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Read identity magazine's January 2025 edition on ISSUU or grab your copy
With each new year comes a renewed sense of promise and renewal. For architects and designers, however, the future holds an even greater challenge: envisioning and creating the next space. How does one design for the future? In this issue, we explore this concept and what lies ahead for the visionaries shaping our environments.
On the cover is the remarkable Pallavi Dean, founder of Dubai-based Roar, which has made a significant contribution to the industry for more than 12 years. Born and raised in Sharjah, UAE, Pallavi has recently expanded her studio’s presence to Saudi Arabia. For the cover shoot, we knew we wanted to pay homage to Pallavi’s connection with Sharjah. Dean suggested Mleiha, reflecting her love for the desert. Inspired by themes of flow and reflections, we sought to capture the designer’s dynamic essence. In our feature on page 22, she opens up about her journey, sharing insights into how financial acumen fuels creative freedom and revealing her cleverly coined ‘10 C’s’ of success.
identity is also thrilled to be a media partner at this year’s highly anticipated Maison&Objet in Paris, France. With its theme of Sur/Reality, the event promises new design innovation and discoveries. From 16 to 20 January 2025, we’ll bring you highlights from the fair, sharing stories that connect the Middle East’s design narrative with a global audience, and vice versa. Follow our social media on @identityae for updates.
In this issue we also explore what’s new in home décor and spotlight the technological innovations shaping the industry, with Gensler’s insightful design forecast offering a fascinating glimpse into the latest trends and innovations.
Here’s to designing a future full of possibilities.
A Collection Where Flow Meets Form
Here's a breakdown of the 21 categories we have for this year's identity Design Awards.
How Vedra, a Boutique Project Development Consultancy is Redefining Development in the UAE
Here's how you can become a landlord and live in your property at the same time.
Lulie Fisher Design Studio Completes a Penthouse in the Intercontinental Dubai Marina
Designed by acclaimed studio Verhaal, KIRA is inspired by the Lunaria plant.
OBMI and Katara Hospitality breathe new life into a 1920s royal residence, balancing heritage and modern luxury on the eucalyptus-clad slopes of Tangiers, Morocco.
Japanese craft meets contemporary design at Kiyoshi designed by Mahsa Gholizadeh
The Design Residency programme 2025 also coincides with the Year of Handicrafts as designated by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Culture.
The interiors of the Backstage Hotel in Stockholm, Sweden echo the feeling of being behind the scenes at a great performance – rich in texture, layered in story and always with music in the background
Intimate, artistic and unforgettable, The Mellah Hotel is nestled in the heart of Marrakech's ancient medina, just steps from the magnificent Bahia Palace.
In a landmark Bud Oglesby-designed building, designer Joshua Rice crafts a warm, quietly powerful residence that honors modernist roots, personal history, and a young collector’s nuanced eye