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Fabulous interior design project of a villa in Dubai

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Enchanting interior of Dubai villa

The magic of design and a kaleidoscope of colors – that’s how Studia 54 Design Studio’s  new project in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, luxurious Dubai, can be characterized.

The interior of the villa has truly become enchanting, with vibrant accents, stunning installations, and imagination-capturing decorative elements. The key color present in every space’s interior is the 2020 Pantone Color of the Year – the deep blue shade of Classic Blue, bringing a sense of calm and tranquility. Through a refined, fashionable color palette and tonal expressions, such as intriguing silver, adventurous orange, soothing gray, and warm wood, we have infused confidence and a spirit of uniqueness into the interior. We transformed the space using top furniture manufacturers, and many decor elements in this project are represented by our brand – FiftyFourms.

The wall panels Crios by FiftyFourms, and the dresser is hand-painted

The living rooms in our unique style are an expression of the art of luxurious living. Filling the expansive space and placing accents correctly without losing the natural airy atmosphere is the result of the hard work of a large team of professionals. The gray-pearl furniture set from Longhi harmoniously complements the vibrant chairs from Vittoria Frigerio and a group of accent coffee tables. A fantastical ceiling installation made of metallic petals with a silver coating creates an atmosphere of fairy-tale enchantment. Thanks to panoramic windows, there’s a view of lush tropical foliage, making spending time in this living room especially delightful in pleasant company.

Como shelving, Moka kitchen island, and Milos kitchen set; all by FiftyFourms

Personalization, absolute comfort, and premium materials – three integral components of a high-class design project. A cozy yet luxurious atmosphere is achieved through carefully selected furniture and decor items, combined with a well-thought-out lighting scheme and impeccable finishing materials.

The interior with vibrant accents of orange and deep blue

We fulfilled the client’s dream of a luxurious dining area for their large family, enhancing it with a suspended installation and an incredible glass composition with lighting. This installation, shaped like an elegant flower, and the green velvet color of the chairs by Cattelan Italia reflect natural motifs in this premium interior.

Spacious dining area for 10 persons

Design is in the details – that’s how an atmosphere of luxurious grandeur is created, and the space is infused with positive, powerful energy. In organizing dining areas, we have developed our unique approach, allowing us to create luxurious spaces that leave the most vivid impressions.

Completing the dining area is a suspended composition

With the second light and panoramic windows, this space has become multi-layered, elegant, rich in both textures and color palette.

custom-designed Brizo shelving is adorned with Brazilian quartzite in Explosion Blue

The office is separated from the main living area by tinted glass. An elegant shelving unit with built-in walnut cabinets, lacquered finish, and blue marble with golden veins has become an excellent storage system for all work-related items.

Wardrobe island Boheme with gradient mirror surface, FiftyFourms

The luxurious island made of narrow mirrored panels has become a vibrant focal point in the spacious walk-in closet, adorned in bohemian shades of wine and emerald. A sturdy matte black countertop and 8 compartments with natural beige leather finishing, accented with vertical stitching, provide ample space for all necessary accessories.

The master bedroom featuring the suspended installation Eurus by FiftyFourms

The master bedroom in this project turned out truly luxurious. The bed, spanning over 3 meters wide for three persons, is adorned with the decorative headboard Atlas of our design, crafted from 3D panels of tinted wood and mirrors with leather panel inserts.

The stunning custom-made bed for three persons is adorned with the decorative headboard Atlas by FiftyFourms

The ceiling composition Eurus evokes a gentle breeze and captivates with its original design. The installation consists of delicate metal chains on silver-colored profiles and integrated ceiling lights. The metallic structure, reflecting light, allows the installation to shimmer in the most enchanting way.

The bathroom set Scacchi by FiftyFourms, glass sinks by Antonio Lupi

In the master bathroom, we’ve created a unique combination of three textures – black and white marble for wall and cabinet finishes, white marble flooring, and brown-pink wood. The famous pied-de-poule print has been applied to wooden panels illuminated by distinctive fixtures. The master bathroom also features a jacuzzi area.

