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DESIGNING EMOTION WITHIN STRUCTURE

Published

2 months ago

February 23, 2026

Exclusive interview with Michaela Ferrari, Italian architect and designer, Miki Ferrari

As an architect and founder, how do you define your role today, are you primarily a creative director, a business strategist, or a custodian of craftsmanship?

My main role is that of Creative Director for the brand, ensuring that our products are designed to be ultra-stylish and supremely comfortable. I am lucky to have a team that supports me on all other aspects of our business, including operations, production, marketing and sales. This gives me the freedom to focus on design, and the comfort to know my designs will be beautifully brought to life, and efficiently delivered to the customers.

Your philosophy speaks about “thinking with the heart” and often reference fashion as an inspiration. In a highly technical industry, how do you protect emotion within structure? And How does couture thinking translate into sofa design?

The beauty of what we do, is that the free flow of creativity is complimented by the institutional structure, not constrained by it. Design for the sake of design is ego – instead, we think with the heart, and we create with the hand. I think of the heart as the source of creativity, and the hand as the source of structure, and the two compliment each other. Like couture fashion, our sofas are proportioned, structured, with elevated materials and intentional detailing. The pieces are structured and supportive, a sculptural statement as refined on the inside as the outside – tailored and precise, much like a hand-crafted gown.

Architecture trains you to think about space; furniture requires intimacy with the human body. How did you transition between those two scales?

One way to think of it, is to see the human body as an architectural form, and the products we produce are designed to support and embrace the human form, at both a physical and emotional level. The principles of design are similar; in architecture you create spaces for the body to move in and experience, whereas furniture, you design for rest, for intimate connection between the body and object. I consider furniture more personal in the sense that it is about physical points of contact, and how shapes, texture, proportion and subtle detailing can envelope one in such comfort, making them feel entirely at ease.

Middle Eastern interiors often embrace bold statements and layered textures. How does your design language adapt to this cultural context?

Our designs are recognized for their simple beauty and comfort, and the layering comes not from a mix of colors, rather from the variety of textures in our fabrics, so although our fabrics are mostly solid colors, the different textures add a layer of beauty to the product. It enhances one’s tactile experience and ensures that beauty is not only seen, it is felt. The natural lines and simplicity of our furniture aligns with all contemporary styles whether vibrant or muted, and we look forward to sharing our know-how and craftsmanship with a discerning Middle Eastern clientele.

The Ambrè sofa form feels organic and enveloping, what was the conceptual starting point behind its silhouette?

Ambrè’s natural curved lines and soft fabric invite you to relax into it, the design follows a continuous, organic line that wraps around the sitter. It is a good representation of my design thinking, in creating sofas that embrace the human form. We don’t design sofas to fit a space, we design sofas to fit the human form and to enhance the human experience.

Your collections emphasize goose feathers, premium leathers, selected woods, and composite materials. How do you decide when tradition leads, and when innovation takes over?

We are Italian, so tradition always leads, in everything we do. The ‘Made in Italy’ stamp is important to me in my craft, and even when we are being innovative, the starting point is always our tradition of craftsmanship and our reverence for design. Innovation then becomes the way we can leverage these traditions to create products that are always authentic, always human-centric and always beautiful. With great attention to detail, we push forward with modernism but always remain true to the legacy of Italian design elegance, quality and functional aesthetics.

The launch in the UAE signals a new international chapter. What does this expansion represent personally for you?

We are very proud of what we represent, and the worldwide respect for ‘Made in Italy’ as a global mark of quality and authenticity; for us to be ambassadors and share the philosophy behind this concept means a great deal to us. We are proud to join a long list of brands that have redefined the way the world views creativity and luxury in design, and have stood to develop global standards for quality and craftsmanship.

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OBJECT 1 MARKS ABU DHABI ENTRY WITH LAUNCH OF A1LA RESIDENCE ON AL REEM ISLAND

Published

4 days ago

April 17, 2026

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Object 1 has officially announced its first residential development in Abu Dhabi, A1LA Residence, marking a major milestone in the company’s expansion into the capital. The launch positions Object 1 as a long-term participant in Abu Dhabi’s property market, entering with a project shaped by end-user relevance, investment credibility, and a clear commitment to building for the Emirate’s future.

