Dubai, UAE: Tabanlıoğlu Architects’ innovative structural designs have earned them accolades worldwide in the field of design and development. 2011 has been an auspicious year for Tabanlıoğlu as they have won numerous awards in various categories for their worldwide projects.

Partners Murat and Melkan Tabanlıoğlu were invited as speakers and panelists at the prestigious World Architecture Congress, running concurrently with the Cityscape Global, on September 27th and 28th, where industry leaders talked about the current challenges in the field of architecture, new standards in international best practice, and the latest innovative strategies for applying modern sustainable design techniques.

The world acclaimed Architectural studio also took the opportunity to showcase their latest achievements, the Asmacati Shopping and Meeting Point in Izmir, Turkey and the Sipopo Congress Center in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

The Asmaçatı Shopping & Lifestyle Center is located in Izmir, the largest city of the Aegean Coast of Turkey. The semi-open shopping facility complements the lifestyle of the coastal city, where people prefer to spend time outdoors in the warm climate.

The inspiration for the name of the project derives from the Turkish word for grape leaves “Asma”, with a double meaning for “grapevine” and “suspending”.

The SIPOPO Congress Center is situated by the ocean in the Capital city Malabo of Equatorial Guinea, surrounded by woods constituting of a total area of 13.708 m². The rectangular two-storey block is nestled in a semi-transparent metal envelope, which serves as a shield from strong lights and creates a connotation of security, protecting the interiors from sharp sun beams yet benefiting from daylight at optimum.

Another milestone for Tabanlioglu this year, was the recognition of excellence for their Istanbul project “Loft Gardens”. It was chosen as one of the 13 star-studded cast of breathtaking buildings such as Masdar Institute by Foster & Partner’s to Guangzhou Opera House by Zaha Hadid, to receive an award by RIBA (Royal Academy of British Architects). The announcement that Tabanlioglu will receive the International Awards 2011, for architectural excellence for Loft Gardens came last May, rewarding their unabashed passion for the aesthetic of the industrial loft with their exposed services and structure and with their use of concrete, steel and timber. The team of Architects will now head to UK to receive the award.

“The 21 storey residential building situated in Istanbul comprises of high-rise garden patios inserted into the façade as a counterpoint to the protruding bay windows to deepen the play of solid and void within the façade. The plan and section are organized to create a range of apartment types of great spatial variety, some horizontal based around patios, others vertical around double-height spaces. The Loft Gardens are “an extreme demonstration of elegance and restraint within a subtly modified typology” the jury said.

Tabanlioglu Architects were also recognized by the Asia-Pacific Property Awards for the Best Public Service Architecture for the Astana Arena in May 2011. Intending to be a symbol of the burgeoning new capital of Kazakhstan, the Astana Arena has a spectacular elliptical form and a retractable roof that can be closed in harsh winter weather conditions to protect the players, the spectators and the playing surface. The venue has quickly become a landmark in the city.

When questioned why Tabanlıoğlu Architects has decided to enter the Middle Eastern arena, Murat Tabanlıoğlu stated, “For many years, UAE and the Middle East have always embraced architectural achievement through pioneering techniques and innovation. We have a historic bond with the people and culture in this region and we are able to offer specific solutions to their visionary needs. Participating in Cityscape for numerous years as lecturers, nominees and winners of the awards, proved crucial in developing a solid relationship with the intellectual community as well as the investors of the GCC and beyond, with whom we are currently having firm discussions for multiple projects”.

Last year, during Cityscape Global 2010, Tabanlioglu won the award in the ‘Architecture in the Emerging Market - Community Built Category’ for the Tripoli Congress Center in Libya. Same project is also the winner of other three awards including the ‘International Property Awards’. Tabanlioglu Architects also won “Best Cultural and Public Sector Award of MEA-Middle East Architect Award”, again for its Tripoli Congress Center in Libya, while the founders, Murat and Melkan Tabanlioglu, jointly won “Architect of the Year in the Middle East”.

Tabanlıoğlu Architects ranked 79th in the BD World Architecture Top 100 list in 2009 and Murat Tabanlıoğlu’s is an authority in the world of architecture being commissioned to act as one of the primary judges during the 2010 World Architecture Festival in Barcelona, Spain.

In addition to several architectural awards granted to the projects of the Tabanlıoğlu Architects, the European Centre named Melkan Gürsel Tabanlıoğlu as one of the “Europe 40 under 40” nominees of 2008 for Architecture Design Art and Urban Studies presented in the United States by the Chicago Athenaeum.

