We Design Beirut Returns After Four Years
A Beirut design fair has made a comeback after Lebanon’s economic meltdown forced a four-year hiatus,
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After a long absence due to Lebanon’s severe economic downturn, the Beirut Design Fair has made a remarkable comeback, showcasing works in locations still bearing the scars of the devastating 2020 port explosion.
Creativity in Crisis
Ending last Sunday, We Design Beirut was a vibrant four-day event that displayed the works of over 150 designers and artisans across various venues in the capital. The event was organized by Mariana Wehbe and industrial designer Samer Alameen, who aimed to highlight the resilience and diversity of Lebanese design despite everything happening.
The fair, which first launched in 2010, had to be paused in 2019 when Lebanon’s economy took a steep downturn, later classified by the World Bank as one of the worst economic crises in recent global history.
Then the plans to revive the fair in October last year were postponed after the outbreak of the Gaza war.
A Hub for Design and Creativity
Speaking from Villa Audi, one of the venues of the fair, William Wehbe highlighted the work done to reestablish Beirut as a hub for design and creativity. The local design community has been hard-hit, with many creatives moving abroad for better opportunities, especially after the port explosion that destroyed workshops and disrupted the supply of primary materials.
Inside Villa Audi, a mirror installation took center stage while large mushroom-shaped lamps lit the gardens.
Lamp designer Zein Daouk said she turned to ceramics after the office of her architecture firm was destroyed in the blast.
Preserving Traditional Crafts
Mariana Wehbe highlighted the economic burden on local artisans, as many of them have lost their jobs as designers and they had to leave the country. She also emphasized the importance of preserving handcrafts, as some of them were “at risk of extinction.
In a testament to the evolving artisanal scene, Dima Stephan, shared how she learned how to work with rattan furniture and how she has been reinventing the traditional Lebanese chair-making craft, traditionally reserved for men, by incorporating modern design elements.
The fair also presented designs made from recycled materials, in a country known for its waste crises.
In addition to that, Plastc Lab displayed a giant installation made of recycled plastic and shaped like a volcanic eruption, in an abandoned textile factory in Beirut’s Armenian district.
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Americans now think they need at least $1.25 million for retirement, a 20% increase from a year ago, according to a survey by Northwestern Mutual
Providing a high-end smart living experience for residents
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In a groundbreaking move, Batelco, a subsidiary of the Beyon Group, has entered a strategic partnership with Grnata, a renowned real estate group, to integrate advanced smart solutions into the Golden Gate residential towers in Bahrain Bay.
The formal agreement was signed at Beyon’s headquarters by Hassan Al Mushaima, Chairman of Grnata Real Estate Group, and Maitham Abdulla, Chief Executive Officer of Batelco, witnessed by representatives from both companies.
This collaboration aims to transform the Golden Gate towers, among Bahrain’s tallest residential structures, into a high-tech haven. Batelco will deploy state-of-the-art technology solutions to enhance residents’ living experience.
A standout feature of this project is the implementation of a bespoke In-Building Solution (IBS), designed to boost wireless signal quality and coverage across all floors, ensuring seamless connectivity. Additionally, cutting-edge video surveillance (CCTV) systems will be installed to enhance security, providing residents with increased peace of mind.
Furthermore, the Golden Gate towers will be equipped with the latest technology systems, enabling residents to remotely control various aspects of their apartments. This includes managing lighting, air conditioning, windows, curtains, and main door access. The system is designed to be future proof, allowing integration with upcoming advancements in home automation, thus ensuring residents benefit from emerging smart home capabilities.
Hassan Al Mushaima, Chairman of Grnata Real Estate Group said: “We are pleased to announce our new strategic partnership with Batelco, Bahrain’s leading telecommunications provider.”
“Batelco’s extensive expertise in smart and digital solutions will be invaluable in equipping the towers with best-in-class connectivity, automation, and intelligent building management solutions. We are excited to leverage Batelco’s innovative capabilities to create a sophisticated and future-ready smart infrastructure for the Golden Gate Towers and provide our customers with the very best modern apartments in the market,” he added.
Maitham Abdulla, Batelco CEO, stated: “We are delighted to partner with Grnata to deliver apartments that match the evolving demands of modern-day living. We are confident that Batelco’s solutions, designed for a contemporary lifestyle, will offer convenience and efficiency, elevating the overall living experience for the Golden Gate towers residents.”
Mr. Abdulla further emphasized, “By integrating the latest smart home features and connectivity throughout the towers, we can provide residents with a lifestyle that is not only luxurious, but also highly convenient, efficient, and secure.” “Batelco is eager to expand its presence within the real estate sector and redefine the standards of contemporary urban living. This partnership with Grnata marks the beginning of an exciting journey, and Batelco looks forward to future collaborations and projects,” he concluded.
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Americans now think they need at least $1.25 million for retirement, a 20% increase from a year ago, according to a survey by Northwestern Mutual
