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DESIGNING EXPERIENCES, NOT JUST SPACES: STUDIO WYZE’S STORY-DRIVEN PRACTICE

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Exclusive Interview with Christina Arbenz and Chris Sayce, Co-founders and Principals of Studio WYZE

Studio WYZE works across hospitality, residential and product design. When you approach a space, what elements of your process stay constant—no matter the typology?

We always start with the layout, as it often opens the pathway for the concept to unfold. Layout is vital for all parties: operations rely on it to function efficiently; owners need it to achieve a desired number of covers and guests need to feel comfortable and immersed in the experience. The storytelling then comes into play, anchoring the guest journey in narrative. We approach the design of spaces as a series of framed views, with transitions between them unfolding like cinematic shots, guiding people slowly and deliberately through the space.

Many interior studios today lean heavily into aesthetics-first storytelling. How do you ensure that emotional resonance and functionality hold equal weight in your projects?

The emotional resonance of a space comes from how the storytelling unfolds. When the narrative is clear and carried through every step of the design, the guest’s experience becomes part of that story. We think about how someone will sit in a space, how they will interact with the furniture around them, what they will touch, the textures they will feel—and how each of these moments makes them feel. Functionality comes alive in the details. We focus intensely on the refinement and coordination of every elements, so the space not only looks beautiful, but works seamlessly for the team using it day-to-day, and feels effortless and comfortable for the guest.

Hospitality design often demands drama and immersion. How does that sensibility influence the way you approach high-end residential interiors?

Hospitality and residential design both aim to create environments that feel comfortable for the individual using them. In F&B, the experience is often tied to a brand narrative — its cuisine, culture and inevitably a bit of a theme. In hotel design, the storytelling comes from the sense of place, the local context and the type of guest the brand is aimed at. In high-end residential, the goal is similar: to tell a story, but one that belongs to the resident. We look to their tastes, hobbies, travels and meaningful memories, and bring these together to create a space that reflects who they are.

With studios in London and Zurich and projects across global markets, how do you adapt your design language without losing Studio WYZE’s signature identity?

Our identity comes through our process, rather than a signature aesthetic. We approach each project as a unique, individual space. We begin with the building itself—its location, history and purpose—and from there weave in the brand or resident identity, uncovering the story the space is meant to tell. We immerse ourselves in the process, designing bespoke furniture and lighting that give each space its own character. We collaborate with local craftsmen, artisans and manufacturers, and we’re always traveling and exploring to discover new methods, ideas and approaches that bring fresh energy and perspective to our work.

TATTU Dubai unfolds as a multi-level journey inspired by mythology. How early did storytelling become the anchor for this project?

The foundations of TATTU as a brand stem from the history of Asian Tattoos, whereby the inked spirits would endow the owner with protective and strengthening properties. Previous TATTU venues have grounded themselves in four core ‘spirit animals’; the Dragon, the Carp, the Phoenix and the Tiger. The brief was to interpret this core brand narrative into three unique concepts, developing on the design touchpoint to create a more holistic and narrative-driven design.

From the beginning, we felt the most authentic way to unfold the brand and its mythology across the three levels was to develop individual realms for three of these core characters. Our chosen three were The Dragon, featuring at Level 74 as part of the main TATTU Restaurant and Bar; The Carp, featuring at Level 76 as part of the Pool Deck and Sushi Lounge concept; and The Phoenix, feature at Level 81 as part of the Cocktail Bar and Lounge concept. The key was to maintain the storytelling of each of these spirits through materiality, detailing, colour palette and accessories.

From Shou-Sugi-Ban timber to onyx and amethyst glass, the palette is bold yet controlled. How do you decide when a material should lead versus support the space?