Dubai, 24 March, 2010: Many psychological surveys  have already proved that interior lighting can have a profound effect on our moods, our comfort and even our ability to process information, but there may also be plenty of benefits on how that light is supplied.

The furniture, which surrounds us, the form and design of our appliances and the space, which separates them are all, can be seen as a direct expression of our own personalities .

IDdesign, the lifestyle store with furnishing products and ideas for modern living, believes that the best expression for their new range of unique lighting design this season is glamour, extravagance and a light sprinkling of flash. “It is not the mood of the light as much as the mould it comes from,” says Ajai Dayal, General Manager, Retail and Marketing for Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group, of which IDdesign is a member.

“We have long been associated with some of the most contemporary pieces of interior furnishing, and lamps and lighting are a pivotal. They have the ability to say so much about you in an instant and can sum up your character or that of the room through one simple fixture,” he added.

The Crystal Bowl Hanging Lamp is a highly glamorous addition ideal for very special light effects, with a metal chrome plated frame and glass crystal. In a show of blatant, unadulterated excess in modern elegant design, the Rosette Hanging Lamp with adjustable mounting, features a gleaming metal lamp shade with floral plisse design and show-stopping glass tassels.

The new IDdesign Ball Pendent Hanging Lamp with round polypropylene balls in red and orange is a far cry from mundane, and if you have a unique, statement-making confidence that is squaring up for an opinion, this is you. The light spheres on nylon strings attached to a large white ceiling plate are a head turner.
 
Finally, the Omega Table Lamp with chrome base and white glass blends classic and modern design, and is by far the most subtle of the range, and perhaps more suited to the more reserved character that still has a taste for the finer things in life.

IDdesign offers a complete range of furnishing products and ideas for modern living, ranging from sofas, bed sets, children’s furniture, dining, out-door and Office@Home furniture.

The company’s ‘mydesign’ service, where any customer can have access to their very own interior designer, who will guide them through the maze of interior design – advising on furniture, accessories, wallpapering, paint work, and even flooring – so they can all be professionally coordinated and styled giving peace of mind is an ideal service for people with a busy lifestyle and is extremely popular.

The lighting range offered by IDdesign is available at its stores in The Mall of the Emirates and Diera, Dubai and Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi. 

Dubai, UAE – March 16, 2010 – W Hotels Worldwide, the hotel category buster and industry innovator, recently celebrated the official unveiling of W Barcelona which opened its doors on October 1, 2009. Over the course of a three day launch, W Barcelona highlighted the W brand’s passion points of fashion, design, architecture, music and “B&F” (beverage & food) through a new event series called “W Premiere.” Global jetsetters and local tastemakers alike were immersed into a unique event that provided them with an insider perspective to the city curated by the following W ambassadors: W’s recently announced Global Fashion Director, Amanda Ross; W’s Global Music Director, Michaelangelo L’Acqua; Michelin star Chef, Carles Abellan, who recently debuted his upscale Spanish restaurant Bravo24 at W Barcelona; Matt Hermer, Founder of The Ignite Group (and creative mind behind London’s Boujis nightclub and Barcelona’s Eclipse Bar on the 26th floor of the hotel); and the hotel’s world-famed star architect Ricardo Bofill.

“The Premiere Event of W Barcelona was not just a traditional opening of a new hotel, but rather the unique activation of the W brand’s passion points, brand partnerships and design concept. In its first six months, W Barcelona has already established itself as an architectural icon and an international lifestyle destination”, said Eva Ziegler, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide and Le Méridien.  “This event was a showcase of the W brand promise to provide insider experiences in an authentic way.”

The W Premiere Event was a three-day Happening where guests experienced memorable moments including an acoustic performance by Bossa Nova legend Bebel Gilberto, a performance by the award-winning Spanish band We Are Standard, photography installations by legendary music photographer Mick Rock and the fashion-inspired work of Marcel Van Der Vlugt, design excursions led by Ricardo Bofill, a culinary immersion by avant-garde Chef Abellan, and cocktail indulgences led by Ignite Group.

“W Barcelona joins W Istanbul and W Doha Hotel & Residences as the third W Hotel in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East and plays a critical role in the continued launch of the W brand with upcoming openings in London, Paris, and St. Petersburg”, said Roeland Vos, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa, Middle East. “This opening event for W’s European flagship was a showcase of our focus on innovation and strengthening our leadership position in some of the region’s most sought after destinations.”

