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First Edition of the 2015 UAE Architecture and Interior Design Awards Sponsored by Aldar Properties
Abu Dhabi, 23 April 2015
Galaxy Trading, the market leader in the building materials industry, is proud to have hosted the first Architecture and Interior Design Awards UAE 2015, sponsored by Aldar Properties. In collaboration with Zayed University, the American University in Dubai, the Spanish ceramics company PORCELANOSA Group, and the Association of Professional Interior Designers (APID), Galaxy Trading hosted the competition in which students were asked to design the layout and interior of a 10 to 25 m2 bathroom using PORCELANOSA products. The aim was to encourage the creative activity of future professionals, encourage the promotion and exposure of their work, and identify the future designers of tomorrow.
The jury was made up of high-calibre professionals from the industry including design directors, Fergus Duncan from Aedas, Charles Collett from Hopkins Architects, Patrick Bean from Mirk Architecture and Engineering, and Fariborz Hatam, the founder of Fhsi Architects. The students from both universities were assessed amongst other points, on their originality and functionality of the design, use of PORCELANOSA Group materials in the project, creation and design of new uses for the materials, and of course the presentation of the project and clarity of the idea.
The winning designs were announced at the Yas Viceory hotel last night and distinction was awarded to the first three finalists, with two teams from The American University of Dubai, including Maha Boulfelfel, Nagham Awi Awi, Malak Orfi, Hana Akram, Nour Nasrallah and Jasmine Ayesh; and Alia Nasser from Zayed University. They have won a trip to the PORCELANOSA headquarters in Castellón, in eastern Spain, and were also given a chance to attend the 8th International PORCELANOSA Group Architecture and Interior Design Awards. In addition, they were granted an internship atAldar Properties.
Faisal Al Raisi, Chief Operating Officer at Galaxy Trading said: "It is a great honor and an exciting moment to get creative students and prominent industry figures to collaborate, and come up with ideas as solutions to our everyday environment. Collaboration is a core value of Galaxy Trading and as a market leader in the building materials industry, distinguished by our exceptional attention to detail and a dedicated team of highly committed individuals; we're excited to identify future talent. We believe in such events and competitions because there aren't enough platforms to showcase our regional talent. We are thankful to our partners and our sponsor Aldar Properties for making this all possible."
There were many important members of the community who attended the awards ceremony including Faisal Al Raisi, The Chief Operations Officer at Galaxy Building Materials Trading L.L.C; Silvestre Segara, The President of PORCELANOSA Group; Farida Al Awahdi, The President of the Association of Professional Interior Designers; Dr. Nabyl Chenaf, Dean School of Architecture Art & Design at the American University in Dubai; and Dr. Janet Bellotto, The Dean of the College of Arts and Creative Enterprises at Zayed University.
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About Galaxy Trading
Galaxy Building Materials Trading LLC was established in 2009 in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Primarily catering for the building material requirements for its shareholder Aldar Properties, the company evolved to serve a wider segment of markets, spanning retail, hospitality and residential communities.
From its showrooms in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Galaxy Trading showcases an extensive collection of some of the world's finest sanitary ware, kitchen furniture, tiles and lighting solutions. Our selected partners are internationally leading manufacturers and suppliers in their fields, offering highly sophisticated designer options for the high-end market.
Galaxy Trading is the regional partner for PORCELANOSA, the Spanish global pioneer specializing in bathroom furniture, ceramic wall and flooring tiles.
For more information:
Website: www.galaxy.co.ae/about.html
About Aldar
Abu Dhabi-based Aldar Properties PJSC is one of the largest developers in the Middle East and North Africa region, with almost US$12 billion of assets. The company has developed some of Abu Dhabi's most iconic and complex projects, from the Formula 1 facilities on Yas Island to the thriving new Shams Abu Dhabi community on Al Reem Island. Its property portfolio is diversified and balanced with a total asset mix comprising residential communities, retail property, with the remaining in commercial. There are also nine hotels with more than 2,500 available rooms. With a land bank of over 77 million square metres, 90 per cent of which is in special investment zones, Aldar Properties is focused on serving the growing demand in the UAE for high-quality and professionally managed property. Aldar Properties is a strong partner of the Government of Abu Dhabi, which is also a major shareholder. The business is aligned with the Emirate's "Vision 2030" strategy of economic diversification and social infrastructure development.
For Media Enquiries:
Brunswick / TOH PR
Charlotte Connerton/ Laura Westmacott
+971 4 446 6270 / +971 4 382 8900
ALDAR@brunswickgroup.com
© Press Release 2015
