Surge for Water, a global non-profit fighting for access to clean water on behalf of the world’s most vulnerable communities will host their annual gala dinner on December 6th at The Address hotel, Dubai Marina, under the theme of “Reimagine Lighting”.
Several of the UAE’s renowned Interior Design houses will reveal their bespoke, sustainable creations in support of Surge. In the Middle East, Surge increases awareness of the global water crisis, contributing to a culture that cares, feels responsible and practices sustainable habits to preserve local water resources.
Marita Peters, Executive Director at Surge, explained: “A well-lit future requires reimagining the way we think about light. In addition to raising awareness for our work, through their creations, the designers are inspiring people to live sustainably, thus creating a brighter world and in that spirit, this year’s theme is Reimagine Lighting.”
Surge has challenged 11 top UAE Interior Design houses to create innovative, sustainable lighting fixtures in support of its cause and provide the opportunity for designers to showcase their designs at the gala. The participating designers include: Perkins + Will, CH-Interiors, Design by Mariska, Design Worldwide Partnership (DWP), Earth & Ware, Gensler, HOK, Maja Kozel Design, Pallavi Dean Interiors, Sneha Divias Atelier and Wilson Associates.
“The competition promotes sustainable design across the entire product lifecycle with an emphasis on waste reduction, ultimately leading to less water used. The process encourages designers to think about their water footprint i.e. the water used in the manufacturing of their products, as well as the connection between water and energy,” said Peters.
The event is hosted in collaboration with No Grey Area International. Elliot Barron, Partner at No Grey Area said: “Having been involved with Surge in a number of ways since it began in the UAE, we at No Grey Area are delighted to sponsor such a worthy cause this year. In providing industry leading, high efficiency LED solutions and fully recyclable stretch ceiling systems that can significantly reduce transportation pollution, installation waste, human resources and maintenance requirements, sustainability is at the heart of our social corporate responsibility statement.” Other major sponsors include John Cullen Lighting, Milliken & Company and Sunon.
The gala dinner, hosted by presenter Shereen Mitwalli Butler, is the culmination of a six-month competition process that challenges local designers and manufacturers. The creations were built using indigenous, reclaimed or recycled materials. A jury comprised of an esteemed panel of design and sustainability experts will award several distinctions during the evening’s festivities. The community at large can also get involved by voting for their favourite design via the ‘LoveThatDesign’ https://www.lovethatdesign.com/surgeddd17/ online platform and tickets for the gala dinner cost 600 dirhams and are on sale at http://surgeforwater.org/ddd17