Global market expected to be worth $637.5 billion by 2013*; Sector is one of key drivers at Hardware + Tools Middle East 2010

The Home Improvement and Do-it-Yourself (DIY) sectors are seeing continued growth worldwide.  This growth is also reflected in the region with a surge in exhibitors in the DIY sector for this year’s Hardware + Tools Middle East exhibition.  The event will take place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from May 18th to 20th.

Mr Ahmed Pauwels, Chief Executive Officer, Epoc Messe Frankfurt GmbH, organisers of Hardware + Tools ME, said: “Worldwide, the home improvement market is still on the upswing and is expected to be worth $637.5 billion by 2013, an increase of 12 percent over 2008. The market represents a huge growth potential globally which we are also seeing in the region.”

Retailers in the Home Improvement and DIY sector in the region have reported a continuous demand with sales of hand and power tools encouraging as a large number of people opt  to do their own repair and maintenance work.  It was noted at Hardware & Tools Middle East 2009 that the Hand and Power Tools sector drew strong interest from the 5,490 trade visitors to the event.

Ms Mehtap Kenar, Senior Show Manager, Hardware + Tools Middle East, commented: “The increase in the DIY and Home Improvement markets is largely driven by a sustained demand in emerging mar-kets. The DIY sector in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East markets es-pecially, is continually increasing.  This is reflected by the surge in this sector that we experienced at last year’s event and expect to see again at Hardware + Tools in May.”

Interest in the DIY sector is expected to drive an increasing number of visitors to this year’s event, which will feature 350 exhibitors from 14 countries exhibiting their wares in the Tools, Machinery and Hardware sectors in the region’s only specialised trade event of its kind.

Hardware & Tools Middle East is a must-attend show for all retailers, distributors and contractors in the region and has firmly established itself over the last 11 years as a solid platform for industry profes-sionals in the Middle East.

IWC celebrated the relaunch of its Portuguese family

with a film starring Jean Reno at the SIHH Watch Fair

Swiss watchmaking company IWC Schaffhausen celebrated its new Portuguese watch collection on the occasion of the SIHH in Geneva amidst a setting inspired by typical yacht design features. Prominent guests joined invited business partners for the “IWC Dinner” at the Espace Sécheron, where they were enthused by the premiere of the IWC short film starring Hollywood actor Jean Reno.

More than 600 invited guests, including prominent personalities such as Zinédine Zidane, Boris Becker and Luís Figo, gathered for the cocktail reception hosted by IWC at the Espace Sécheron in a nautical ambiance. Also mingling with the guests, alongside best-selling author Paulo Coelho and Hollywood star Jean Reno, were Arsène Wenger, Alain Sutter and Tim Jefferies, who were visibly at their ease in the relaxed atmosphere. Various installations, attended by specialists, echoed the central theme of the evening: the fascination of matters both nautical and navigational. Here a meteorologist gave an introduction to the secrets and perils of forecasting the weather, followed by an expert who explained the significance and function of the sextant. One authority contrasted and compared modern and antique cartography and explored the intricacies of longitude and latitude, which to this day retain their relevance as coordinate systems for accurate positioning.

Film premiere with Jean Reno

The high point of the evening was the film premiere with Jean Reno: IWC, together with French actor and director Didier Flamand and Swiss production company Condor Films, has produced a short film for the relaunch of its Portuguese watches, which makes the origins and the fascination of navigation the centre of attention. “The Spirit of Navigation” is a mystical work full of poetry, a philosophical commemoration of the scientists, seafarers and astronomers of days long gone by. Hollywood actor Jean Reno moves through time and space as a protagonist in the midst of a magical production, acquaints the viewer with the art of navigation, which originated some 6,000 years ago, and recounts the development of early nautical instruments. Various levels, cinematic special effects and montages establish a link to the newly released Portuguese watches, the icons of IWC, which utilize the precise, sophisticated and elegant navigational instruments as their role model. After an exquisite dinner, it was the turn of Nils L
andgren, one of the most successful European jazz musicians, and his band “Funk Unit”, to take the spotlight. This virtuoso trombonist not only swept spiritedly across the stage, but also managed to enthral the audience with his solos alternating subtly between various styles.

Photodownload under www.image.net

Photographic material relating to IWC at SIHH 2010 will be freely available online after the event at www.image.net. If you are not already registered, you must do so by accessing www. image.net and by clicking on “register”. Select the category “Fashion” to gain access to the photographs.

