25hours Hotel One Central, the city’s distinctive and creative hospitality concept, is excited to announce an artistic collaboration with celebrated Lebanese artist Ali Cha’aban and the visionary design house FLAVA Lab. Together, they present “KURSI,” a striking chair installation produced as a symbol of cultural thought and movement. Launching on the 27th of June, this partnership is set to weave a potent narrative; one that artfully speaks to the importance of embracing history while building for the future, expressing the essence of the region’s journey and evolution through time.
“Through such endeavours, we’re able to embrace the creatives and offer the hotel as a platform for them to flaunt their talents,” says Leonardo Reis, PR & Partnerships Manager at 25hours Hotel Dubai. He continued, “In this co-creation, we embody the synergy between Ali Cha’aban, known for his artistry and super emerging talents, FLAVA Lab. It brought a statement piece, weaving together the rich narrative behind the hotel’s concept with each designer’s unique perspective. The vision of each talent harmonizes with a true history, which we aim to share with our guests and visitors”.
25hours Hotel One Central
In the heart of Dubai, a city known for its rapid transformation and modernity, “KURSI” at 25hours Hotel One Central pays a powerful tribute to the Middle East’s rich culture and dynamic growth. It represents a dialogue between what has been and what lies ahead, merging traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics. Placed in the lively lobby of 25hours Hotel, the installation encapsulates the concept of exploringte past, present, and future through its design. “KURSI” encourages viewers to reflect on their heritage, while igniting their imagination to continue shaping the innovations of our future.
Drawing inspiration from the concept of a space throne as a symbol of the future, Kursi’s design is an innovative revamp by Ali Cha’aban and FLAVA Lab . They brought in a new concept of ‘Kursi’ that features faux silver leather and PVC for a sleek, futuristic look. Its tufted design stands at 1.8 meters high, and an impressive carpet installation 8,5 meters giving it a regal presence. Despite its grandeur, “KURSI” retains its mobility and modernity, reflecting the nature of contemporary design. Complementing the chair is a large carpet inspired by traditional Persian tapestry, with intricate patterns and colors. Tentacle-like extensions from the carpet reach towards the chair, inviting people to consider the relationship between time and progress as the region navigates its journey forward.
Ali Cha’aban, whose work often explores themes of nostalgia and identity, brings a moving perspective to this collaboration. His creative approach, deeply rooted in the
cultural and socio-political landscape of the Middle East, resonates through this artistic vision personified, inviting people to contemplate the journey of progress witnessed in the region. “Chairs are an important, often underappreciated social symbol for community. They are fundamental to spaces where people can gather, share stories, and connect. ‘KURSI’ embodies this social aspect, creating a comfortable space for communication and reflection,” says Ali Cha’aban. “By bringing the elegance of a Persian carpet as my core element, this ethereal intersection of art and design, where tradition meets innovation, becomes an embodiment of history, progress, and the perpetual dance of time”.
Flava Lab, co-founded by Faizal Razak and Lava Ilieva, has earned a reputation for pushing the boundaries of conventional design. Known for their avant-garde approach and dedication to creating immersive experiences, FLAVA Lab’s contribution ensures that “KURSI” is not just an installation but an engaging piece of art. Their expertise in integrating various creative disciplines has brought a new dimension to the project, producing a true display of collaborative creation. “Flava Lab was excited to collaborate with Ali Cha’aban to present KURSI at 25hours Hotel, which we see as the perfect venue for bold creative expression. The piece itself was inspired by the Arabic word for chair or throne (Kursi) using materials that echo the space age feel of the 1960s. We used modern techniques like 3D printing to bring the chair to life and explore the interplay between texture, material, and form,” say Ilieva and Razak.
By providing a platform for regional talents and creatives, as well as celebrating the evolving identity of the Middle East, 25hours Hotel continues to be a hub for artistic expression and cultural dialogue. We invite you to join the conversation and be a part of our lively community at 25hours Hotel Dubai.
