Pascal Tarabay
Considered to be one the region’s more dynamic talents, Pascal Tarabay is also making inroads in the tougher design scene in Europe. “Intellectually, it’s better to be here [in the Middle East]. There are more talented people who want to learn,” says Tarabay. Currently based in Milan and Beirut, the architect and designer is being noticed for his contemporary architectural ‘flat-packed’ designs, and his time-inspired coat hooks. “I like to play with language and create hybrid objects,” he quips. Recently, he has also branched out into designing women’s handbags. A graduate of Italy’s Damus Academy, Tarabay has been hailed for reinvigorating the image of Italian company Diamantini & Domeniconi and for creating unique visual concepts for Magrabi opticians and DHL Beirut.
Age 37
Projects Tayeb Residence, Beirut; Abitare a Milano, Milan
Trademark “Some people say my work is ironic.”
Contact
HYPERLINK "http://www.pascaltarabay.com" www.pascaltarabay.com
Sari El Khazen
Trained in Beirut and the US, Khazen established his architecture practice in late 2003. Specialising in both architecture and interior design, he has taken on a series of diverse commissions encompassing private residences, guesthouses, restaurants and bars. His most recognisable project is probably Beirut’s hottest summer nightspot Sky Bar. “I think in a very complex and chaotic way,” says Khazen, “I often think that I go with my ideas like a surfer goes with the waves, changing and adapting my inspiration to the realities of what the client wants.” He is armed with a Master of Science degree in Architect and Urban Design from Columbia University in NYC, and judging from his most recent work, El Khazen will continue to bring intriguing perspectives to our spaces and skylines.
Age 33
Projects Sky Bar, Beirut; Al Missehal landscape and guesthouse, Riyadh; Villa Al Rifaa, Bahrain
Trademark Mixes materials for visual effect and strength.
Contact
Tel +961 1 200920
James Law
Hong Kong born architect James Law has coined a term that has taken the Gulf and much of the world by storm. Cybertecture has come to define a concept that fuses the worlds of technology and architecture. It’s the vision of the future promised in many a space adventure film made real. Having set up an office in Dubai, Law is already making a dent in the UAE skyline and landscape with several awesome projects such as Plus Tower and Pixel Tower on the Dubai’s Waterfront and the mobile-sim-card-looking Telecom Tower in Abu Dhabi. Using a play on software and hardware, Law’s futuristic creations are set to inspire several generations to come. The award-winning chairman and chief cybertect of James Law Cybertecture graduated from the Bartlett School of Architecture under the visionary eye of legend Peter Cook.
Age 30s
Project The Fruit Museum, Japan; IBM Cybertecture House, Denmark
Trademark Futuristic smart liveable spaces.
Contact
HYPERLINK "http://www.jameslawcybertecture.com" www.jameslawcybertecture.com