We play with contrasts in texture and finish—smooth versus rough, dark versus light, metallic versus natural, gloss versus matte. Every material has a purpose, even if some are more visually dominant. The secondary materials are almost always interesting in their own right, adding depth and nuance to the space. For example, in our main restaurant, the gold leaf slats immediately draw the eye, but behind them, the black plaster finish has its own subtle movement. The hand-applied texture and selective polishing create variations in gloss and shadow, giving the surface life and detail, even when the focus is on the gold above. It’s this layering and dialogue between materials that allows a space to feel rich and purposeful, whether a material is leading or supporting.

Designing the world’s highest infinity pool is no small feat. How did you approach creating a space that feels relaxed yet elevated—literally and conceptually?

On the pool deck, the design is restrained, giving the breathtaking views and architecture the space to speak for themselves. We approached the pool deck with a soft, fresh and airy palette, favouring natural tones that evoke calm. The light aqua hue references both the tranquil colours of water and the legend of the Carp, adding a subtle layer of narrative. The timbers were treated to feel lighter and sun-bleached, as if naturally weathered over time, while the fabrics, though simple, are tactile and inviting, adding a quiet richness to the experience. The goal was to create a space where guests could relax among the foliage and fully appreciate the spectacular views beyond.

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Deyaar builds on its 2026 handover momentum with 711 new homes at Tria in Dubai Silicon Oasis

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Deyaar Development PJSC (Deyaar), a DFM-listed integrated real estate company and one of Dubai’s leading developers, has announced the handover of Tria, a landmark residential development that brings a new scale of elevated living to Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO). Rising prominently above its surroundings, the development comprises 711 residences and six retail units, distinguished by a striking three-wing architectural form designed to create three unique view corridors, ensuring residents enjoy prime outlooks across the Dubai skyline, Dubai Silicon Oasis and the surrounding parklands.

The handover lifts Deyaar’s deliveries in 2026 to more than 2,100 units, following the completion of 1,436 units across Regalia, Jannat and Talia Residences earlier in the first half. Built with families in mind, Tria pairs its homes with podium and rooftop amenities that include swimming pools, landscaped gardens, children’s areas, fitness and wellness facilities, sports courts, social spaces, and outdoor dining and entertainment areas.

Saeed Mohammed Al Qatami, CEO of Deyaar, said: “Earlier this year we welcomed owners to three of our projects across Dubai. Today, Tria adds another 711 homes to that momentum. It was conceived as a modern urban sanctuary, and seeing it come to life in the heart of Dubai Silicon Oasis is a proud moment for Deyaar. We thank our owners and investors for their trust, and our partners, contractors, government stakeholders and team for making it possible.”

With more than two decades of experience across residential, commercial and hospitality developments, Deyaar continues to diversify its portfolio and build on its momentum this year. Tria reflects a clear vision: creating vibrant communities where thoughtful design, wellbeing and lasting value shape the way Dubai lives.

As Deyaar looks ahead, its focus remains on scaling a balanced pipeline of projects, strengthening its position as one of Dubai’s most dynamic developers and contributing to the emirate’s long-term urban growth.

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Burjeel Holdings Launches Preventive Cardiac Campaign Across Its UAE Hospital Network for World Heart Day

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Burjeel Holdings launched “The Cardiograms of Love”, a World Heart Day campaign that transformed everyday expressions of affection into cardiogram-inspired visuals, encouraging people across the UAE to turn care for their loved ones into a proactive step towards heart health.

The campaign was activated across five Burjeel Holdings facilities in the UAE, including Burjeel Hospital, Burjeel Day Surgery Center, and Burjeel Medical Center in Abu Dhabi, as well as Burjeel Specialty Hospital in Sharjah and Burjeel Royal Hospital in Al Ain.

Built around a simple human insight, the campaign connected the words people use to express care for those closest to them with the rhythm of a heartbeat. Familiar messages such as “You mean the world to me” and “Stay healthy for me” were transformed into six distinct cardiogram illustrations, linking emotional expressions of love with the importance of preventive cardiac care.

Each artwork represented a different personal relationship, including parent, partner, child, sibling and friend, and carried a unified call to action: “Love someone. Get their heart checked.”

