Zain Mustafa was named the winner of the first ever 'contemporary majlis competition' held at Index 2009 which concludes on Tuesday at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

INDEX organisers, dmg world media, set the challenge of creating a contemporary majlis to four leading interior design companies based in the UAE - etcetera living, Hirsch Bedner Associates, House of Zunn and Zain Mustafa – and each company showcased their vision of a modern majlis on the INDEX exhibition floor.

The brief was to create a majlis which celebrates traditional Arabic culture, but combines it with cutting edge design, and each of the four companies produced radically different concepts. The contest was sponsored by Al Nakheel.

Zain Mustafa’s design was inspired by a bisymmetrical Islamic motif iconically used in mashrabiya patterns over centuries and across the Muslim world.

Inspired by the traditional, nomadic, Bedouin floor seating styles, the core of the design is the comfortable, flexible, mis-matched fabrics, shapes and sizes of cushions that grow from back rests into day beds.

The competition was extremely close, with judges finding it difficult to choose between the designs, given the exceptional high quality and creativity.

etcetera living aimed to create a space that was both functional and aesthetically pleasing, and one that would appeal to the old and younger generations alike. They moved away from the traditional red and gold colour scheme, to a dramatic black and white, the organisers said.

Hirsch Bedner Associates was inspired by nature, and radically re-examined the traditional majlis, skilfully employing new materials and geometric shapes to bring it into the future. The colour scheme was earth tones, which aim to ensure that the majlis is a true place of sanctuary.

House of Zunn’s design maintained the traditional aspects of the majlis, whilst adding a less formal feel to the room. The designers used hardwood and exposed polished surfaces to provide a colourful and vibrant feel, in addition to antique pillars and painting ledges, copper, leather and glass.

The judges acknowledged the unique and interesting features of each majlis, but Zain Mustafa’s design was chosen as the winner because the judges felt that it really pushed the boundaries to the limit, whilst still respecting the Arabic heritage and traditions.

Speaking about the competition, Bernard Walsh, managing director of dmg world media said the majlis competition has sparked a fascinating debate and the judges were extremely impressed with all the designs.

The fabulous thing about interior design is that one brief can lead to totally different concepts, and we are extremely grateful to the companies who took part and who have been so supportive of Index. We would like to congratulate all of the companies on their designs, and in particular Zain and his team for being the first ever winner of this award,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service