Living Today in your Home of Tomorrow

Innovation will take centre stage at the 2014 edition of Downtown Design, taking place from October 28-31 at Downtown Dubai and held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), and sponsored by Emaar and the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture). The "Home of Tomorrow" at Downtown Design will showcase the potential of the interactive home promising to create wow factor to thrill this year's visitors.

Window-blinds that roll up and down following sunset and sunrise, high-tech bulbs that turn themselves off, glass panels that turn from transparent to opaque to allow privacy: it might sound like a scene from a futuristic film, but the technologies to make this sci-fi dream a reality are actually here, promising to make our lives simpler and better at the touch of a button.

The "Home of Tomorrow" uses smart devices that communicate with each other through Wi-Fi to make life easier and follow routines. The devices are controlled by an easy to use mobile app that can be accessed through a touch-pad or a mobile phone. Downtown Design has been working with ikonhouse whose retail outlet includes brands such as Bang & Olufsen, Crestron, Lutron, Berker, Hager, Emeco, Fritz Hansen, Louis Pulsen, Montana and Vitra to create the hi-tech installation at the fair. 

"Home automation is already here and it is intuitive to use. We can imagine that the smart home of tomorrow will learn our habits and adapt to our lifestyles blending seamlessly into our everyday lives", says Cristina Romelli Gervasoni, Downtown Design's Fair Director "The key is to make sure that we never notice that all these technologies are there. We are excited to see how our visitors interact with the exhibit."

Home automation also plays a pivotal role in energy efficiency. Buildings account for 40% of global energy consumption and are responsible for one-third of global carbon emissions. Clever use of sensors, software and smart appliances can minimize energy consumption and result in significant cost-savings for users while securing the future of the planet.

Endeavouring to make lives easier, the Home of Tomorrow project aims to inspire consumers with the possibilities of more adaptive and dynamic living spaces, enhanced comfort, energy consumption management and overall control of their environment.

Downtown Design promises the latest and greatest from the world's most respected brands in furniture and interiors. Design legends such as Vitra, Fritz Hansen, Bang & Olufsen, Herman Miller, Sicis and Lasvit will showcase their newest products and re-imagined classics alongside a packed programme of talks and seminars by renowned designers and influencers.  Downtown Design will also highlight local talent with brands such as the Emirati company Loci, who in collaboration with Swedish flooring Company, Bolon, will present its chic "Khatt" traditional attire stand. 

downtowndubai.com