Kingdom's leading design event launches seminar for architecture and design community
With Saudi Arabia's construction market valued at US$30 billion, according to a recent report by Deloitte, the Kingdom is becoming a hotbed of interior design activity. Global designers are increasingly turning their attention to the Kingdom as government investments in mega projects and architectural feats gather pace.
Against this backdrop organisers of Decofair 2013, Saudi Arabia's only premium international furniture and interior design show, have introduced Decofair Discussions. The forum brings to Saudi Arabia the world's experts in interior design who will share latest research and help to shape opinions of this growing industry.
The International Interior Design Association (IIDA) will be working with Decofair to host the forum as part of its strategic partnership with organiser Reed Sunaidi Exhibitions.
Running within the main Decofair exhibition, taking place from 29th November - 2nd December at the Jeddah Centre for Forums & Events, Decofair Discussions comprises a series of talks and educational seminars covering topics such as the evolving role of the designer, the art of Islamic architecture, the future of design, global design trends and the art of Feng Shui and building design.
"Given the importance of Saudi Arabia to the interior design sector, both regionally and globally, it is critical that we support knowledge exchange for this fast-paced industry. Decofair Discussions explores the latest trends and innovations across the industry, and includes invaluable interactive business workshops for companies seeking to start operations, expand into new markets or even develop into global leaders," said Naomi Barton, International Sales & Marketing Director, Reed Exhibitions.
Commenting on IIDA's participation in the forum, Cheryl Durst, Executive Vice President and CEO, IIDA said: "It is the mission of IIDA to elevate design throughout the world and Decofair Discussions offers the perfect knowledge exchange platform through which we can connect design professionals working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, share ideas and explore the impact of Design on life, work and culture."
Joining the line-up of distinguished speakers will be Oonagh McDonnell, Acting Program Director and Assistant Professor, Interior Design Program at Dar Al Hekhma College Jeddah. A seasoned interior design professional and educator her presentation, 'Interiors: The evolving role of the Designer', will explore the evolution of interior design in the Kingdom.
"Saudi Arabia is experiencing a major shift in its development. Great new cities and projects are in the planning. However, many architectural design practices do not fully understand the potential role of the interior designer within a multi-disciplinary practice. My talk will address this issue and the importance of adopting an integrated design approach to mature the market," she said.
Another key topic to be discussed during the forum 'Feng Shui and Building Design' will address the growing regional interest in incorporating the ancient Chinese philosophy into modern regional building designs.
Amy Lam, Founder of Alam Creative and a leading figure in the interior design sector in the Kingdom, said: "There is definitely a growing interest in the region in the art of Feng Shui as a philosophical way of living and bringing about a balance in our everyday hectic environment. My presentation will combine architecture and Feng Shui as a topic; this is extremely relevant as most people associate Feng Shui with the interior space, but it also plays a significant role in architecture in Asian cities such as Hong Kong and Singapore."
Decofair is organised by Reed Sunaidi Exhibitions, a joint venture between the world's largest event company Reed Exhibitions--a co-organiser of global design show Maison et Objet--and Sunaidi Expo, a division of Alfadl Group. Now in its fifth year, show organisers are anticipating participation from over 110 global interiors brands, from Italy, Scandinavia, U.S., Germany and the Far East. Among the world-renowned brands confirmed to exhibit are Swiss furniture company Vitra, French designer Kenzo Maison and Danish manufacturer BoConcept, as well as an inspirational pavilion showcasing design excellence from Asdi Sedia, Italian Chair District.
The event runs from 29th November until 2nd December at the Jeddah Centre for Forums & Events and is open to business, trade and consumer visitors.
The show opening hours are:
16:00 - 22:00hrs Friday 29th November
17:00 - 22:00hrs Saturday 30th November
16:00 - 22:00hrs Sunday 1st December - Monday 2nd December
For more information and to pre-register please visit www.decofair.com
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About Reed Sunaidi
www.reedsunaidi.com
Reed Sunaidi Exhibitions is the strategically successful joint venture partnership between the world's largest international exhibition organiser Reed Exhibitions and highly experienced Saudi organiser Sunaidi Expo. Based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Reed Sunaidi is currently running 5 events at the Jeddah Centre for Forums & Events in 2013, with further launch events planned in 2014. Current events span diverse markets including the design, food, mother and baby, business, pool and spa and kitchen & bathroom sectors.
Reed Exhibitions is the world's leading event organiser with a portfolio of 500 events organized in 39 countries including trade and consumer exhibitions, conferences and meetings, ranging across 44 industry sectors.
For more information please contact:
Asia Hildebrand
Mojo PR
+971 50 468 1180
asia@mojo-me.com
Wadad Khouzam
Mojo PR
+971 52 787 8232
wadad@mojo-me.com
© Press Release 2013