Web and broadcast footage to download

from www.digitalnewsagency.com/vpo/iwc

Web and broadcast quality footage will be available to download by broadcasters free of charge on www.digitalnewsagency. com/vpo/iwc  To register please go to www.digitalnewsagency.com

The largest fashion event in the UAE capital welcomes host of new exhibitors

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 4th February 2010:  The UAE capital’s most prestigious bridal event is welcoming a range of new brands, products and services, offering brides-to-be and Abu Dhabi’s fashionistas a glamorous day of shopping and wedding planning.

From 10 to 13 February at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, and under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Sheikha Bint Saif, wife of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, The Bride Show Abu Dhabi will be an exclusive opportunity to buy luxury goods which are not usually available in the capital.

Joining respected wedding organisers such as Carnation, Dubai World Trade Centre and Al Khaleej Hospitality this year are AZURINE and Empire Events, wedding planners who can take the stress out of organising the ultimate family celebrations.

A collection of Italian jewellery designers are travelling from Europe to showcase the latest in sparkling gems and gold for the first time at The Bride Show Abu Dhabi.  Roberto Casarin SRL, Fabio Fanfani, Bruno Aristi, Maggio Teresa & Damianacos Damiano, IMVIDIA and Clio Pro Jewellery will be bringing thousands of dirhams of diamonds to Abu Dhabi, ideal for engagement rings and wedding bands.

Representing the ultimate in decadence, Asian company Prouna will be showcasing their new concept luxury chinaware, designed by an international team of renowned artists and ceramic engineers.  More than simple tableware, the collections feature sparkling crystals which embellish original and beautiful patterns on fine bone china. 

Bride Abu Dhabi | 2

With a bespoke store in Seoul, South Korea, the company’s exclusive presence at The Bride Show Abu Dhabi will be the only time brides-to-be can purchase the ultimate dining experience which blends Asian high culture with European tradition in a distinctive and contemporary style.

“Planning a wedding should be an exciting moment rather than a stressful one,” said Lucy Clarke, Exhibition Director for The Bride Show.  “The Bride Show Abu Dhabi offers brides-to-be ideas, tips and the latest trends in the wedding industry to help them prepare for the biggest day of their lives.”

Also new to The Bride Show Abu Dhabi this year are L’Oreal and Kerastase, coming together to offer women free use of the blow dry bar, giving them ideas for bridal hairstyles and chignons.  Furthermore, brides-to-be can find out about their exclusive wedding hair packages, which begin a month before the big day, offering a unique and tailor-made plan for colouring, treatments, cuts and products.

Well known Lebanese television presenter Claire Damaa is travelling to the UAE to launch her new line of luxury lingerie, Claire D.  A first for The Bride Show Abu Dhabi, the lingerie, which retails from 300dhs up to 7,500dhs, features straps of Tahitian pearls, which can also be used as a necklace and bracelet.

Brides-to-be looking for the ultimate luxurious petit detail to add to their wedding are advised to visit French haute couture chocolatier, Forrey & Galland, which is bringing their divine boutique store from Dubai Mall to Abu Dhabi for the first time. Forrey & Galland will tailor-make exquisite chocolates to suit every kind of wedding party.

Bride Abu Dhabi | 3

A host of one-of-a-kind prizes will be up for grabs for visitors during the four day fashion event, including a one carat diamond worth AED14,000, a honeymoon to Seoul for three nights, courtesy of Visit Korea, four bridal gift cards worth 1,500dhs from Silkor Laser Medical Centre, a year’s membership to the Abu Dhabi Ladies Club worth 4,500dhs and vouchers from Paris Gallery.

Doors open at 2:30pm on Wednesday 10 February and the event is open until 10:30pm every night until Saturday 13 February.  Thursday 11 February is reserved for ladies only and children under 12 are not permitted.  Entry fee is 10dhs.

The Bride Show Abu Dhabi will be the first must-attend event for brides-to-be and fashion lovers in 2010, and will be followed by The Bride Show Dubai from 7 to 10 April 2010 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre.

To find out more about The Bride Show Abu Dhabi visit www.thebrideshow.com.

New handbook offers specifiers, manufacturers, end-users and architects extensive insight on properties and characteristics of US hardwood species

Roderick Wiles, AHEC Consultant for International Markets

American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), the leading international trade association for the American hardwood industry, has launched its latest publication – ‘Sustainable American Hardwoods – A Guide to Species’ at the sidelines of ‘ifi09 Dubai’, Read the full story

Crackdown on illegal software in line with company’s aims to slash number of intellectual property rights violations in the country

Ahmad Al Jassim, Country Sales Manager, Autodesk Middle East.

