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Leading design experts to discuss aesthetics, function and sustainability of modern workplaces.

 
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21 Mar 2012

Peter Di Sabatino, the Dean of Architecture, Art and Design at American University Sharjah (AUS) and Cheryl Durst, Executive Vice President and CEO of International Interiors Design Association(IIDA).
Peter Di Sabatino, the Dean of Architecture, Art and Design at American University Sharjah (AUS) and Cheryl Durst, Executive Vice President and CEO of International Interiors Design Association(IIDA).

The changing nature of organisations, work and workplaces will form 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 Office Exhibition, 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 15-17 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre, trade professionals will be able to participate in a series of complimentary workshops led by local and international design experts.

A design executive roundtable with business and design leaders from the Middle East will be hosted by the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) on the opening day. Building on the success of last year, 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 way 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 Gold certified interiors. Together with international and regional representatives, they will discuss local perspectives on green design and project execution featuring presentations, panel discussions moderated by Emirates Green Council and case studies from the region.

Leading furniture manufacturer Okamura and top distributors humanspace 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, Robin Day received widespread international acclaim for his creations which are all licensed Great 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 Office Exhibition 2012 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.”

For more information on the seminars and workshops or The Office Exhibition 2012, click the Read More button.



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