Read ‘Craft Meets Culture’ – Note from the editor – April 2025
This month, we celebrate the intersection of craft and culture, a theme that resonates throughout the issue
Our cover story, created in collaboration with Casamia, spotlights Edra’s iconic Pack sofa, taking a playful approach by placing it in an unexpected setting that resonates culturally. A serendipitous meeting with Studio d04 led us to the Jebel Ali Racing Course (JARC) – a beloved Dubai landmark rich in equestrian history. The studio shared with us how it had been involved in the redesign of the saddling boxes and private deck at the iconic location which then provided the setting for the sofa. This venue, a pillar of the UAE’s racing heritage since 1990, felt like a natural home for a piece as avant-garde as Pack. The result was a striking visual narrative that reimagines how contemporary design can engage with history and place.
In the cover feature, we explore what makes the Pack sofa so compelling, from Edra’s fearless design approach to insights from Kader Mithani, Founder and CEO of Casamia, alongside leading designers who share how they would style the piece in different settings.
We also examine the dialogue between contemporary design and cultural narratives through an in-depth conversation with three multi-disciplinary designers, each of whom offers a unique perspective on their creative practices. Design Focus takes an in-depth look at homes and living spaces and how you can enhance them, highlighting some of the latest product releases on the market. We also take you inside some truly exceptional residences, from a duplex at The Lana Residences in Dubai to a striking home on Jumeirah Bay Island, as well as breathtaking properties in Canada and Brazil.
The excitement around this year’s Salone del Mobile.Milano is palpable, and we’re excited to present our guide to the fair, as well as Fuorisalone and Euroluce. This year, identity will bring together several industry experts from the GCC at a panel at the fair on 11 April, where we will delve into the world of hyper-personalisation and modularity.
See you at the fair!
The Latest
Heritage Reimagined
Designlab Experience turns iconic spaces into living narratives of Emirati culture, luxury, and craftsmanship.
Wave: The New Mediterranean Haven in Dubai
IDST’s design invites exploration with a thoughtful blend of artisanal craftsmanship and contemporary style.
The Chedi Wadi Safar
Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and KCA International are collaborating to launch this new hotel
A New Era of Early Learning
Roar crafts the PIF Daycare Centre in Riyadh with a calming, sensory-rich environment where design, nature and childhood development come together.
When Art Meets Light
Brush and Switch by Sans Souci bend light in unexpected ways
The Importance of Community-Driven Design
We speak to Joanna Varettas, Senior Associate Designer at TGP International on the story of Seed & Bloom – a café designed to nurture connection and community engagement
Finasi x ROAR presents – Made in UAE
For this year's Downtown Design, Finasi and Pallavi Dean will unveil a bold new installation that speaks the language of material honesty, exceptional craftsmanship, visionary design, and local identity.
A Lesson in Restraint
This Palm Jumeirah home proves that luxury can be achieved with intention, rather than scale
In photos: 2025 identity Design Awards shortlist reveal at Casamia
Here are snippets from the evening.
Vote for your favourite projects at the identity Design Awards 2025
You can now choose your favourite project from the identity Design Awards 2025 shortlist
identity Design Awards 2025 shortlist: Interior Design
The shortlist is revealed for the interior design categories