fbpx
Close

Winner of USM’s ‘Live-Work’ design competition announced

MEAN* triumphs with ‘co-cross: machine for living + working’ concept.

Organised in collaboration with identity magazine, the USM ‘Live-Work’ design competition was won by MEAN* – Middle East Architecture Network, with the ‘co-cross: machine for living + working’ concept. The two runners-up in the conceptual design competition were NIU and Killa Design.

Leading UAE-based architects and designers took part in the design competition that involved conceptualising a USM configuration that responds to the needs of a hybrid environment, whether for the home, office or both. The entrants were encouraged to look to the future, as USM has for over 50 years, and present a design that delivers functionality and design that can complement today and the years ahead.

The jury included Catherine Belbin, identity Group Editor, and Eric Berchtold, USM’s Sales Director Middle East & Africa.

“MEAN’s design responds perfectly as a unit of four distinct spaces. Their attention to detail and usage of all the USM components makes it practical and it could be built immediately,” says Berchtold.

The Dubai-based designers from MEAN* studio won a three-day trip to Switzerland, including a visit to the USM Future Office.

From mid-March, the winning designs will be showcased at USM’s regional distributor showroom, One52.

‘co-cross: machine for living + working’

More images and details of the competitors’ entries will be in the April issue of identity.

The Latest
AYESHA ERKIN

From Floorplans to Foodscapes

For Ayesha Erkin, architecture was never just about buildings, but about how people live, eat, gather and remember

deos mykonos

Between Sea and Sky

Cycladic heritage, heartfelt hospitality and contemporary design converge on Deos Mykonos, designed by GM Architects

A Fresh Take on ’70s Style

Curved shapes and colourful artworks bring vibrancy to this contemporary home with mesmerising nature views

Into the Woods

Perched among the treetops, this serene home’s permanent connection to nature invites dwellers to unplug and unwind

A New Chapter for Dubai – Jebel Ali Racecourse

A.R.M. Holding and BIG unveil visionary masterplan around Jebel Ali Racecourse

Textures at Play

Interior designer Claudia Afshar’s collaboration with Cosentino redefines vertical cladding with nature-inspired textures and a timeless aesthetic

URBAN NEST

Summer Living

HKLIVING’s Summer ’25 Additions are arriving to the Middle East via Urban Nest

Living with Masterpieces

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and Sedar Global collaborate on a limited-edition collection offering for summer 2025

Bold Moves, Clean Lines

SETE Interiors has completed a curated home at Nikki Beach Residences on Pearl Jumeirah island in Dubai

Duoflow by Jaquar

Duoflow – Jaquar’s Latest Wellness-Driven Shower Solution

This ceiling-mounted shower system transforms daily routines into wellness rituals.

Building Heritage

Asaan, the Misk Heritage Museum Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects Breaks Ground in Diriyah

Gen-Z Forward Design

From tech-forward co-living spaces to wellness-centric work hubs, here’s how Gen Z’s values of flexibility, sustainability and authenticity are reshaping the built environment