A creative mind

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"Dubai doesn't represent its real culture, it represents the creativity of the people of the world." Architect and interior designer, Shawn O Takidden, has strong opinions about Dubai's bourgeoning design industry and its skyline.

"I love the architecture in Dubai but I think the Arabesque influences have been overdone. Seriously, enough is enough. The culture already maintains itself - even if you built a space station here, it would still be an Arab country," he continues.

The American-educated design director of STA Designs moved to Dubai in December last year and has already started to make his mark on the city and the wider region. As an interior designer and architect, his current projects offering varying degrees of design and scale, mainly within the hospitality sector. He lists his current projects such as the interior design of the new Ibn Battuta Hotel by Movenpick Hotel and Resort, a hotel in Yemen, the world's largest hotel and casino in Macau, China and an entire island in the south of Vietnam, as well as a few other hotels developments in the region he cannot yet confirm.

Other than its design influences, what does Takidden think of Dubai? "As soon as I stepped off the plane, I understood why so many people have said this emirate's national bird is the crane. My next thought, was this is where I want to try my luck and leave my signature. It is a dream to be a part of this process in the beginning. Eventually I would like to say that I was one of the people that helped create the city. There is no place in the world like Dubai, other than maybe Macau, where you can really see the creation of truly beautiful architecture."

Just who is this designer who flew into the city just over six months ago and has already decided a change in direction is required? Although his name may not seem familiar, many are probably aware of his work, which includes the worldwide design concept for Chili's restaurant and the interior design and architecture of the US Italian-American food chain, Maggiano's Little Italy, as well as many hospitality projects worldwide. He says: "Even the Chili's branding here is my design. I don't take credit for it though - it's a stamp or a prototype for the company. Everything I have ever designed is catered for the clients. I don't design for myself, I design for my clients."

Has he ever been asked to design something he doesn't actually like? "I would say 70% of the time I am asked to design is something I don't like. A project is never ideal, there is always something wrong with the land, the process or something. It is, however, the greatest feeling when you stand in front of a building for the first time that you have designed.

"My favourite projects are restaurants and bars because they really give me the chance to get creative. The results are also seen quite quickly, unlike hotels and malls when the final results can't be seen until four years down the line. There are lots of projects that I have been involved with and I haven't even seen the final result," he goes on to say.

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USER COMMENTS (2 COMMENTS)

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Across the globe
Posted by Julia Alcantara on 16 January 2008 at 08:07 UAE time

Working with Shawn is always an inpsiring process. From Macau to Dubai he is creating rooms of earthy texture and cultural significance that fall nothing short of magnificent. Understated luxury is the atmosphere we are seeking. Refined yet relaxed: he does it so well.

I am looking forward to doing more work in Dubai, and putting our touch on the city.

A creative mind - Designer & Arquithec Takidden
Posted by Madeline, Puerto Rico, USA on 28 August 2007 at 00:00 UAE time

I love this article. I learned so much! As an interior designer I hope one day I have the opportunity of working and visiting Dubai or maybe meet Mr, Takidden. It will be a real pleasure and challenge to work in Dubai. Is another perspective, a very different point of view.....

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