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Design Philosophy & Residential Identity

Published

2 months ago

July 30, 2026

Exclusive interview with Eddy Nemri, Vice President, Object 1

Your journey spans architecture, entrepreneurship, and real estate leadership. Looking back, what has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned about creating homes that are not only visually appealing but also enhance everyday living?

The biggest lesson I have learned is that a building can be an art piece without becoming difficult to live in. At Object 1, we see the UAE as an open-air gallery, where every development adds something to the character of the city. But beauty alone is not enough. A home has to work naturally around the people inside it.

My background in architecture taught me to notice how light enters a room and how someone moves through a space. Real estate taught me to look beyond the drawing and consider daily routines. The best homes feel distinctive when you first see them, then comfortable and intuitive once you begin living there. That balance is what gives design lasting value.

With your background in architecture and design, how has your understanding of how people interact with spaces influenced the way you approach residential developments at Object 1?

My understanding of space begins with observation. People rarely experience a home as a finished composition. They experience it while entering with shopping bags, moving between rooms, working near a window or looking for a quiet corner at the end of the day. At Object 1, this shapes how I review a residential plan. I pay attention to circulation, furniture placement, storage, privacy and the transition from the apartment into shared areas. A beautiful lobby matters, but so does the feeling of arriving home. Amenities should sit naturally within a resident’s routine rather than feel added for display. Architecture becomes meaningful when it understands behaviour and gives people room to live in their own way.

RA1N Residence marks Object 1’s first completed residential project and the successful handover of homes. Beyond achieving this milestone, what does this completion represent for the company’s design philosophy and commitment to homeowners?

RA1N Residence represents a promise fulfilled to the people who placed their trust in Object 1. Purchasing a home before completion requires confidence in the developer’s ability to deliver the design and quality presented at the beginning. With RA1N, residents can now see those commitments reflected in the completed apartments and communal spaces. The handover also allows us to understand how our design decisions perform in daily life, from the entrances and layouts to the co-working, fitness and family areas. This experience helps us see what works well and where we can improve. It also reinforces that our responsibility does not end when construction finishes. Each completed project should strengthen our accountability and make us more precise in the homes we create.

The development brings together co-working spaces, wellness amenities, family facilities, and social areas under one roof. How important has it become to design communities that support different aspects of modern lifestyles rather than simply providing residential units?

Designing a complete living environment has become closely tied to the long-term value of a development. People are more likely to stay in a community when the building can continue to support them as their routines and lifestyles change. Investors are also thinking about whether a property will remain attractive to future tenants. That is why we see shared facilities as an important part of the residential experience. At RA1N Residence, residents have spaces to work, exercise, spend time with their children and meet their neighbours. This also reflects the UAE’s 2025 Year of Community, which focused on stronger social connections, as well as the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan’s emphasis on liveable, well-connected neighbourhoods.

Many homeowners appreciate a space as a whole but may not notice the countless design decisions behind it. Is there a particular detail within RA1N Residence, whether in the layouts, material selection, or communal spaces, that you’re especially proud of because of the impact it has on everyday living?

We are especially proud of the apartment layouts because they have such a direct impact on everyday comfort. At RA1N Residence, we focused on bright, efficient spaces with clear zoning, so each area has a purpose without making the home feel rigid. Kitchens were planned around practical storage and easy movement, while living areas remain open enough for dining, relaxing or working from home. We also paid close attention to wardrobes and concealed storage to reduce clutter and make the spaces easier to live in. Alongside this, we selected contemporary European finishes for durability as much as appearance. For us, good residential design is when all these decisions work quietly together and the homeowner simply feels that the space makes sense.

As urban lifestyles continue to evolve, flexibility has become a defining feature of residential design. Were there any specific design decisions within RA1N Residence that were made with adaptability and future living trends in mind?

For us, adaptability also starts with where a project is located. RA1N Residence is in JVC, which already gives residents access to established schools, parks, retail and everyday services, while connecting easily to Al Khail Road and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road. That was important because people increasingly want to spend less time travelling between different parts of their lives. We also look at how an area is likely to develop over time. JVC continues to benefit from wider infrastructure investment, and Dubai’s approved Gold Line is planned to serve the community in the future. So future living is not only about flexible interiors. It is also about choosing a location that can become more connected and convenient over time.

Home Integrator

BATTERSEA POWER STATION WRITES NEXT CHAPTER OF 42-ACRE REGENERATION

Published

2 days ago

September 30, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

An aerial image of the 42-acre Battersea Power Station masterplan with 16 acres of the brownfield site to develop (left) – Credit High Level Photography. A CGI of the next chapter of Battersea Power Station, delivering up to 3.2 million sq ft of mixed-use development. Buildings are indicative only and subject to design detail and Reserve Matters applications (right) – credit Studio Egret West.

