Traditional majlis given modern touch

Nour Samaha

• Last Updated: November 16. 2009 2:14PM UAE / November 16. 2009 10:14AM GMT

DUBAI // Zain Mustafa felt that it was important to keep the region’s heritage in mind while designing a modern majlis.

The architect and interior designer’s colourful take on the traditional gathering area in Arabian households won the top spot in a competition to design a contemporary majlis at Index, the interior design exhibition being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Mr Mustafa said the design was inspired by the “bisymmetrical Islamic motif used in mashrabiya patterns over history in the region”.

“I was using the idea of travel and movement along with flexibility and with inspiration from nomadic, Bedouin lifestyles,” he said.

“I’ve taken the idea of the traditional majlis with its open space and also created private spaces, so it has both the original concept with a cool and funky feel.”

Mr Mustafa’s design, which uses layers of brightly coloured cushions and fabric, highlights his stress on comfort over image.

“It is crucial that people, when at home and when visiting other people’s homes, feel comfortable in the room,” he said, adding that the materials used for his majlis were leftover scraps from suppliers and cloth warehouses.

“The aim of the challenge was to create a majlis with a modern style, to fit with the new generation,” said Bernard Walsh, the managing director of DMG World Media, the organiser of Index and the design competition. “We felt that Zain Mustafa was both unique and interesting and he took a traditional concept and gave it something quirky while keeping with the culture.”

For Mr Mustafa, his award-winning majlis is an example of how creativity in the region can develop independently of western influence.

“We have great designers here with our own directions, and we need to focus on them rather than trying to look constantly towards the West for leadership,” he said. “We have the tallest building in the world here, we can also have the best designers.”

Mr Mustafa received a glass statue for his efforts.

nsamaha@thenational.ae