Autodesk, the world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, building, and media and entertainment markets, has seized pirated copies of its industry-leading ‘AutoCAD 2007’ software with a total value of AED 1 million, from an engineering consultancy firm in Abu Dhabi. Read the full story

New NAS solution offers 4 Bay, 4 Drive storage with features and functionality of TeraStation™ III & TS Duo

Buffalo Technology, a global leader in the design, development and manufacturing of storage, wireless networking and memory solutions, has announced the availability of its new TeraStation™ III Rackmount, a larger capacity Network Attached Storage (NAS) device with robust RAID 5 capability in a 1U form factor. The Buffalo TeraStation™ family are larger capacity NAS products with RAID capability. Read the full story

The Qatar 2022 Bid today launched its new website (www.qatar2022bid.com), which incorporates an innovative and colourful new brand design.

At a press conference in Doha, Nasser Al Khater, Qatar 2022 Communications Director, announced the launch of the website and also explained the new brand and the story behind it.

“Today is an important milestone for our historic Bid. The website is one of the cornerstones of our communications campaign to bring the flagship tournament of the world’s favourite game to the Middle East for the very first time.”

Al Khater continued: “The site contains all the latest information about the Bid – news, facts and figures about the Bid and about Qatar, as well as messages of support. It also has a dedicated section for the media, with factsheets, photos, videos, all our press releases – as well as contact details for media enquiries.”

“Today, we also launch the new brand for the Bid. We have developed a brand identity that we believe reflects our ambitions and vision for the future, while also incorporating our Arabian traditions and our warm, welcoming and hospitable nature.”

He continued: “It has been a rewarding development process and the result is a fascinating fusion between our heritage and modernity, between Middle Eastern culture and football passion, which our brand identity has achieved and will now reflect to the world.”

Like Qatar itself, the brand is a fusion of the traditional with the new, blending tradition and heritage with the forward-looking vision of a modern state. The undulating movement of the brand reflects the dynamism and passion of football, a game which Qataris have loved to play for many generations. The brand includes celebratory confetti forming a giant footballer against a background of Arabesque patterns delineating the geographic context of the brand. The background originates from the pentagon shapes found on a football and the brand’s luminescent colours portray the new vibrant image of Qatar.

Al Khater revealed that the Qatar 2022 brand would continue to evolve over the coming months ahead of FIFA’s Host Nation decision in December next year – and he said that he hoped supporters across the region would be inspired by the colourful design which plays with Qatar’s modern spirit and ancient past.

“The legacy of hosting the World Cup will extend far beyond Qatar and reach the very heart of the FIFA ideals, stimulating a new and exciting football market that is epitomised by the vibrant and fresh colours of our logo and website design. We’d like to appeal to everyone in Qatar – as well as everyone across the Middle East – to join the numerous voices of support you will see on our website. Our supporters will be our twelfth player in 2022,” Al Khater said.

In addition to its use in the Qatar 2022 website, the brand will be deployed in a wide variety of different ways: from the building wraps dotted across Doha’s rapidly expanding skyline, to posters, flags, advertisements and a whole range of merchandise that will symbolise the region’s pride in Qatar’s Bid.

“We hope this brand will take on a life of its own and portray Qatar’s adventurous, futuristic and historic ambitions to bring the World Cup to the Middle East,” Al Khater said.

The CEO of the Qatar 2022 Bid, Hassan al Thawadi, said he was thrilled with the new brand design and overall feel, saying that it would help the Bid move further towards its historic goals.

“It’s time to bring the world’s favourite game to the Middle East for the first time. This historic choice would ensure that every continent and region of the world has experienced the passion and excitement of hosting the World Cup,” Al Thawadi said. “A Qatar World Cup in 2022 can offer people a new perspective on the Middle East, showing the values of a modern, progressive and open Arab state at the forefront of change in the region, while still confidently rooted in its ancient culture and traditions. Hosting the World Cup in Qatar would inspire a new sporting future for millions of Arab men, women and children, developing the game of football in a region that has enormous potential to become a key market for FIFA.”

Work began recently to wrap two landmark buildings in Doha – the Qatar Olympic Committee tower (approximately 3,900 square metres) and the Ramada Hotel (approximately 500 square metres). More buildings will be wrapped in the coming months to complement the 900 street banners and more than 400 other advertisements and bridge banners dotting the streets of Doha already.

-ENDS –

For more information, please contact:

Phaedra Al-Majid

Qatar 2022 Bid Committee

Media Specialist

Tel:    +974 494 3238

Mob:  +974 642 2022

media@qatar2022bid.com