Battersea Power Station has submitted a planning application to evolve the development’s masterplan for the remaining 16 acres of the 42-acre riverside neighbourhood, setting out an ambitious vision for the next chapter of one of Central London’s last large-scale brownfield sites.

Proposing up to 3.2 million sq ft of residential, commercial and leisure space across 16 acres, the future phases of Battersea Power Station will nearly double the scale of development already delivered across the thriving riverside neighbourhood.

Renowned master planner, urban designer and landscape architect, Studio Egret West, has refreshed the original masterplan by Rafael Viñoly, which is over 15 years old, to respond to major changes in urban living, working and how people spend their leisure time. It also reflects feedback received through public consultation and stakeholder engagement which took place throughout the summer.

A CGI of the view from Battersea Park Road towards the Grade II* listed Power Station. Buildings are indicative only and subject to design detail and Reserve Matters applications (right) – credit Studio Egret West.

Recognising the diverse needs of people living within a city and building on the success of the first half of the riverside neighbourhood, the future phases will continue to follow a mixed-use approach. Commercial spaces of varying sizes and designs will support a broad range of businesses, alongside new homes, cultural and leisure venues, furthering Battersea Power Station’s vision of creating a vibrant and inclusive place for all.

Studio Egret West’s new proposals adapt Viñoly’s original masterplan by dividing each of the remaining phases into clusters of smaller buildings, helping the neighbourhood to feel more open and connected with the wider area. The plans also introduce a finer network of streets, laneways, courtyards and passages, which will give people a greater choice about how they move through the neighbourhood.

New sightlines through the future buildings will create stronger visual connections to the Power Station, helping the local community engage with the restored landmark while ensuring it remains the dominant architectural feature of the riverside neighbourhood.

The emerging landscaping proposals help to stitch Battersea Power Station together with the wider Nine Elms area, by including a ‘green handshake’ across Nine Elms Lane connecting

directly to Nine Elms Park. A planting strategy has also been developed with biodiversity and a changing climate in mind, featuring a varied mix of resilient species and references to Battersea’s history, including lavender.

A ‘Third Generator’ is a core part of the emerging vision. Inspired by the Power Station’s history of generating one-fifth of London’s electricity. The ambition is to create a dynamic venue that brings together a diverse mix of uses and experiences spanning the arts, music, fashion, food, education, sport and the wider creative industries.

Phase 5A, within the future phases, has already received detailed planning permission and will deliver 200 new council homes in partnership with Wandsworth Council. The remaining phases will be subject to design detail and Reserved Matters applications.

Tan Sri Shahril Ridza Ridzuan, Chairman of Battersea Project Holding Company, said: “The submission of our revised masterplan for the remaining 16-acres of Battersea Power Station is a critical step forward in realising the vision for this vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood. Projects of this scale and ambition take decades to bring to fruition, during which time cities naturally evolve and advance, and it’s our duty as custodians of a major undeveloped part of the city to take account of these adjustments.

When we embarked on this project in 2012, we understood the scale of the challenge ahead, from restoring a derelict Grade II* listed landmark to investing in major public infrastructure to support the mixed-use eco-system. Our steadfastness and relentless commitment to delivery remains as strong today as it was 14 years ago, and this is reflected in our ambitious revised masterplan for the remaining phases.”

James Saunders, CEO of Battersea Power Station Development Company, said:

“The last decade has seen events like Covid-19 and digital integration into everyday life blur the boundaries between work, living and leisure time, all fundamentally changing how we interact with cities. Responding to this, our refreshed masterplan seeks to place community and connection at the core of Battersea Power Station.

From green spaces, to expanding London’s cultural scene, championing business innovation, creating new homes and delivering thousands of new jobs, our proposals for the next chapter of Battersea Power Station will build upon our existing successes and create a future-proofed neighbourhood that London can be proud of.”

David West, Founding Director at Studio Egret West, said:

“The revised masterplan builds on the success of the first half of the Battersea Power Station story, creating opportunities for more homes, workplaces, retail and leisure including a new hybrid cultural venue. The future phases will be more permeable, inclusive and intriguing, with an expanded network of playful, artistic and biodiverse public spaces. The refreshed vision is also deliberately flexible, leaving room for serendipity, while remaining responsive and resilient to what we’ve learned from the journey so far. It’s about commerce, culture, community and curiosity working in harmony.”

Battersea Power Station has become a global blueprint for regeneration, transforming the former coal-fired Power Station and surrounding brownfield site into a thriving mixed-use neighbourhood home to over 3,000 residents, 8,000 workers and welcoming millions of visitors each year.

Major public infrastructure has firmly established Battersea Power Station’s position in Central London, including the Northern Line Extension which opened five years ago. This improved connectivity has helped support the delivery of more than 2,200 homes, c. 800,000 sq ft offices and over 170 British and international brands now open across the riverside neighbourhood.

Culture and community are equally central to the neighbourhood’s success. A growing programme of large-scale events, including last weekend’s celebrASIA festival, demonstrates Battersea Power Station’s role not only as a place to live and work, but as a destination that brings people together.