The decorative panels Bia by FiftyFourms

In the bedroom, all attention is primarily focused on the bed and its decor. However, without perfectly matched wall design and bedside elements, creating a luxurious and comfortable atmosphere would be impossible. In two bedrooms of our project in Dubai, we opted for a warm color palette with golden accents, and for the bed finishes, a combination of deep blue and pearlescent gray. For the first room, we designed wall decor using suede panels in a deep russet shade, complemented by a fantastical chandelier resembling a hanging tree. In the second bedroom, the focal point became an incredible panel of metal links, creating the effect of sand dunes.

The guest bedroom with a decorative headboard made of metal petals

Every space in this project is filled with the enchantment of a fairy tale, and the interior details can be admired endlessly. The art of interior design allows for giving a space an exclusive and unique appearance. It’s an excellent way to reveal the individual traits of the client. Therefore, we strive to pay attention to both the overall composition to create the necessary atmosphere and the details that will bring only joyful vibes and comfortable living.

Expo City Dubai Set for Urban Transformation Under UNStudio’s Masterplan

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Dubai, UAE – Renowned Dutch architecture firm UNStudio has revealed its masterplan for Expo City Dubai, a groundbreaking mixed-use development poised to become a dynamic new urban centre for the city.

Set on the historic site of Expo 2020 Dubai, the project is designed to extend the legacy of the global event. The masterplan preserves more than 80 percent of the existing buildings and infrastructure from the Expo, repurposing them within a forward-looking, sustainable urban district.

Expo City Dubai will blend residential, commercial, cultural, and innovation-led spaces to foster an inclusive, 24/7 community that reflects Dubai’s ambitions for the future. The development will prioritize pedestrian-friendly design, smart mobility, and integrated green spaces, aligning with global standards for sustainable city-making.

“Our vision for Expo City Dubai is to create a living, breathing urban environment that embodies innovation, sustainability, and cultural exchange,” said Ben van Berkel, Founder and Principal Architect of UNStudio. “By building on the legacy of Expo 2020, we are not only preserving its architectural achievements but also creating a place that will continue to inspire and connect people for decades to come.”

The development will be delivered in multiple phases, with the first phase expected to begin construction in [Insert Timeframe] and a targeted completion for key components by [Insert Date]. Each phase will integrate seamlessly into the existing infrastructure while introducing new public spaces, mobility systems, and smart city technologies.

As one of the largest legacy transformations of a World Expo site, Expo City Dubai is set to become a model for post-event urban regeneration worldwide.

Rural China Gets a Storybook Library with Mushroom Design by Kong Xiangwei Studio

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In the remote village of Yanzitou, China, a whimsical new children’s library has emerged, designed by Kong Xiangwei Studio to resemble a cluster of mushrooms. Conceived as a “fantastical village landmark,” the Mushroom Library combines playful architecture with cultural significance, forming part of a broader plan for a future community center.

Commissioned by the local government, the library responds to demographic challenges common in many rural Chinese communities—particularly youth migration and an aging population. Despite having just 71 households, the village bursts to life on weekends as children return from boarding schools, filling local spaces with energy and joy. The Mushroom Library was designed to capture and nurture that vitality, offering a gathering point that fosters intergenerational connection.

Nestled on a narrow, rocky site between two older buildings and shaded by a mature raisin tree, the library was carefully built around this existing natural feature. Its structure—developed in collaboration with local craftsmen—uses ribbed steel bars shaped into soaring, stalk-like arches. Concrete is then cast around these forms, creating the impression of towering mushroom stems.

Above, an undulating, mushroom-cap roof is punctuated with circular openings, including one that frames the canopy of the central tree. This sculptural roof shifts in character depending on the viewer’s angle: from the east, it resembles the brim of a hat; from above, a playful, almost cartoon-like face. At night, illuminated from within, the building glows like a UFO hovering over the village—an emblem of imagination and regeneration.