Rather than relying on a single campaign launch, “The Cardiograms of Love” was rolled out across Burjeel Holdings’ UAE network from 27 to 29 September, with participating facilities premiering different pairs of visuals before the wider network amplified and re-shared the remaining creatives. This created a coordinated, rolling campaign across the three-day period.

Ahead of the public rollout, clinicians and administrative teams across the participating Burjeel facilities were briefed on the campaign and encouraged to share the visuals with people in their personal networks. The internal activation was supported by direct WhatsApp outreach to patients, while social media links connected audiences directly to cardiac screening booking channels.

The campaign also invited members of the public to create their own personalised cardiogram messages using a simple digital prompt and share them with someone they loved. This extended the campaign beyond traditional healthcare communication, encouraging people to pass the message directly between family members and friends.

Through the campaign, Burjeel Holdings highlighted the importance of regular cardiac assessments as part of preventive healthcare, particularly for people with recognised risk factors, including older adults and individuals with a family history of cardiovascular conditions.

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SHEIN Opens the Doors to Fall/Winter 2026 with ‘The SHEIN Hotel’ at Al Habtoor Palace

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SHEIN has unveiled its Fall/Winter 2026 collection in spectacular fashion by transforming Al Habtoor Palace Dubai into The SHEIN Hotel: Behind Every Door, an immersive fashion destination where more than 30 leading Middle Eastern fashion icons, regional tastemakers and industry insiders gathered to experience the brand’s latest seasonal showcase.

Blending fashion with immersive storytelling, the event took guests beyond the traditional runway and into The SHEIN Hotel, a boutique hotel-inspired experience created to bring the FW26 collection to life. Upon arrival, guests “checked in” and received collectible room keys, inviting them to unlock five distinct fashion worlds, each representing a different mood and expression of personal style.

The experience culminated on the runway, where the five fashion directions came to life through Power Dressing, Soft Glam, Retro Remix, Regal Maximalism and Modest Elegance. Each was anchored by a distinctive showcase look, from dramatic tailoring and pastel tulle to flowing capes, sculptural silhouettes and crystal embellishments, before all five styles came together for the finale.

And the experience extends beyond the runway. Through SHEIN’s “See Now, Buy Now” approach, consumers can discover and shop the styles presented in Dubai through the SHEIN App and website. By searching Room26 on the SHEIN App, shoppers can explore curated new arrivals spanning all five FW26 fashion directions.

At the heart of FW26 is the idea that women dress differently depending on how they feel, where they are and what the moment calls for. “The Key to Every Vibe” celebrates this freedom, with styles designed for every mood, from confident and bold to soft, playful, glamorous or understated. Through five distinct fashion directions, the collection gives women more ways to express their personal style and choose the look that feels right for them.

Power Dressing leads with oversized blazers, sharp tailoring and structured outerwear that create a confident and purposeful look. Strong silhouettes make it a collection for moments when women want to make their presence felt.

Soft Glam takes a gentler approach, using silk, lace, delicate knits and fluid silhouettes to combine comfort with femininity. The result is polished but relaxed, designed to move easily between different occasions.

Retro Remix looks to the past for inspiration, bringing plaid, denim, collegiate knits and vintage details into a contemporary wardrobe. Familiar styles are reinterpreted for a playful approach to everyday dressing.

For women looking to make a stronger statement, Regal Maximalism brings together crystals, metallic textures and rich detailing. Bold and expressive, the collection is designed for occasions when the outfit itself becomes part of the celebration.

Modest Elegance completes the five directions with flowing maxi silhouettes, refined tailoring and graceful layering. Its elegant proportions offer a contemporary approach to modest fashion while maintaining a sense of poise and confidence.

The five fashion worlds bring “The Key to Every Vibe” to life, giving women the freedom to move between different expressions of themselves and find a look that reflects the mood, moment or occasion.

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