Progress is already being made on the next phases of development with construction beginning earlier this month on Prospect Place South, two new buildings designed by Gehry Partners. The buildings are part of Frank Gehry’s first and only UK residential development, and will provide approximately 300 homes, 65,000 sq ft of commercial space and a 15,000 sq ft community hub, while completing the pedestrianised high street, Electric Boulevard.

Home Integrator

H.E. Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi attends “2026 K-Premium Products Fair in Dubai”

Published

2 days ago

September 30, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

COEX, President, Jo Sang Hyeon has launched the first ‘2026 K-Premium Products Fair in Dubai’, taking place from September 29 to October 1 at InterContinental Dubai Festival City in Dubai, to support promising Korean SMEs in entering the Middle Eastern market and expanding their export channels.

H.E. Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade for the United Arab Emirates, graced the occasion with his presence and delivered the keynote address. Lee Won-ik, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the United Arab Emirates and Mr. Jonghoon Han, Director of COEX, were also present at the event. Jo Sang Hyeon, President of COEX, said, “This event, the first COEX is presenting in Dubai, is meaningful as both an initiative to support Korean SMEs entering the Middle East and a starting point for expanding COEX’s overseas business into the region. We aim to support promising Korean SMEs by facilitating direct consultation with local buyers and enabling them to assess consumer responses so that they can practically evaluate their potential to enter the Middle Eastern market. Going forward, we will continue to expand export channels for Korean companies across the GCC and throughout the Middle East by leveraging our global exhibition and buyer networks.’’

This is the first event being organized by COEX in Dubai and marks its first exhibition in the Middle East as COEX expands its overseas business operations following Vietnam and Indonesia. It connects Korean consumer-goods companies with buyers from the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman—and connect the companies with local market local market validation and sales opportunities.

A total of 50 promising Korean consumer-goods companies have participated across categories including beauty and fashion, living and interior, food and beverages, and other consumer products. A key feature of the event is its one-on-one export consultation program, connecting participating companies with distributors and purchasing representatives from major retail networks across the GCC markets, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

COEX has leveraged its global buyer network and local agents to identify and match potential buyers in advance according to each participating company’s product portfolio and export needs. COEX is also providing consultation and export support aimed at helping participating companies enter local distribution networks.

Alongside the export consultations, the event features an offline local showcase and an online sales programme designed to introduce participating brands to the local market. Before and after the event, participating companies’ products are being showcased to local consumers at major retail facilities in Dubai.

Following the event, COEX will support cross-border trade (CBT) online sales for approximately two months, allowing participating companies to assess consumer interest and market potential.

COEX plans to use its first Dubai event as a stepping stone to expand into the Middle Eastern market, leveraging its experience and networks in consumer-good exhibitions and export-support in Vietnam and Indonesia to strengthen its presence across the GCC and the wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

EVENT OVERVIEW

Event Name: ‘2026 K-Premium Products Fair in Dubai’

Date: September 29 (Tue) – October 1 (Thu), 2026

Venue: InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Dubai, UAE

Main Product Categories: Promising consumer goods, including beauty and fashion, living and interior, food and beverages

Programs: One-on-one export consultations, offline showcase, online sales linkage, VIP networking, visits to local retail facilities

Home Integrator

IKEA Marks Masquerade Festival with Award Winning Chef JP Anglo’s Special Filipino Menu

Published

2 days ago

September 30, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

IKEA, operated by Al-Futtaim in the UAE, is marking the Masquerade Festival, one of the Philippines’ most colourful cultural celebrations, with a limited-time Filipino menu developed in collaboration with award winning Chef JP Anglo, available across participating IKEA restaurants till 4 October 2026.

Originating in Bacolod City and known as the “Festival of Smiles”, Masquerade is recognised for its colourful masks, lively celebrations and spirit of joy and resilience. Bringing that sense of togetherness to the table, IKEA is inviting the Filipino community in the UAE, as well as food lovers looking to discover new flavours, to come together over familiar Filipino dishes throughout the six-day celebration.

Created in collaboration with Chef JP Anglo, the menu features a selection of Filipino favourites spanning starters, breakfast, soups, main courses and desserts. New to IKEA, guests can enjoy Chef JP’s Lumpiang Shanghai as a starter or add-on, alongside dishes including Tapsilog with Siomai, Chicken Arroz Caldo, Chicken Sopas, Chicken Sotanghon, Bistek Tagalog, Beef Kare Kare and BBQ Chicken, followed by desserts including Buko Pandan and Kaffir Lime Leche Flan. Prices start from AED 9, with selected add-ons available from AED 3.

Chef JP Anglo will also visit participating IKEA stores from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM during the celebration, giving guests an opportunity to experience the Masquerade menu during his scheduled appearances.

Chef JP UAE store visit schedule: