K.art Group were given the unique opportunity to create the ideal environment for its new offices. Their scope was to redesign the Prime Minister’s office in Dubai, including the reception area, gallery lounge and boardroom to accommodate world leaders. The Prime Minister’s Office is located on the 47th floor of the iconic Emirates Towers.
On entering the expansive reception lobby, the curved marble reception counter is highlighted with cleverly concealed lighting to highlight the fluted surface. The wall behind the reception is book-matched with the same marble and flanked with intricate mashrabiya panels creating a gradient effect of the historical pattern; the paneling is finished with high-grade brushed titanium. Above the lobby are stencil-painted accent radial rays to give a sense of theatre. The elevator in the reception area has been upgraded with minimalist three-dimensional inserts and metal inlays, enriching the overall welcome experience.
Stencil painting is again used on the waiting area walls and the boardroom ceiling to emphasize the formality of the overall Prime Minister’s Office.
Project and client’s brief
The Prime Minister’s office is a formal design with contemporary styling using luxurious materials such as marble and titanium metal. The design considers the importance of the office and the city of Dubai, its futuristic hospitality offerings, and the respect imagined throughout the Emirates. The overall design reflects positive energy and well-being using traditional feng shui interior design principles. An impressive 'shadow’ art is the heart of the office. Light casts shadows through carefully positioned metal sheets that are fixed to the wall forming the portrait of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The minimalistic and creative approach in this art installation was very much appreciated by the stakeholders. The installation reflects the vision of the leaders of the United Arab Emirates towards a developed and prosperous future while preserving the country’s national heritage.
Concept
Contemporary, yet formal.
About the execution:
In order to replicate the ancient art of mashribiya, the contemporary design was cut from a 2 cm solid metal sheet with a CNC cutting machine to avoid any welding joints between separate parts. The feature within the reception counter was cut from a solid block of marble to form the intended 3D pattern.
About the ambience
The spacious areas are bright and elegant, with a nod to the formalities expected in the Prime Minister’s office. The design team at K.art Group have used the natural hues found across the country, including sandy and taupe tones. The copper highlights add an element of playfulness and evoke a different mood as dictated by feng shui principles.
Challenges overcome
K.art designers overcame the various challenging sourcing and laying marble flooring to match the existing marble.
Unique key features
Two floor-to-ceiling modern mashrabiya screens form wings at the office entrance and surround the reception desk to welcome visitors to the Prime Minister’s office. K.art commissioned a unique shadow installation, especially for this project. Precision cut metal sheets are fixed to the wall, and clever lighting casts a shadow to form a celebratory portrait of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father and the principal driving force behind the formation of the United Arab Emirates. The flagship boardroom houses a central custom-crafted table in the finest oak. The imposing LED screen anchors the entire business experience. Vast 200-degree curved glass windows flood the entire boardroom with natural light and spectacular city views.
Technical elements
The Boardroom table was equipped with the latest connection and network technologies to assure the optimal performance during the VIP meetings.
Material selection
- Statuario marble flooring
- Marmorino paint
- Brushed Titanium metal
- Stencil paint
Furniture chosen
All furniture was sourced and handcrafted by local suppliers.
