UAE is setting the trend of the global office design market, with companies keen to utilise creative space-management solutions, said internationally-recognised designers said the at an office design conference.

Designers from Europe and the Middle East highlighted that companies based in the UAE are increasingly looking to stand out by welcoming the latest designs, layouts and themes.

They were speaking at the two-day Ofis Design Futures 2009 conference, which opened yesterday (June 10) at the new 30,000 sq ft Ofis showroom.

The lectures will cover a wide variety of topics, including design administration, luxury flooring concepts, and how innovative school design can promote learning.

“I have noticed that many of the trends and solutions in office design are being implemented in the UAE before anywhere else in the world,” said Udo Tünte from Parador Flooring in Germany.

“This is because companies here are looking to stand out in an increasingly competitive environment, and recognise that the company’s brand identity starts with its office space,” he added.

Tünte, who leads the Parador design studio, has worked with some of the biggest names in the field of design such as Karim Rashid and Matteo Thun, to take on trend wooden flooring to a new level.

As the demand for expertise in providing innovative and creative space-management solutions grows in the UAE, Ofis – an Easa Saleh Al Gurg Company, which is a leading authority on office and school design – is moving to a state-of-the-art new 30,000 sq. ft show room, which includes stylish display areas, fully-working office environments, an auditorium, and school classroom show spaces.

The new area will offer an all encompassing solution for companies looking for a total design package for their new office and classroom environments.

“We hope to provide an environment where the UAE’s design industry can flourish,” said Ajai Dayal, general manager – retail and marketing, Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group. “The lectures were very well received, and it was inspiring to see our impressive new showroom buzzing with enthusiastic designers keen to develop new ideas in interior office design.”

“There is a real opportunity for designers to express new ideas here in the UAE,” said Kate Stewart, director at UK-based Team a go-go.

“From office space through to new technology which is making school classrooms more interactive, the UAE is a hive of activity and the design world is very keen to be part of the developments in this booming industry,” she added. – TradeArabia News Service