Design Dialogues – Weaving Tales

Perennials hosted a Downtown Design panel in collaboration with identity that focused on hospitality and the art of storytelling. The panel was held at the brand’s booth at the show, which formed part of Dubai Design Week 2024. Moderated by identity editor Aneesha Rai, the panel was hosted in discussion with design stalwarts Pooja Shah-Mulani, Partner and Design Director at LW Design Group, Paul Bishop, Founder of Bishop Design and Rengy John, Managing Partner at Blink Design Group.

The discussion revolved around curating holistic spaces for the hospitality sector, recognising that demands of luxury travellers are changing. A closer look at materials and creating spaces that evoke the senses, as well as cultural context, formed part of the discussion.

Reflecting on the firm’s global portfolio, Shah-Mulani emphasised LW’s commitment to delivering culturally resonant and visually captivating spaces that elevate guest experiences, whereas Bishop discussed his exciting new hospitality-focused venture, Custard, that looks at hospitality through a 360-degree lens – syncing not just spaces, but operations – and how different individuals interact with different areas within the space. John shared experiences of redesigning the exciting new Banyan Tree Dubai spa, working with brands and absorbing the brands’ ethos into designs.

The panel concluded with a reflection on the potential for innovation in the hospitality sector. While progress has been made, there is much more to achieve in bridging the gap between sustainable practices and the high standards of guest experiences that define luxury hospitality.

You can view the complete discussion below:

As part of the booth activations, Perennials also curated an interactive space where designers could experience magic fabrics and rugs in person. Made from 100% SDA, the fabrics and rugs are soft to the touch and practically maintenance-free. The brand challenged attending designers to first stain the performance rugs and fabric with the toughest liquids and then watch as the stain faded away with no effort under bleach while the colour and the product remained as vibrant as ever.