The interior is designed to evoke a sense of wonder. A central installation made of steel rods and colorful acrylic panels casts shifting patterns of light and shadow throughout the reading space. Concrete vaults replace traditional materials such as thatch and mud, providing durability while invoking the feeling of a primitive, protective shelter. Wooden bookshelves are seamlessly integrated into the curves of the structure, and a sloped concrete wall offers seating where children can lounge and observe the play of light over time—transforming the library into a quiet stage for natural rhythms.

Visitors can also ascend a set of concrete steps leading to the roof. There, a small platform enclosed by a metal railing offers views over the village and surrounding landscape—and a chance to pluck fruit from the raisin tree that pierces the roof canopy.

Mushroom Library joins a growing trend of small, innovative libraries in China, such as the Twisting Brick Shell Library near Quzhou and the angular library built on an ice-chrysanthemum farm in Xiuwu. Each represents a creative reimagining of public space in rural settings, aiming to connect people, culture, and landscape in meaningful ways.

TODD’s Belfast Business School named Northern Ireland’s top new building

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TODD Architects’ ‘Outstanding’ Student Hub Wins Top Honour at Ulster Design Awards

TODD Architects has secured the top accolade at the 2025 Ulster Design Awards for their Student Hub at Queen’s Business School, which was crowned Northern Ireland’s Building of the Year by the Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA).

The £17.5 million hub, situated next to the historic red-brick Riddel Hall in Belfast, received the prestigious Liam McCormick Prize and was one of five winners of this year’s RSUA Design Awards, selected from a shortlist of seven announced in March.

Other award-winning projects include:

  • One Elmwood, a versatile event space for Queen’s University Belfast, designed by Hawkins\Brown and RPP Architects.
  • New Gate Arts and Culture Centre by McGurk Architects.
  • Silver Bark House, a timber-clad home by Marshall McCann Architects, which also earned the RSUA Sustainability Award for its eco-conscious design overlooking the Mourne Mountains.
  • Light House by McGonigle McGrath Architects—a thoughtful transformation of two terraced houses with views over Belfast Lough, also named House of the Year for its ‘clever, connected, and contemporary’ approach.

Queen’s University Belfast was named Client of the Year for its role in delivering both the One Elmwood and Student Hub projects.

Judges praised the 6,000m² Student Hub for its holistic design, noting its sensitive response to a challenging brief, historic surroundings, and sustainability goals. “The building exemplifies low-energy, environmentally conscious design,” they said, highlighting its use of a geothermal heating system drawn from the site’s sandstone substrate. The project, they added, achieves a “harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetic quality.”

Last year’s Building of the Year, the 75,000m² Ulster University Belfast Campus, did not go on to win an RIBA National Award—something the RSUA aims to avoid by requiring all entries to have been in use for at least a year, enabling more accurate assessments of sustainability and real-world performance.

The five award-winning schemes are now in the running for RIBA National Awards, with the shortlist for the prestigious RIBA Stirling Prize to be drawn from national winners. The Stirling Prize winner will be announced in October.

2025 RSUA Design Award Winners:

  • One Elmwood, Queen’s University – Hawkins\Brown and RPP Architects
  • Silver Bark House – Marshall McCann Architects
  • Student Hub, Queen’s Business School – TODD Architects
  • Light House – McGonigle McGrath Architects
  • New Gate Arts and Culture Centre – McGurk Architects

Ukraine’s Venice Biennale Pavilion Draws Parallels Between Everyday and Emergency Architectural Forms

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DAKH (ДАХ) Vernacular Hardcore, Pavilion concept, 2025, visual. . Image Courtesy of Bögdana Kosmina

At the 19th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia, the Ukrainian Pavilion presents “DAKH (ДАХ): Vernacular Hardcore,” an exhibition that investigates how traditional craftsmanship intersects with makeshift construction practices born out of wartime necessity. Centering on the dakh—the Ukrainian word for “roof”—the pavilion considers the roof as both an elemental form of shelter and a symbolic frontline in times of conflict.

