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Region’s interior and fit-out contracting sector is set to top $8 million Dubai, August 5, 2015: A renowned Dubai-based design expert has said that the region was moving from flamboyance to understated ‘humanistic’ style, as the value of the region’s interior and fit-out contracting sector is set to top $8 million, fuelled by a booming construction sector. Sophie Johnson, who has 11 years of teaching experience, complemented by several industry-based design and publishing assignments, says ‘less is more’ will be the mantra for future design trends. Speaking to Qatar-based BQ Magazine, Johnson, an Assistant Professor at Canadian University Dubai, said we are already seeing the step-change, with a move away from some of the flamboyant design features such as lavish colors, plush fabrics and striking ornaments, to a more understated use of material that creates a kind of ‘humanistic’ style. Johnson also sees a growing trend towards combining culture with contemporary design. She said, “In the UAE and beyond we are seeing more buildings taking an innovative approach to incorporating traditional Arabic features in modern surface designs.” With 11 years teaching experience, combined with several industry-based design and publishing assignments, Johnson was among eight design practitioners and academics called upon to join the international panel of judges for this year’s MENA Interior Design & Architecture Awards, held in conjunction with the INDEX International Design Exhibition. For Johnson, this competition was a good illustration of how design is evolving in the region. She commented, “The competition is set in the context of a melting pot of cultures and different design backgrounds. There was a lot of creativity on display this year, but those who stood out had really pushed the boundaries of design, showing an innovative use of special features, such as lighting or materials.” Johnson was also invited to deliver a workshop at this year’s INDEX exhibition, in which she discussed how technology is impacting the approach of designers and their use of materials. She explained that the notion of the ‘correct use’ of materials is not really appropriate anymore, as technology allows us to recreate the aesthetics with more easy-to-use resources. Despite these advancements and a trend towards more discreet styles, Johnson maintains that tradition is important. “One should still have an appreciation for the historical and cultural context of a material, as well as more contemporary notions of brand, image and identity,” she concludes.
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