Located on Al Reem Island, A1LA Residence will comprise 171 units, including one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, as well as a limited collection of two- and three-bedroom duplexes across 17 residential floors. The project spans approximately 247,022 sq ft of built-up area, with handover scheduled for Q4 2028. The development is designed around three levels of world-class amenities, including a sky pool on the 17th floor, cinema, clubhouse, gym, yoga and pilates room, BBQ area, games room, kids’ play areas, outdoor sports zones, and landscaped social spaces, creating a more layered offering for modern urban living.

The launch forms part of Object 1’s wider Abu Dhabi strategy, following the developer’s acquisition of four waterfront plots on Al Reem Island spanning more than 2 million sq ft, with a combined project value of AED 4.5 billion. This reflects a long-term view of Abu Dhabi as a market defined by institutional strength, sustainable growth, and rising demand for well-positioned residential communities.

A1LA Residence is positioned on Al Reem Island, one of Abu Dhabi’s most established investment and residential districts, in close proximity to Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the emirate’s leading financial free zone. The area has consistently ranked among Abu Dhabi’s top three districts for return on investment, recording the strongest annual price growth in 2025 at 45%, while sales volume more than tripled year on year. Al Reem Island’s rental yields are also widely tracked in the 6 to 8% range, reinforcing its appeal to both end-users and income-focused investors. It offers efficient access to Downtown Abu Dhabi and close connectivity to Saadiyat Island’s cultural and leisure destinations.

This launch comes as Abu Dhabi’s real estate market continues to strengthen in both performance and regulation. The Emirate recorded AED 142 billion in real estate transactions across 42,800+ deals in 2025, up 44% in value and 52% in volume year on year. Recent regulatory changes have further strengthened governance, transparency, and investor protections across the sector, providing the market with a clearer, more secure framework for continued growth.

Tatiana Tonu, CEO of Object 1, said: “Our decision to enter Abu Dhabi is based on long-term conviction. We are not approaching the Emirate as an opportunistic market cycle play, but as a developer committed to building residential projects that hold their value over time, serve real communities, and reflect the standards of a capital that is planning decades ahead. A1LA Residence brings together a proven location, clear market fundamentals, and a development strategy grounded in reliability, quality, and long-term relevance. As Abu Dhabi advances under Economic Vision 2030, we see strong alignment between the emirate’s direction and the kind of projects we want to deliver.”

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ELEVATE AWARDS AED 50 MILLION CONTRACT FOR MONDRIAN AL MARJAN ISLAND BEACH RESIDENCES

Published

6 days ago

April 15, 2026

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ELEVATE has officially awarded an AED 50 million contract to Pinnacle Piling for the piling and foundation works package at Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences, marking another major construction milestone for the landmark beachfront development in Ras Al Khaimah.

The appointment reflects continued momentum on site, with shoring works already completed and the project progressing ahead of its construction programme. The award signals ELEVATE’s continued confidence in both the long-term fundamentals of the UAE real estate market and the exceptional growth trajectory of Al Marjan Island as one of the region’s most important emerging leisure and luxury destinations.

Zeeshaan Shah, Founder & Chairman of ELEVATE, said, “We were the fastest-selling project on the island and now we are setting the pace in construction too. That is exactly how we want to be judged – the strength of both our vision and our execution.”

“We remain as confident as ever in the UAE, in Ras Al Khaimah, and in the long-term future of Al Marjan Island. We are deeply grateful to the UAE’s leadership for continuing to create an environment that inspires confidence, enables ambition and allows long-term visions to be realised.”

“Our focus is simple: keep leading, keep building and continue delivering on the trust the market has placed in us.”

Pinnacle Piling brings more than 35 years of specialist geotechnical and foundation expertise to the project, having delivered some of the region’s most technically demanding developments.