The exhibition reflects on the notion of “architecture without architects,” drawing parallels between the enduring vernacular structures of rural Ukraine and the improvised, self-built shelters emerging in response to ongoing aerial threats. These themes speak to a broader architectural narrative shaped by resilience and survival.

Curated by Bögdana Kosmina, Michał Murawski, and Kateryna Rusetska, the pavilion comprises six interrelated installations housed in the Sale d’Armi of the Arsenale, alongside a roving public program titled Planetary Hardcore, which expands the conversation beyond the pavilion’s physical space.

In Ukrainian, “dakh” translates to “roof”—a fundamental architectural element and one of the most essential forms of human shelter. In times of war, however, the roof takes on a dual role: not only as protection but also as the structure most exposed to destruction, often becoming the first target of aerial strikes.

DAKH: Vernacular Hardcore draws a powerful contrast between two modes of building: the heritage vernacular found in traditional Ukrainian rural homes, and the emergency vernacular that arises through improvised, self-directed reconstruction during wartime. In this context, “hardcore” refers not only to resilience but also to the literal foundation material—crushed debris and clinker—used to rebuild amid the ruins.

“We understand ‘hardcore’ in its original sense as a (vernacular) builder’s word, which refers to the assorted bits of debris and clinker that are crunched together to form a building foundation. We appeal for an ethics—and politics—of rebuilding, which is rooted in the fragile, but unyielding, hardcore of the Ukrainian (and planetary) commons; and which makes manifest the structures of care, repair, solidarity—and resistance—that sustain it” explain Bogdana Kosmina, Michał Murawski, Kateryna Rusetska, сurators of the Ukrainian Pavilion.

At the heart of the DAKH exhibition is a striking, reinterpreted form of the traditional Ukrainian roof—a living symbol of vernacular architecture envisioned by architect, artist, and curator Bögdana Kosmina. This sculptural structure draws from The Atlas of Ukrainian Traditional Architecture, a monumental 50-year research project spanning three generations of women architects: Tamara, Oksana, and Bögdana Kosmina.

Rooted in historical knowledge yet shaped by contemporary urgency, this element embodies the belief that post-war reconstruction must not only begin amid ongoing crisis, but also draw wisdom from the adaptive, resourceful practices of emergency vernacular building. It is both a tribute to ancestral know-how and a call to integrate that knowledge into the future of rebuilding.

The exhibition is composed of six distinct elements, each contributing to a layered narrative of heritage, resilience, and contemporary innovation. Alongside DAKH, the showcase features a digital avatar of architect and ethnographer Tamara Kosmina (1936–2016), who dedicated her life to preserving Ukraine’s vernacular architecture through extensive field research. Created using the Iris tool, this AI persona merges advanced technology with cultural legacy, offering a novel way to connect artificial intelligence with traditional knowledge.

The exhibit also highlights the emergency vernacular of war-torn regions such as Chernihiv, Kyiv, Kharkiv, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia. It presents visual documentation of repair efforts and survival strategies, captured by the reconstruction collectives Livyj Bereh (Ihor Okuniev, Vladyslav Sharapa, and Kseniia Kalmus) and KHARPP (Ada Wordsworth). Additionally, artist and writer Yevgenia Belorusets brings attention to the war’s impact on landscapes in a photographic series that focuses on the critical work of Mykolaiv Water Utility employees.

Finally, the immersive sound installation Drone Canopy, curated by Clemens Poole, draws inspiration from Klyn, a grassroots drone-building initiative led by Kseniia Kalmus, offering a sonic interpretation of modern resilience in the face of conflict.

“Reconstruction makes no sense without security; and security is impossible to obtain without resistance. Over the course of over a decade now, the Ukrainian sky has been continually subjected to the furious wrath of the Russian war machine. Adequate and sustainable air defense systems remain a distant, seemingly out-of-reach horizon. In response, over its thatched, slate, wooden, metal, and concrete roofs, rural and urban, vernacular and prefabricated, Ukrainians are erecting a giant flying and buzzing cocoon—a drone canopy.” write curators Bogdana Kosmina, Michał Murawski, Kateryna Rusetska.

