EMIRATES ROOM - UNITED NATIONS OFFICE

GENEVA
SWITZERLAND
Institutional Interior Architecture

The Emirates Room at the United Nations Office in Geneva is an award-winning institutional interior architecture project designed to meet the highest international standards for diplomatic conference environments.

This project involved a comprehensive refurbishment of Conference Room XVII, integrating advanced technical requirements while reinforcing the architectural identity of the space.

Invited by the Ministry of Presidential Affairs of Abu Dhabi to participate in the international competition, the project was approached with a clear and rigorous vision, balancing precision, material expression and spatial clarity.

The Emirates Room, known in French as « La Salle des Émirats », received four international awards and was developed in collaboration with Joakim de Rham, founder of Swiss Bureau Interior Design in Dubai.

The project was developed in collaboration with Joakim de Rham, founder of Swiss Bureau Interior Design, Dubai.

United collaborations under the blue Emirates Sky

THE CONCEPT

The brief was clear yet ambitious: to design a project that would capture the forward-thinking spirit and avant-garde vision of the UAE, creating a space that resonates with its bold aspirations for the future.

The project’s inspiration originates from the emblem of the United Arab Emirates: a majestic golden falcon proudly holding the national flag, encircled by seven stars representing the unity of the Emirates Federation.

At the falcon’s base, the name of the United Arab Emirates appears in traditional Kufic script, which, in this project, transforms into a rounded, metallic architectural structure a modern homage to the enduring values of Arabic calligraphy.

This iconic structure extends toward the sky, symbolizing the UAE’s boundless aspirations.

GENESIS OF THE PROJECT

The sky, vast and infinite, is brought to life by innovative LED technology, which activates from morning to dusk.

Clouds drift across and the sky changes colors throughout the day, from 9 AM to 6 PM, mirroring the passage of time and reflecting the nation’s commitment to a forward-looking, innovative future.

THE DESERT OF ABU DHABI

Inside, the walls feature curved wooden panels, subtly evoking the graceful sweep of desert winds across sand dunes.

The craftsmanship required for this design posed a significant challenge, both for the architects and the carpenters, as they had to shape the wood to curve not only vertically but also in the flowing form of the room, incorporating the wave-like patterns that recall the desert of Abu Dhabi.

THE COLOUR OF THE SAND IN ABU DHABI

The flooring brings forth the rich orange tones of Abu Dhabi’s desert sands, immersing the space in the UAE’s unique natural palette.

Adeli spent two full days at the Balsan factory, the carpet manufacturer, working closely with the colorist to find the perfect shade of the Abu Dhabi desert dunes, after more than twenty attempts.

A HORSE THROUG A MIRAGE

The horse, one of the iconic symbols of the United Arab Emirates, is represented here as a refined calligraphic drawing, meticulously reimagined by a renowned Emirati calligrapher. In the visitor area of the Emirates Hall on the upper level, this majestic depiction rises against the wall, adding an artistic and cultural dimension to the space.

The image of the galloping horse, finely etched, is reflected on the glass panels of the translation booths. Seen from the lower level of the hall, it appears to float, almost like a mirage in the desert, captivating onlookers and embodying the noble, indomitable spirit of the Emirates."

During the construction of the Emirates Room, special attention was given to implementing the most advanced technologies to meet the complex requirements of international conferences.

The translation booths in this hall exemplify excellence in design and innovation:

Cutting-edge technology: The booths are equipped with low-latency digital audio systems and noise-canceling microphones, ensuring clear and interference-free transmission.

Ventilation and air conditioning systems: Designed to operate silently while maintaining a comfortable temperature for interpreters, even during extended sessions.

Advanced acoustic materials: High-performance insulating panels were used, meeting the stringent ISO standards to minimize external noise.

Ergonomic design: Carefully arranged spaces provide interpreters with an optimal working environment, featuring integrated screens and intuitive controls.

SECRETARY GENERAL MR BAN KI-MOON

19th January 2016, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visits the conference room XVII renovation site at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. Pictured with Siavosh Adeli who explain the concept of the project in the presence of Michael Møller, Director-General of United Nations Office in Geneva and Obaid Salem Al Zaabi, Permanent Representative of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations in Geneva.

With only three months remaining until the completion of the project, the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H. E. Mr Anwar Mohammed Gargash made a surprise visit to the UAE Room at the UN Headquarters.

Ambassador Al Zaabi asked Siavosh Adeli to be present on site to personally present the concept and the progress of the works to the Minister.

INAUGURATION

Michael Møller, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, in his welcoming remarks, said that “La Salle des Emirats” combines functionality, cutting-edge technology and a design that merges innovation and cultural heritage, very much in line with the spectacular architectural trends that have emerged in the United Arab Emirates over the past years. “Room XVII does not only shine in a new design, but also has technical features that will ultimately help delegates focus on finding solutions – under the blue Emirates sky – to the world’s problems that are being addressed here in Geneva,” said Mr. Møller.

Didier Burkhalter (left), Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, greets Obaid Salem Al Zaabi, Permanent Representative of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations in Geneva, in the fully renovated Conference Room XVII of the Palais des Nations.

Didier Burkhalter congratulates Siavosh Adeli shortly before the inauguration of Conference Room XVII at the Palais des Nations, Geneva.

To discover the article in the prestigious magazine “ELLE DECORATION” about the Emirates Room project.

ELLE DECORATION

Emirates Room in United Nations Office was the winner of 4 AWARDS between 2017-2018

PORCELANOSA - XI ARCHITECTURE & INTERIOR DESIGN AWARDS

April 2018 in Madrid
SPECIAL HONOR Award in XI Edition of PORCELANOSA
Architecture & Interior Design Awards

INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY AWARD

December 2017 in London
INTERNATIONAL Property Award in category « Best Public Service Interior »

EUROPEAN PROPERTY AWARD

November 2017 in London
EUROPEAN Property Award in category « Best Public Service Interior »

INAVATION AWARD

February 2017 in Amsterdam
INAVATION Award in category « Best Most InAvative Government Facility »