Sai Kumar, Chairman and Owner of Pinnacle Piling, said, “We are proud to continue our partnership with ELEVATE on Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences and to play a key role in delivering this landmark development. The project has progressed strongly on site, with the shoring phase now successfully completed and our teams fully mobilised.”

“ELEVATE has moved with impressive speed and clarity, and we are committed to maintaining that momentum while delivering to the highest standards of safety, quality and execution.”

The project continues to attract strong market demand following the successful sell-out of Phase 1 and robust interest in Phase 2. Set on the shores of Al Marjan Island, the AED 1.8 billion Mondrian-branded beachfront development forms part of ELEVATE’s broader vision to deliver design-led, hospitality-driven living experiences in some of the region’s most compelling growth destinations.

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NATUZZI ITALIA HONORS THE MEDITERRANEAN SOUL THROUGH SUSTAINABLE ITALIAN DESIGN THIS EARTH DAY

Published

6 days ago

April 15, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

Harmonizing Italian Luxury and Sustainability for Earth Day 2026

Dubai, UAE — April 2026 – This Earth Day, Natuzzi Italia, the world’s most renowned Italian lifestyle brand, reaffirms its deep-rooted connection to the Mediterranean landscape by showcasing a collection defined by Eco-innovation, Bio-materials, and Circular Design.

For Natuzzi Italia sustainability is a pursuit of harmony—meeting the needs of the present without compromising the beauty of the future. This year’s Earth Day highlights feature collaborations with visionary designers to bring earth-conscious living to the forefront of luxury interiors.

Sustainable Innovation & Collaborative Design

The Wash Less Project by Fabio Novembre: A pioneering collaboration with Whirlpool, this project reinterprets the traditional valet stand into a harmonious, circular design. Built with a sturdy painted steel structure and upholstered in Ecoplen fabric produced entirely from recycled materials—this piece encourages sustainability by keeping clothes fresh and reducing unnecessary water consumption through its innovative “wash less” philosophy.

Ombra Dining Table by Claudio Bellini: A sculptural masterpiece that merges industrial strength with organic ethics. The asymmetrical legs are hand-troweled using Bio-mortar (Bio Malta), an eco-sustainable and bio-compatible finish crafted from natural elements including quartz, terracotta dust, marble, and mother of pearl. This concrete-effect innovation proves that monumental design can be achieved through earth-friendly chemistry.

Colle Sofa by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG): Inspired by the soft, hospitable silhouettes of early Natuzzi models, Colle captures the effortless relaxation of Mediterranean life. Beyond its visual comfort, it features Eco-friendly padding made from microcellular polyurethane foam derived from renewable plant-based raw materials, ensuring your comfort is grounded in nature.

Artisanal Craftsmanship & Natural Fibers

Papel Rug by Ar-o Studio: A collection of loom-woven rugs crafted from FSC and PEFC-certified paper yarns. This natural, sustainable material is treated with an industrial dirt-repellent film that prevents absorption, ensuring longevity and ease of care without the use of harsh chemicals. Each rug is a testament to the beauty of handmade, biodegradable fibers.

Silo Vases by Marcel Wanders: These hand-made terracotta urns are crafted by master ceramists in the Salento area, honoring ancient Italian traditions. Featuring glazed interiors and rustic rope handles, the Silo collection celebrates the raw, earthen beauty of clay—a material that is as timeless as it is sustainable.

Pumo Lukky by Lorenza Bozzoli: A reinvention of the traditional Apulian good luck charm. Bozzoli dresses the wooden-framed Pumo in vibrant viscose cords and brass details, blending fashion-forward textures with a structural commitment to natural materials.

Explore the Earth Day collections at Natuzzi Italia showrooms on Sheikh Zayed Road and beyond, where every piece tells a story of respect for the environment.

Natuzzi Italia showrooms or online.

• Natuzzi, Sheikh Zayed Road between 2nd and 3rd interchange, Dubai

• Natuzzi, near Al Maktoum Bridge, Umm Hurair Road, Dubai

• Natuzzi, The Galleria, Abu Dhabi