The Planetary Hardcore nomadic program will kick off on 10 May at the Scuola Grande di San Marco in Venice. Its aim is to foster connections between Ukrainian and international collectives by addressing key questions: How does the experience of emergency vernacular vary across war-affected regions? In what ways does wartime “hardcore”—the layered blend of geological, social, and architectural elements—serve as a platform for communal action? And how can collective responses in the face of war be reimagined as sustainable, equitable, and just social settlements?

The Venice Architecture Biennale is organized around three key components: national pavilions, collateral events, and the international exhibition. This year’s edition includes 65 national pavilions, 11 collateral events, and over 750 participants contributing to the international exhibition. Among the other regional pavilions, the Hungarian pavilion presents “Nothing to See Here”, while the Bulgarian pavilion explores the contradictions between artificial intelligence and sustainability.

A Guide to Finding the Right LED Lumens for Your Space

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What Is Considered Enough Light?

It’s a common question—and not always an easy one to answer. Figuring out how much LED lighting you need to effectively brighten a space can be a bit complex.

Whether you’re planning for commercial architectural lighting or residential applications, understanding how to calculate the right number of LED lumens is essential. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know.

Key Lighting Terms

Lumens
Lumens measure the total amount of visible light emitted by a source—be it LED, fluorescent, halogen, or incandescent. This measurement reflects the brightness or light output. As a point of reference, a standard 100-watt incandescent bulb produces about 1,500 to 1,700 lumens.

Watts
Watts indicate how much energy a light source consumes, not how bright it is. Since different light technologies produce varying amounts of light per watt, we’ll focus on lumens to assess lighting needs more accurately.

Wattage Equivalence
Because many people still think in terms of watts, you’ll often see LED bulbs labeled with “watt equivalents.” For instance, if a 10-watt LED produces the same 1,500 lumens as a 100-watt incandescent, it might be marketed as a “100-watt equivalent” bulb. However, lumen-per-watt performance can vary slightly between different LED products and fixture types, like suspended linear lighting or recessed options.

Efficacy
Efficacy refers to the number of lumens a bulb produces per watt it uses. Higher efficacy means better energy efficiency. ENERGY STAR-certified lighting products typically offer high efficacy, delivering strong performance with lower energy use.

How to Calculate How Much Light You Need

1. Measure the Room’s Square Footage
Multiply the room’s length by its width. For example, a 10′ x 10′ room equals 100 square feet.

2. Identify the Recommended Foot-Candles for the Room Type
Foot-candles measure how much light falls on a surface one foot away from the source. Different rooms require different levels of brightness. Kitchens and bathrooms need more foot-candles than bedrooms or living rooms.

3. Calculate the Required Lumens
To find out how many lumens you need, multiply your room’s square footage by the required foot-candles for that type of space.

For a 100 sq. ft. living room needing 10–20 foot-candles: you’ll need 1,000–2,000 lumens.
For a 100 sq. ft. dining room needing 30–40 foot-candles: you’ll need 3,000–4,000 lumens.

Quick Reference Example

A typical 250 sq. ft. room would require around 5,000 lumens for general lighting (based on 20 lumens per square foot). For more focused lighting—like over a dining table—you might aim for about 30 lumens per square foot. A 6′ x 3′ table would therefore need around 540 lumens.

Additional Tips

Dark interiors (walls, furniture, finishes) absorb more light, so you may want to add about 10 lumens per square foot.
Ceiling height matters—these examples assume 8-foot ceilings.
Personal preference is key. If you prefer brighter spaces, consider increasing your lumen count by 10–20%.
Use dimmers where possible. This allows flexibility to adjust brightness depending on time of day or activity.

