When the clock struck midnight on December 31st 2019, the hopes and dreams for 2020 were possibly higher than most other years, especially in the UAE. This year was supposed to be the one that surpassed all others, everything was leading up to Expo 2020, an event bigger than ever seen before in the region.
While Expo 2020 is still a reason for optimism, the year to date has been anything but smooth.
What we didn’t know while fireworks were exploding over the skies of the Middle East on New Year’s Eve, was that in China, the first reports of pneumonia being brought on by a virus were being received in Wuhan, a city of 11 million people.
In a few months, that virus – now known as COVID-19 or coronavirus – had become a global pandemic, causing thousands of deaths and infecting many, many more.
Life, as we know it, has changed, perhaps forever. While the world is in lockdown, many industries are on hold. It has effected livelihoods and businesses the world over. While we got used to working from home and connecting with people remotely, projects big and small had to be put on hold, hotels closed, and the F&B industry brought to a standstill.
As ever, when it comes to times of adversity, the ones who adapt and get creative will survive, and perhaps even thrive when this is all over.
To find out how the design industry is responding to the situation, we reached out to some of the leading figures in the Middle East region.
Here’s what they had to say at the time.
ISABEL PINTADO, WILSON ASSOCIATES
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Denne historien er fra July 2020-utgaven av Architect and Interiors India.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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DESIGN DEBATE NEW IDEAS SET SAIL IN SCENIC GOA
Replete with Portuguese vibes and picturesque sites, the October Edition of the Design Debate held in Goa was an exceptionally intriguing one.
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GATHERING OF ARTISTS IN THE "CITY OF ART"
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AN ECHO OF DESIGN AND AESTHETICS IN THE CAPITAL
Design Debate's 33rd edition made quite a splash in Delhi
THE VERSATILITY OF VENEERS
Veneers are taking giant strides as they look beyond floors to be used in wall panels, cabinetry, furniture and even ceiling applications.
LET THERE BE LIGHT
Architects are increasingly opting for integrated lighting systems that offer versatility and precision and lighting companies are getting into the groove as they do this and more.
