INDEX, the long-awaited international interior design trade show, has opened its doors to thousands of visitors, allowing the industry’s professionals to reconnect in-person for the first time since 2019. Free seminars, product showcases, networking opportunities, and exceptional, engaging experiences took place on the show floor, with everyone visibly excited to reunite.
Opened by His Highness Sheikh Ahmad bin Saeed Al Maktoum at the World Trade Center, guests were welcomed to explore a global variety of exhibits and experiences through a dramatic archway installation designed by Kristina Zanic Design Consultants and built by Bond Interiors, entitled ‘The Bottleneck’. Inspired by the Covid case ‘curve’, the installation provides visitors with a glimpse of life before and after the pandemic. Kristina Zanic explains, “We are taking the attendees and public through a short journey of life before and after Covid, from normal to the new normal. We have seen that disruption as an opportunity, and we want to deliver that experience with our design.”
“We are taking the attendees and public through a short journey of life before and after Covid, from normal to the new normal”
A second entrance is another thought-provoking and visually impactful installation designed by Brand Creative and built in collaboration with Design Infinity. Entitled ‘Off the Grid’, the concept reflects the inner workings of human thought over three periods: pre-pandemic period, our current Covid-19 world and a positive outlook on the future.
The show’s conferences kicked off with The Work Design Summit, with discussions on ‘Experience Driven Workplaces’ opened by Pallavi Dean and Kathryn Athreya from Roar, followed by the much-anticipated INDEX Design Talks with a creative review and a reflection on ‘how social/economic crisis and recovery can provoke bursts of innovation and productivity’. This was hosted by key leaders in the industry, including Paul Bishop, Kristina Zanic, and George Arvanitis. Another insightful talk took place featuring Kate Instone, Founder & Creative Director of Blush International, on “The Current State of Play in Residential Design’informing listeners on the current design trends in home designs.
On the second day of INDEX, attendees can expect more INDEX Design Talks on ‘Design Business Management’ by Kathryn Athreya, Managing Director at Roar, and ‘The Current State of Play in F&B Design’ featuring Sneha Divias, Architect & Founder of Sneha Divias Atelier.
The show runs from 31 May to 2 June.
