Emerging trends: The next frontiers in design & architecture

The United Arab Emirates has become the new global icon of engineered urbanism—complete with its Western lifestyle, sandy beaches, and waterfront properties.

The country’s hospitality sector has been performing extraordinarily, so much so that it has outperformed other markets. In 2013, Dubai added about 2,780 new hotel rooms in the four-star and five-star categories . Furthermore the hospitality market is likely to reach US$ 7.5 billion by 2016.

With the exponential boom in the hospitality sector, there is undeniable pressure for performance. The design and architecture needs to be honed to a customer segment, be aesthetically timeless and durable, and fulfill the market’s desire for unique and memorable designs.

As luxury hotels, new concepts and unique designs refresh year on year, Draw Link Group identifies four main interior design & architectural trends that will shape UAE’s hospitality sectorin 2015:

#1 increase in the development of outdoor projects

With the recent boom in the hospitality market, UAE is seeing an increase in demand for appropriately designed outdoor urban developments such as the JBR beach walk and Jumeirah Corniche project to name a few.

Wood paneling, stone decorations, lush greenery are just some of the elements that will need to be deployed to improve outward city appearance while encouraging residents to a healthy lifestyle.

#2. Focus on Local and international styles

Creating an unforgettable guest experience involves much more than simply good interior design or a striking logo, particularly in today's competitive and product-flooded hospitality industry. More and more hotel owners realize that adding local and international art in their design scheme will improve guests’ perception of the place and create a genuine experience. The U.A.E has transformed into a multinational platform for both business and leisure. As a result, interior and architecture design has emerged into an original mosaic that reflects the different nationalities and styles. . Somewhere between the comfort of knowing what to expect and discovering local touches that provide guests with a memorable experience will be the sweet spot architects will have to negotiate.

From small sculptures and photography to large-scale installations, integrating different styles into the design and architecture could be an easy way to success.

#3 Design & fit-out – a complete one-stop shop

Hoteliers and investors now prefer a full interior design service, supply of products, fit-out and installation. 2015 will see a demand for suppliers who can offer a “package deal”. Taking in design and build from one supplier is often the most cost-effective and quickest way to conduct a fit-out.

#4 Deliver value for money

Customers are attracted to alignment with brands in this market, from Armani to Gucci. There is a certain attraction to the luxury that is affordable. In fact architects have experienced an increased requirement to produce more bang for buck for clients without impacting its luxury. Ensuring that every dirham spent is allocated in the most impactful way will ensure continued success.

~~Attributed by DaousserChennoufi, Chairman &Artictect of Draw Link Group