Oman Debuts at Venice Architecture Biennale 2025 with a Visionary Pavilion Inspired by the Communal Sablah

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Traditional Omani threshold, elements of inspiration for the Omani Pavilion space and design. Image © Omani Pavilion

For the first time in its history, the Sultanate of Oman will participate in the 19th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia, unveiling its inaugural national pavilion titled Traces. Curated by Omani architect Majeda Alhinai and commissioned by Sayyid Saeed bin Sultan bin Yarub Al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Culture at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the pavilion aligns with the Biennale’s central theme: “Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective.” The exhibition will run from 10 May to 23 November 2025 at the Arsenale in Venice, Italy.

Floral patterns motifs, elements of inspiration for the Omani Pavilion space and design. Image © Omani Pavilion

Traces takes inspiration from the “Sablah”—a traditional communal gathering space found throughout Omani villages—as a lens through which to explore enduring architectural practices and social resilience. By examining the spatial and cultural dynamics of the Sablah, the pavilion proposes its relevance as a model for designing future shared environments rooted in community, dialogue, and hospitality.

Majeda Alhinai, Traces Curator. Image © Omani Pavilion
Mandoos, elements of inspiration for the Omani Pavilion space and design. Image © Omani Pavilion

Architecturally, the pavilion is conceived as a 10-by-10-meter modular structure without clear boundaries between inside and outside. Encouraging fluid movement and interaction, it invites visitors to engage with the space on their own terms. Crafted from natural, palm-woven materials, the seating elements are moveable, promoting inclusivity and adaptability. The pavilion will serve as a setting for public talks and communal events throughout the exhibition. Its earthy color palette draws from the tones of Omani sand and pottery, grounding the design in the nation’s rich material heritage.

Apartment Design by JD Design Studio

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Based in Dubai, JD Design studio undertake also overseas project in Belarus, Lebanon, Saudia Arabia, and Nigeria. Architect Jaafar Daher is here to get in touch with each client and to work personally in every project with his team of young and professional expertise in order to assure the high quality standard of their design and presentation.

LAIM Resort by JD Design Studio

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Based in Dubai, JD Design studio undertake also overseas project in Belarus, Lebanon, Saudia Arabia, and Nigeria. Architect Jaafar Daher is here to get in touch with each client and to work personally in every project with his team of young and professional expertise in order to assure the high quality standard of their design and presentation.

Luxury Modern Design By Charles Interiors

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In the luxury area Maitama of Abuja, Charles Interiors designed a three-floors villa where the designers mixed the luxury modern design with and neo-classical one.

In the heart of Nigerian capital the villa includes a Ground hall, dining room, living room and bedrooms. Using modern technology, Charles Interiors created unique and beautiful designs of floors, walls, and ceilings, decorated with luxury furniture, lighting, and exotic decorative accessories.

As soon as you enter the place you fall in love with a gentle and refined universe. In the ground hall, a white case for a contemporary alliance of armchairs and sofas. The style and charm of the living room make it cosy and linked to aspired from the eerie charm of the rooms.

The dining room is one of the most important rooms in any home, the place where the family converges to share a meal and where friends and guests are entertained for purpose of socialization over a meal.

One of the clients’ requests was to have the bedroom for each member of the family specially designed to meet his needs, desires, and interests. The designers have taken into consideration each detail getting rooms with magnificent interiors and a relaxing atmosphere.

The results of the combination of luxurious modern style and the neo-classical style are one timeless atmosphere that unites the past of the villa with the new life it is given.

Choureh Dandache Interior Designer

At Charles Interiors, we visualize each project through a carefully evolved process in which we assess the client’s needs. Our services reflect this relentless energy through quality and advocacy for our clients.

Client satisfaction plays a key role in every aspect of our services offerings including the post-delivery maintenance that we provide.

All our services are delivered through Eco-Friendly concepts that enhance the lifestyles of our clients in harmony with nature.

Optimistic design is not a particular look, it is a movement of residential anarchy. It goes much deeper than using bright colors. It is an attitude displaying self- empowerment, nurturing a more upbeat approach to living. It is about doing things differently, to kick against what is currently on-trend. The only guiding principle is that there is no guiding principle. It is a war where a need breed of self-curating, design smart amateurs who blog about their rebellious design have led the way. They have coined the world undecorated.