Index to host third annual Contemporary Majlis Competition

The Contemporary Majlis Competition will run for the third consecutive time at this year’s INDEX Exhibition, the Middle East and North Africa’s largest and longest established Interiors and Design Exhibition, from October 22-25, 2011. This year’s competition will feature six leading Middle East interior designers who will be tasked with designing a contemporary Majlis, showcasing their vision of the traditional Arabic space with a modern cutting edge and innovative design.

This year’s six finalist designers include Sinmar Al-Said of Internal Line Interior Design, Ghandour El Habre of Khatib & Alami, Mimi Shakshashir of o’de rose, Carrie Das of AHK International, Basak Yuksel of PF Emirates Interiors and Sven Mueller of SVEN M. 

“The INDEX Contemporary Majlis Competition has come a long way from its inception in 2009, both in style and popularity. The Majlis concept is especially relished by the younger generation who look for an environment that celebrates Arab culture, but at the same time embraces innovation and contemporary style. Through the competition, INDEX has provided an unbiased platform to nurture and bring interior design talent to the limelight making the competition a vital part of the show,” said Paula Al Chami, Event Director for INDEX.

INDEX 2011 did a ‘Call for Submission’ for this year’s competition and received an overwhelming 60 plus applications from qualified interior designers and architects in different parts of the world, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Africa and the US.

Six finalists were selected by the jury based on the design layout and concept of their Majlis. The jury panel for this year’s competition is formed by Elise Nassour, Head of Studio at the Engineers Office, Robert Reid of the American University of Sharjah, Dariush Zandi of Total Art, Jenny Eagle of Commercial Interior Design Magazine and last year’s competition winner, Rashida Rajkotwalla of Design Work Portfolio.

Elise Nassour, Head of Studio at the Engineers Office said, “The Contemporary Majlis Competition is an exciting opportunity to showcase new ideas, where Designers are challenged with the interpretation of the traditional Majlis - the heart of an Arabic home – in a contemporary and modern expression. We are seeking designs that encapsulate the rich traditions of the Majlis but in a fresh contemporary and innovative approach that doesn’t lose the essence of the Arabic culture. This year’s entries have been outstanding in the diversity of approach and ideas, from the eclectic to the outrageous, and provided a challenge for us Jurors to select the six finalists. We believe the six finalists will provide an excellent demonstration of design vision and experimentation, which combines past and present elements and provides a platform for future design directions for the Majlis.”

Once the jury panel visits the finalist’s showcases live at this year’s show, the winner will be announced on the 22^nd of October at INDEX at the Dubai World Trade Centre.