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MillerKnoll Unveils New Sustainability Strategy and Issues 2024 Better World Report

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MillerKnoll

MillerKnoll has unveiled a new sustainability strategy and published its 2024 Better World Report, detailing the company’s efforts to design a better future for MillerKnoll associates, communities around the globe and the planet we share.

Climate change is an urgent, global challenge, and at MillerKnoll, we are taking bold steps to drive change,” said Andi Owen, CEO of MillerKnoll. “Our associates are working with our partners, suppliers and customers to further improve the sustainability of our processes, products and the spaces we design. These new goals build upon our history of environmental stewardship and represent an ongoing commitment to design for the good of humankind.”

Driven by the mission to design and create the world’s best products in the most sustainable way, MillerKnoll’s sustainability strategy focuses on three key areas:

  • Carbon: Design the lowest carbon footprint products and commit to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.1
  • Materials: Use sustainable, 100% bio-based or recycled materials by 2050.
  • Circularity: Create timeless, durable products with zero waste by 2050.

“We aim to transform how we design, manufacture, deliver and maintain furnishings. It starts the moment a design is conceived and continues even after a product has reached the end of its life,” said Sean McDowell, SVP of Innovation and Sustainability at MillerKnoll. “Our refined sustainability strategy establishes clear short- and long-term goals to drive meaningful improvements in carbon, materials and circularity across every stage of our product journey, creating lasting change.”

Commitment to Net-Zero by 2050

MillerKnoll recognises every decision has an impact on the planet – from the materials selected to the energy consumed to the logistics that bring products to market. Every step in the process contributes to the company’s carbon footprint. That’s why MillerKnoll is committed to reducing carbon emissions and focused on achieving net-zero by 2050. Through innovation, dedication and data-driven decisions, its teams are continuously improving the product creation process.

Key Initiatives to Achieve Net-Zero

  • Sustainable Materials and Safe Chemistry: Prioritise natural, low-carbon and recycled materials and ensure that its products are safe for people and the environment.
  • Energy and Waste Reduction: Commit to using renewable energy and minimising waste and water use across manufacturing processes.
  • Smart Packaging and Logistics: Continue to reduce usage of single-use plastic packaging, including polystyrene and bubble wrap. Leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to optimise routing and load efficiency and transition fleet to use more biofuel and electric energy, further reducing emissions from transportation.
  • Supply Chain Collaboration: Engage Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers to reduce waste and drive efficiency.
  • Global Take-Back Programme: Reclaim and responsibly resell, restore, refurbish or recycle its furniture, no matter its condition.

To demonstrate tangible progress against this new strategy, the company has set the following short-term goals:

  • Eliminate added per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) in North America by FY2025 and globally by FY2027.
  • Transition to 100% renewable electricity by FY2026.
  • Develop specific action plans for the top five commodities to increase material utilisation and efficiency by FY2026.
  • Establish logistics carbon baselines and set reduction goals by FY2026.
  • Increase furniture waste diverted from landfills to 10 million pounds (approximately 4.5 million kg) by FY2027.
  • Establish carbon baselines and set reduction goals for its top 25 suppliers by FY2027.
  • Publish the carbon footprint for the company’s top 100 products each year and new products by FY2028.
  • Achieve a 25% reduction in the carbon footprint of top 100 products by FY2030.
  • Exceed 75% recycled content in top 100 textiles by FY2030.
  • Achieve 90% sustainably harvested, ethically sourced natural materials by FY2030.
  • Achieve zero landfill for the top five manufacturing sites by FY2030.
  • Eliminate single-use plastic packaging for MillerKnoll manufacturing sites by FY2030.

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ALPAGO GROUP INTRODUCES CURVE DILUSSO, AN ULTRA-LUXURY BEACHFRONT RESIDENCE ON PALM JUMEIRAH

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An architectural exterior shot of the Curve DiLusso villa by Alpago Group on Palm Jumeirah, featuring Pininfarina-conceived sculpted curves, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a luxury infinity pool overlooking the Dubai skyline

Alpago Design & Build, part of Alpago Group, and market leader in the ultra-high-end luxury sector, is proud to unveil its latest beachfront villa – Curve DiLusso, showcasing the epitome of ultra-luxury living on the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. The opulent villa underscores Alpago Group’s commitment to delivering exquisite craftsmanship and timeless beauty in one of Dubai’s most iconic districts.

Nestled in Frond C on the Palm Jumeirah, the elegant beachfront property is estimated at AED 95 million, reinforcing the Group’s continued influence in shaping Dubai’s ultra-luxury landscape. This exceptional villa reflects a sculpted design, redefined by the Alpago Design & Build experts. At the heart of the villa stands a defining feature, a majestic marble wall which is an architectural marvel on its own. This marble wall, spanning across three levels of the villa, has been built with hundreds of handcrafted pieces, meticulously aligned, and placed with precision – a testament to Alpago Design & Build’s uncompromising quality and craftsmanship. The interiors further integrate refined porcelain tiles, Oak Chevron Parquet flooring, sculpted stone elements and textured accents, creating a harmonious palette that evokes warmth, tranquillity and refined sophistication.

Speaking on the unveiling, Syed Azeem Mehroz, Group CEO and CFO at Alpago Group, commented, “Curve DiLusso embodies the Group’s philosophy of luxury with intention, where perfection is a norm and it translates into exceptional projects. This villa is not simply a residence; it is a sculpture designed for living, celebrating detail, precision, and the enduring beauty of timeless design.”

Spanning 7,496 Sq. Ft (696 Sq. M) of built-up area across three levels, the villa features a super master bedroom that covers the second floor, two master bedrooms, two guest suites, a private cinema, a state-of-the-art gym, and a thoughtfully designed living & dining area that blends effortlessly with the outdoors. At the centre of this architectural masterpiece is a grand spiral staircase, bringing harmony to all levels, while the floor-to-ceiling windows offer natural light and uninterrupted views of the beach.

The villa’s design theme embraces fluidity, a language of curves and effortless movement. The bathrooms feature distinctive marbles in shades of green, blue, and grey, adding a touch of vibrancy and uniqueness to each space. Most pieces have carved out from whole marble blocks, a meticulous, creative process that brings out the stone’s depth, texture, and character.

Residents can also use the private elevator, ensuring seamless access throughout the home, and an intimate private cinema, a fully equipped kitchen, and a private maid’s room. The outdoors includes a beautifully landscaped terrace with an infinity pool, creating a reclusive oasis overlooking the Palm Jumeirah skyline.

The opulent property is defined by an extraordinary interplay of world-renowned architecture and uncompromising interior craftsmanship. Its architectural silhouette is conceived by the iconic Italian design house Pininfarina, a name synonymous with sculptural purity, aerodynamic beauty, and timeless modernity combined with excellence and perfection of craft by Alpago Design and Build team, this villa stands out at the Palm Jumeirah.

The interiors have been curated with an exceptional ensemble of prestigious furniture maisons including Antonio Luppi, Henge, Matteo Gennari, Rimadesio, Molteni, Galotti & Radice, Gessi, Reflex, Laura Meroni, Galotti & Radice, Paolo Castelli, Bonaldo, B&B Italia, Baxter, and Poliform. Together, they transform every space into a composition of contemporary artistry, bespoke detailing, and masterfully executed materiality.

Bespoke joinery, storage solutions, the show kitchen and bar lounge are crafted by the distinguished Italian artisans Molteni & Dada, seamlessly blending refined elegance with intuitive functionality, further enhanced by state-of-the-art Miele appliances. The ambiance is meticulously sculpted through decorative lighting from celebrated creators such as Henge, Vibia, Bomma, Foscarini, and Leucos, each piece contributing to a refined, atmospheric harmony that elevates the villa into an immersive, sensorial living experience.

Curve DiLusso joins Alpago Build & Design’s growing portfolio of architectural landmarks in Dubai, reinforcing the Group’s vision to deliver residences that elevate the standards of luxury living in the UAE and worldwide. Some of the iconic projects Alpago Design & Build has worked on include Sole Mare, Vivid Walls Apartment, The Curved Mansion, Ethereal Enclave, and more. 

Alpago Design & Build operates through an integrated model, designed to ensure efficiency at every stage of the project. From architectural concept to final delivery and beyond, Alpago Design & Build seamlessly integrates design, construction, and fit-out services, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and unparalleled quality. The property is now available for private viewings, priced at AED 95 million.

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THE QUIET POWER OF ARCHITECTURE

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black and white image of Simone Micheli, Chief Architect and Co-Founder of Simone Micheli Architectural Hero

Exclusive interview with Simone Micheli, Chief Architect and Co-Founder of Simone Micheli Architectural Hero

You describe hospitality architecture as a space for guests to “feel” and not just “stay”. When you approach designing a hotel or resort, what is the first sensory impression you aim to deliver?

  1. I never think of a space as a simple container, but as a living organism, capable of welcoming and, at the same time, revealing.

The first impression must be that of a place that listens and allows itself to be listened to: a luminous synthesis of matter, light, and form, where every detail exists to evoke a sense of deep, quiet, authentic well- being.

Your portfolio includes major hospitality projects. Could you walk us through a recent hotel or resort and share one design decision you believe made the biggest difference in guest experience?

I will mention two, both emblematic of my approach to design. The first is Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & SPA in Matera, a place where architecture does not impose itself, but listens.

Here, the choice that transformed the guest experience was creating a dialogue between the primordial strength of the stone and the purity of contemporary form. I worked as if the “drop,” with its silent power, were shaping every environment: fluid lines, furnishings that seem suspended, light rising from below like a breath.

In this way, guests do not simply observe the space, they feel it flowing, perceiving it as a living organism capable of generating profound well-being. The second project is i-SUITE Hotel in Rimini, a manifesto of my vision of hospitality as a sensory, future-oriented experience.

The decisive choice here was to eliminate functional rigidity and create a continuum of organic forms where body and mind can move freely. The rooms become inhabitable sculptures, the wellness area transforms into a liquid and enveloping experience, and light builds emotional landscapes that shift over the course of the day.

I wanted guests to experience a fragment of the future, an iconic, immersive environment capable of leaving an indelible trace in memory. In both cases, the design choice that makes the difference is always the same: placing the human being at the center and shaping around them a sensorial universe that not only welcomes but elevates.

In your 1990–2021 monograph you talk about “the soul of architecture” — how has your vision of that evolved in the last few years?

Today, design must be an act of responsibility toward the planet, toward communities, toward the future. The soul of authentic architecture lies in its ability to improve human life, generating cultural and social value, not merely formal value.

Working globally (including the UAE) means navigating different cultural contexts. How do you adapt your signature style for local vernaculars while maintaining brand integrity?

Longevity in design means more than durability: it’s about lasting relevance. How do you ensure your designs don’t feel dated after just a few years?

The key is dialogue, not imitation. Every cultural context carries symbols, rituals, sensitivities: I embrace them as starting points, not final destinations.

Longevity comes from intelligent simplicity: pure forms, flexible spaces, materials capable of lasting and telling a story. I do not chase trends. A project is truly contemporary only when it already contains its own future.

For brands and manufacturers working with your studio, what’s the most important attribute you look for: innovation, material quality, service or something else?

I look for partners who share a vision: responsible innovation, respect for the process, openness to dialogue, authentic quality. Technology is essential, materials are fundamental, service is crucial.

But above all, I seek collaborators who believe that design is a cultural commitment, not merely a commercial one.

A professional portrait of architect Simone Micheli, the Architectural Hero, smiling and looking toward the viewer in a creative, modern interior setting.

Looking back at your 30+ years in architecture, is there a project you’d revisit and do differently today— why or why not?

No. Not because I consider my past projects perfect, but because each one belongs to the time, the people, and the vision that generated it. Every work is the result of a specific moment in my research, my inner evolution, and the dialogue with a place, a client, an energy.

If you had to sum up your legacy in one sentence as you look toward the next decade, what would it be?

My works are born with the intention of transforming the complexity of our time into simplicity.

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BEYOND DEVELOPMENTS REVEALS A NEW VISION FOR PURPOSEFUL LIVING ON DUBAI ISLANDS WITH SIORA

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An aerial architectural rendering of SIORA by BEYOND Developments on Dubai Islands, highlighting the curved residential buildings, extensive green landscaping, and the continuous 6km coastline and beach

BEYOND Developments, the bold and design-led real estate developer shaping next-generation waterfront destinations in the UAE, today unveiled SIORA, its first beachfront masterplan on Dubai Islands and the company’s second large-scale community within a year. The launch underscores BEYOND’s accelerated growth and strong alignment with Dubai’s future urban vision.

Spanning over 2M square feet, SIORA is conceived as a coastal sanctuary inspired by Japanese garden philosophies, including the pursuit of Ikigai, the Japanese concept of finding purpose and fulfilment in everyday life. In this context, it reflects a philosophy of creating spaces that bring clarity, balance, and a sense of meaning, where architecture nurtures wellbeing and restores harmony between people, nature, and place.

Commenting on the launch, Adil Taqi, CEO of BEYOND Developments, said: “Since its inception in 2024, BEYOND had an exceptional journey with nine launches in 2025 that delivered opportunities for a wider audience to experience a richer and more meaningful life. Today, I am thrilled to announce the launch of SIORA, the company’s second cluster masterplan and bold new expansion into beachfront destinations, spanning over 2 million sq ft with 2.7 million sq ft of GFA on the beautiful Dubai Islands.”

“This masterplan aims to define the next generation of urban coastal living, in line with Dubai’s inspirational 2040 Urban Master Plan that puts wellbeing, walkability, and nature at the heart of community life. It embodies our vision for future waterfront living environments where where design excellence, natural beauty, and emotional connection come together to empower people to live balanced experiences and connect purposefully with nature and the community. This coastal sanctuary is inspired by Japanese garden philosophy of finding purpose and fulfilment in everyday life, and reflects closely our long-term goal to elevate human life through every space we create and in every segment we operate in,” added Taqi.

Over the past year, BEYOND has delivered nine launches, welcomed residents and investors from over 40 countries, and exceeded AED 10 billion in sales, a trajectory that reflects the company’s momentum and the market’s trust in its design-led approach.

Taqi emphasised:SIORA represents the next phase of BEYOND’s expansion across Dubai’s coastline. It reflects our commitment to creating thoughtfully designed communities that carry lasting value and deeper meaning for a global audience. SIORA will introduce a new benchmark for waterfront living on Dubai Islands, a complete coastal ecosystem of homes, hospitality, and lifestyle experiences.”

SIORA is planned as a pedestrian coastal district where nature shapes the rhythm of daily life. More than 70 percent of the masterplan is dedicated to open green spaces, creating over 1.5M sqft of landscapes that enhance comfort and bring people closer to the coastline. Along 6 km of continuous beachfront, the sea becomes an integral part of community living and outdoor wellbeing.

Shaded routes and landscaped terraces encourage effortless movement and social connection throughout the day. These pathways introduce cooler microclimates and frame calming outlooks toward the water and the horizon, enabling a lifestyle that feels active, grounded, and innately human. And as a defining layer of placemaking, curated cultural and artistic expressions will enrich SIORA’s public realm, introducing sculptural installations influenced by Japanese aesthetics. These creative interventions will enhance the community’s identity and transform every journey through the destination into a continuously inspiring cultural experience.

Sustainability is embedded into the core of the design through three guiding natural forces inspired by Japanese garden philosophy. Kaze shapes how the community captures coastal winds to enhance natural ventilation and outdoor comfort. Mizu integrates water as a cooling and reflective element that moderates the microclimate while restoring stillness and balance. Kage governs the interplay of light and shadow, informing building orientation, shading, and materiality to reduce heat gain and create comfort naturally. Together, these principles define a coastal environment where design, nature, and sustainability operate as one.

SIORA marks the beginning of a multi-phase presence for BEYOND on Dubai Islands, reinforcing BEYOND’s role in shaping the future of Dubai’s coastline and elevating the standard for purposeful, design-led waterfront living.

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