NUHAYR ZEIN
Nominated by Pallavi Dean – Roar
Nuhayr Zein is a young UAE-grown Egyptian architect and researcher whose work spans different disciplines including architecture, product design and material research. She finds inspiration in the surrounding natural context, which is reflected in her work at a material, spatial and formal scale to create culturally relevant and environmentally responsible design and material solutions. In a resource-constrained world and with the aim of creating a symbiosis between nature and design, Zein focuses on expanding the range of sustainable materials in the design industry. Her recent material innovation, a plant-based leather alternative to animal and synthetic leathers, was selected to be exhibited both during Dubai Design Week and Venice Design Week. She is currently further developing this material with scientists, in collaboration with Tashkeel. Her latest furniture collection is also currently represented by a number of galleries, including Galerie Philia.
Omar Abdelghafour founded L.S. Design (Light Space Design), a multidisciplinary design and architecture practice, in 2004 and has since brought his minimalist approach to design to the Middle East, creating projects that are pared back in their approach yet richly textured in their attention to materiality, spatial design and user experience. Spanning private and commercial architecture and interiors, Abdelghafour has also worked on urban planning projects, product design, furniture, lighting and transport design, displaying his multifaceted approach to design. Abdelghafour has high regard for craftsmanship and refined aesthetics and is a firm believer that design should be passionate, dynamic and contextually relevant for the region in which it is being delivered. L.S. Design is currently working on private residences in Dubai and penthouses in both Dubai and London, as well as hotel in Bali, with future projects including a resort in Oman.