traditional latvian weaving techniques.

2.

axor the designer arm of leading bathroom giant hansgrohe, axor is making headlines now more than ever due its recent collaboration with philippe starck, creator of the other-worldly axor starck V mixer tap, and its u¨ber-creative shower solutions by front and nendo - all of which will be on display in dubai.

3.

Bang & Olufsen B&O is synonymous around the world with sound and vision technology of impeccable design and extraordinary performance.

From high-quality televisions and speakers - such as their eclectic Beovision range - to sound systems for luxury automobiles, they will bring to Dubai all their latest innovations.

4.

Caravane Parisian elegance plus exotic influences from India and Nepal shine through in this brand's collections.

Relaxation and colours are keywords in this high-quality furniture and accessory series, which also includes sleek textiles, curtains, unique lighting solutions, beds and sofas, among many other pieces.

5.

De Castelli Ironwork is taken to the next level by mixing contemporary designs with the work of skilled blacksmiths.

On display will be De Castelli's indoor and outdoor collections born of collaborations with some of the world's top designers, including Aldo Cibic, Ludovica and Roberto Palomba and Philippe Nigro.

6.

De veCChi Starting with the vision of sculptor Piero De Vecchi, this innovative silversmith company has worked with some of the most acclaimed designers in the world.

On display will be an historical collection of their products, as well as their latest creations from Palomba.

7.

Dg MOsaiC Nanotechnology meets millenarian mosaic techniques in these striking flooring designs, featuring some of the smallest glass tiles in the world.

An extensive range - with bespoke designs also available - displays intricate and colourful patterns, which are lightweight, compact and timeless.

8.

eliCa Among the many accolades received by this leading cooker hoods manufacturer is the Compasso D'Oro 2014 Honourable Mention for the pure and colourful design of the 35CC cooker hood designed by Fabrizio Crisa`.

This pioneering brand will exhibit its newest designs, which push the boundaries of functionality.

9.

EmecoSpecialising in graceful, minimalistic yet strikingly elegant chairs, this American brand started making furniture for the navy and went on to collaborate with top designers and architects such as Philippe Starck and Norman Foster.

Now some of its pieces are exhibited in modern art museums around the world.

10.

Foster A kitchen specialist, this brand has been hailed as the first to introduce high- efficiency burners, offering up to 25 per cent savings on gas.

From top of the range appliances - all 100% class A - to stylish stainless steel finishes, all their collections are defined by trendy Italian design and strong eco-consciousness.

11.

Fritz Hansen This iconic Danish brand is characterised by exceptional craftsmanship and successful collaborations with leading architects and designers.

From Arne Jacobsen to Jaime Hayon, its furniture pieces are instantly recognised by their original shapes and unmistakable quality of design and manufacture.  12.

GaGGEnau This award-winning kitchen brand is well known for its sleek yet extremely functional products.

Among their trademarks are the elegant self-cleaning ovens, glowing in their typical Gaggenau Blue, which are sprayed with glass plates, oxides and chemical additives, ground and mixed to a secret recipe.

13.

Golran Specialising in premium quality oriental carpets, this brand makes the most of its Persian heritage by using ancient knotting techniques blended with technological innovations and a modern design approach: among its portfolio are collaborations with leading brands such as Moroso, Poliform and Flexform.

14.

HErman miller Presented at Downtown Design by Jalapeno Trading, this global office furniture leader is renowned for its eco-sustainable solutions, practical yet sleek contemporary designs and extensive research efforts.

Among their best-known products are the Aeron, Mirra, Embody and Sayl chairs.

15.

Kohler Now led by the fourth generation of the same family, this German leading sanitary manufacturer is now a multifaceted global entity, bringing innovative contemporary designs to life.

From kitchens and bathroom products to tiles and furniture collections, its aim is to create designs that help 'gracious living'.

16.

lasvit Brainchild of visionary sportsman and businessman Leon Jakimic, this lighting brand from the Czech Republic has made headlines with its glass pieces created by top designers such as Ross Lovegrove, Nendo, and Arik Levy.

On show in Dubai will be the company's latest contemporary lighting collections and architectural solutions.

17.

louis Poulsen One of the oldest lighting companies in the world, its products are globally recognised for their unique balance between form and function.

From the first collaboration with Poul Henningsen, the company's research on wellbeing through light has never stopped to this day, as its contemporary collections clearly show.

18.

Montana This family-owned Danish furniture company mixes state-of-the-art production processes with a streamlined Scandinavian approach and a bold colour palette.

Among its designers are Arne Jacobsen, Verner Panton, Andreas Hansen, Peter J.

Lassen, Joakim Lassen and Schmidt Hammer Lassen Design.

19.

oiKos Bespoke safety and high-performance doors are the speciality of this Venetian-based company, which offers a wide range of tailor-made products to architects and designers.

Durability, safety and quintessentially Italian aesthetics have propelled this brand to be among the leaders in its sector.

20.

Pinetti Founded over 30 years ago by Italian architect Alberto Pinetti, this brand's focus on traditional Italian leather is transformed into everything from personal accessories and stationery to high-quality home furnishings such as trays, boxes and table sets: all pieces are carefully handmade in Italy.

21.

Preciosa Striking lighting solutions in Bohemian glass and crystal architectural solutions will be on show as this Czech Republic-based brand returns to Downtown Design for the second year.

Traditional craftsmanship mixed with state-of-the-art technologies results in opulent installations in the finest of materials.

22.

sahrai Italian know-how meets exotic influences in this brand's luxurious collections of modern Persian rugs and handmade carpets, suitable for any space, including aircraft, yachts and hotels.

Among their most recent creations is a spellbinding homage to late iconic fashion designer Gianfranco Ferre´.

23.

sicis The art of mosaics is taken to the next level by this Italian company's collections, which offer striking contemporary creations for wall and floor coverings, furniture and interior decorations.

Their opulent yet sleek vibe and exclusively handmade processes position them as leaders in their field.

24.

silvan This exclusive British brand produces bespoke hardwood flooring based on the long rural traditions of Leicestershire.

From Blue Chalk and Washed Oak to Creme Brulee and Cafe Creme, past and present are harmoniously combined in a wide range of high-quality wooden flooring finishes.

25.

Theodore alexander Presented at Downtown Design by Nakkash Gallery, this leading fine furniture maker will showcase in Dubai the Theodore Alexander Keno Bros.

collection, which features the best ideas of earlier periods, updated to suit contemporary tastes with the help of leading furniture appraisers Leigh and Leslie Keno.

26.USM Versatile pieces for both home and office are the focus of this Swiss-born global brand.

A century-old tradition of metal and ironwork know-how is now used to create unique storage systems, modern shelving solutions and elegant, flexible furniture solutions for both personal and commercial spaces.

27.

ViTra A blend of artistic freedom and high-quality engineering led this renown Swiss manufacturer of contemporary interiors to collaborate with countless iconic designers including Charles & Ray Eames and George Nelson.

ID (c) 2014 Motivate Publishing. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).

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