Ideal Standard recently participated in Dubai Design Week 2023, the region’s premier design event hosted in Dubai Design District from November 8th to 11th. The brand’s participation showcased an unwavering commitment to design excellence, presenting a captivating booth-in-booth concept at the Downtown Design Fair and engaging in insightful panel discussions led by Ideal Standard Chief Design Officer Roberto Palomba, an esteemed Italian architect renowned for his visionary contributions.
Against the scenic backdrop of Dubai Design District’s waterfront, Dubai Design Week 2023 emerged as a pivotal cultural event, marking its triumphant 9th edition. The occasion gathered global and local brands, presenting a diverse array of products and installations. An assembly of key industry leaders facilitated enriching panel discussions, delving into profound design concepts and trends.

Setting new standards in innovation
Ideal Standard booth-in-booth concept, in collaboration with Casa Milano, UAE distributor, captured the essence of sophistication and functionality. The booth showcased Ideal Standard latest product launches, among which was the Solos ceramics and fittings collection, an innovative flagship piece with a unique integrated combination of basin and fitting. Crafted by Ludovica+Roberto Palomba, the Solos collection is the epitome of elegance and simplicity, while also expertly marrying design and performance with water-saving features and advanced technology.
A standout at the exhibit was the Alu+ collection, elevating the showering experience with its eco-sustainable design and a vibrant palette of modern colours, including Silk Black, Rosé, and Silver. The sustainability credentials of Alu+ are backed by using materials that are 100% free from chrome, lead, and nickel, as it instead utilises high-quality recyclable aluminium made up of 84% recycled content, while its water-saving technology, built into the entire range, helps reduce water usage.

Designs redefining spaces
The Gusto kitchen collection, a testament to Ideal Standard century-long legacy in brassware manufacturing, stole the limelight in the kitchen section. This striking collection merges Italian aesthetics with cutting-edge technology, redefining functionality in kitchen fittings innovation.
Finally, one of Ideal Standard most popular collections, i.life B ceramic collection, was also on display. The collection is a testament to contemporary minimalism, making a resounding impact with its introduction of a new trend-led colour choice, Glossy Grey. The modern curved design and flowing lines of the i.life B range is one of many product innovations crafted by Roberto Palomba and his design and architecture studio in Milan, Palomba Serafini Associati.
Complementing the booth-in-booth concept, Ideal Standard latest innovations took centre stage within distinct design concepts crafted by renowned design studios including Kristina Zanic, CK Architecture, and LW Design Group. These captivating installations were showcased at the Downtown Design Fair, offering a first-hand glimpse into the seamless integration of Ideal Standard products within diverse and visionary design approaches.

Engaging dialogues on design and sustainability
Chief Design Officer, Roberto Palomba, spearheaded Ideal Standard participation in engaging panel discussions, contributing valuable insights. Roberto Palomba was joined by Andrew Harms, Partner and Technical Design Director at LW, and Chris Barnes, Founder of Broadway Interiors, to discuss “Sustainability and Design”, at Ideal Standard Design & Specification Centre in City Walk Dubai. The speakers delved into cutting-edge approaches employed by companies to develop eco-friendly products and designs without compromising aesthetics.
Another illuminating event unfolded at Ideal Standard Design & Specification Centre, an engaging round table discussion on the theme of “Reimagining the Bathroom Experience”. The event was hosted by Casa Milano in collaboration with Love That Design and Intelier. The distinguished panel featured visionaries in the field: Roberto Palomba; Indira Arnautovic, Interior Designer extraordinaire at GA Group; Marisa Santamaría, Founder and Director of the Global Innovation Trends Unit and professor at Politecnico di Milano, Poli. Design; Mario Romano, Founder of M|R Walls; and Laura Bielecki, Associate Director of Interiors at Nakheel.

Together, these luminaries explored the core aspects of design intertwined with technological advancements, the imperative for sustainability, and the evolving preferences of users. Their insights illuminated the intersection of creativity, functionality, and the ever-evolving landscape of modern living spaces.

In a third compelling conversation at the Downtown Design Fair, themed “Quiet Luxury”, Roberto Palomba, Jacob Riiber from Kvadrat Acoustics, Anna DeFlorian from Ultra Arte, Monica Arango from C’est ici Design, and Ahmed Bayashout from Studio A, discussed the impact of factoring well-being into our interiors.

Frederick Trzcinski, VP of Commercial Middle East & Gulf and Marketing Middle East and Africa, Ideal Standard MENA, said: “Ideal Standard participation in Dubai Design Week 2023 symbolized its steadfast dedication to design excellence. The brand’s distinctive product showcase, innovative booth-in-booth concept, and valuable contribution by Chief Design Officer Roberto Palomba manifests a commitment to pushing the boundaries of creative ingenuity and setting new standards for modern, sustainable living.”