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In addition, the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), the leading international trade association for the American hardwood industry, has announced its participation as a Gold Sponsor at the event.
Amidst intensifying calls for sustainable materials, recent statistics have revealed that the net volume of hardwood growing stock in the USA has increased from 184 million cubic feet in 1953 to just below 400 billion cubic feet in 2007. In the Mena region, where sustainability is rapidly becoming an important issue, especially in the construction and furniture industries, American hardwood exports are expected to remain stable, after reaching $55.5m in 2008. With a range of species, colours, grains and textures, American hardwoods have become the preferred choice of the international design community for high-end interior projects such as public buildings, hotels and corporate offices, as well as in private homes. In line with aims to educate construction professionals about the design possibilities for American hardwoods, AHEC will be participating at the 'ifi09 Dubai' exhibition, where it will also highlight the sustainable credentials of these products.
Roderick Wiles, AHEC Consultant, said:
"As the world faces up to environmental change, American hardwoods offer architects and designers a sustainable alternative. Our participation in 'ifi09 Dubai' is in line with out commitment towards building the market for American hardwoods in the region by highlighting not only their beautiful qualities, but their contribution to a more sustainable environment. By growing more hardwood each year than the volume harvested, the US hardwood industry can commit to substantial increases in exports, which will ensure reliable and long-term supplies to high potential markets such as the Mena region."
AHEC will also be sponsoring two well known speakers for the event - Patrick Fong, a Hong Kong-based interior architect, and Luke Hughes, a London based furniture designer. A renowned designer with over 35 years of experience, Fong has completed high profile projects including the Pacific Place, Times Square, Hang Seng Bank Headquarters Building, China World Trade Center in Beijing, Penang Holiday Inn and the Labour Bureau in Ohio, USA. Hughes has designed and made furniture for major public buildings, with his most important projects being the UK Supreme Court, the UK Houses of Parliament, more than 50 Oxford and Cambridge Colleges, 25 major public libraries, five royal palaces and over 1,000 boardrooms for major multi-national businesses.
"In line with our commitment to the growth of the global trade in sustainable hardwoods, we are actively pursuing initiatives to help achieve this goal, such as the publication of the first Illustrated Guide to American Hardwood Lumber Grades, which we initially launched in the Middle East in 2007, as well as our continued and high profile involvement with the Dubai Wood Show, and now our forthcoming participation at 'ifi09 Dubai'. We are optimistic about the prospects of this upcoming event, and we are gearing up to meet our global counterparts to discuss various issues surrounding the wood trade and strengthen cooperation among us. We are looking forward to a successful participation this year, as we remain committed to ensuring continuous supply of American hardwoods to the market," concluded Wiles.
Under the theme 'Celebrate Interior Design', 'ifi09 Dubai' aims to bring together interior designers and architects from across the globe to discuss issues regarding social responsibility, the business of interior designers, the influence of technology on design, the role of tradition and culture, sustainability, and interior design within academia. Leading organisations and research firms will share their insights into new business opportunities throughout the Middle East and Africa. The Assembly is spread across six days, which includes the Congress, master classes, exhibition and design competitions.
Posted by Siba Sami Ammari
