Versital | Design Insider

Are all Solid Surfaces Created Equal?

An overview of the different type of Solid Surface on the market.

5 July 2021

Design Insider

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At Workspace Design Show 2025, Design Insider`s Editorial Director, Alys Bryan, will be chairing a cutting-edge discussion on AI’s role in architecture and workplace design. Can AI truly optimise spaces, enhance well-being, and improve productivity—or are we just scratching the surface?

Together with:
🔹 Lorena Espaillat – Senior Architect, Zaha Hadid Architects
🔹 Hamza Shaikh – Digital Artist & Architect, Gensler
🔹 Deepak Parmar – Design Director / B Corp Lead, MCM

The panel will explore:

1️⃣ What is AI really optimising? Are generalised data sets limiting inclusivity and user-specific solutions?
2️⃣ Volume vs. quality—does AI deliver meaningful outcomes or does it struggle when prompts are too specific?
3️⃣ The power of data—how can firms train AI on unique inputs for more meaningful results?
4️⃣ The future of AI in design—can AI and human creativity truly work together, or will one dominate?

Join the Conversation!
27 Feb 2025 | 12:00 - 12:35 | Design Talks, Workspace Design Show

Would you trust an AI-optimised workspace without human intervention? Yes or No? Let us know in the comments! 👇

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At Workspace Design Show 2025, Design Insider's Editorial Director, Alys Bryan, will be chairing a cutting-edge discussion on AI’s role in architecture and workplace design. Can AI truly optimise spaces, enhance well-being, and improve productivity—or are we just scratching the surface?

Together with:
🔹 Lorena Espaillat – Senior Architect, Zaha Hadid Architects
🔹 Hamza Shaikh – Digital Artist & Architect, Gensler
🔹 Deepak Parmar – Design Director / B Corp Lead, MCM

The panel will explore:

1️⃣ What is AI really optimising? Are generalised data sets limiting inclusivity and user-specific solutions?
2️⃣ Volume vs. quality—does AI deliver meaningful outcomes or does it struggle when prompts are too specific?
3️⃣ The power of data—how can firms train AI on unique inputs for more meaningful results?
4️⃣ The future of AI in design—can AI and human creativity truly work together, or will one dominate?

Join the Conversation!
27 Feb 2025 | 12:00 - 12:35 | Design Talks, Workspace Design Show

Would you trust an AI-optimised workspace without human intervention? Yes or No? Let us know in the comments! 👇

2 0

At Workspace Design Show 2025, Design Insider Editorial Director, Alys Bryan, will be chairing an important discussion on how workplace design can be truly inclusive—beyond compliance, beyond checklists, and beyond assumptions.

A well-designed workplace should empower everyone, from a multigenerational workforce to neurodiverse employees, without sacrificing aesthetics or functionality. But how do we strike the right balance between designing for diverse needs, maintaining a compelling visual identity, and ensuring practical accessibility?

Together with:
🔹 Matt Clarke – Managing Director, Umbrella
🔹 Elena Panagiotidis – Managing Director, Siren Design
🔹 Marco Gastoldi – Associate, Gensler
🔹 Rachel Merriman – Head of Facilities, The FA Premier League

We’ll explore the challenges and opportunities of inclusive design, including:

1️⃣ What is inclusive design? Why accessibility, universal design, and inclusive design are not the same—and why it matters.
2️⃣ Designing for a diverse workforce—from Baby Boomers to Gen Z, every generation has different needs. How can hybrid models, sensory design, and spatial adaptability support everyone?
3️⃣ Striking a balance between aesthetics and function—does designing for inclusivity mean compromising on beauty? Or can workplaces be both visually compelling and accessible?
4️⃣ The client’s role in driving change—how informed decision-making can push inclusivity forward, moving features like prayer rooms, baby-feeding spaces, and quiet zones from nice-to-have to standard practice.

Join the Conversation!
27 Feb 2025 | 12:55 - 13:45 | Design Talks, Workspace Design Show

What’s the biggest challenge in making workplace design both inclusive and visually inspiring? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 👇

5 3

Open

At Workspace Design Show 2025, Design Insider Editorial Director, Alys Bryan, will be chairing an important discussion on how workplace design can be truly inclusive—beyond compliance, beyond checklists, and beyond assumptions.

A well-designed workplace should empower everyone, from a multigenerational workforce to neurodiverse employees, without sacrificing aesthetics or functionality. But how do we strike the right balance between designing for diverse needs, maintaining a compelling visual identity, and ensuring practical accessibility?

Together with:
🔹 Matt Clarke – Managing Director, Umbrella
🔹 Elena Panagiotidis – Managing Director, Siren Design
🔹 Marco Gastoldi – Associate, Gensler
🔹 Rachel Merriman – Head of Facilities, The FA Premier League

We’ll explore the challenges and opportunities of inclusive design, including:

1️⃣ What is inclusive design? Why accessibility, universal design, and inclusive design are not the same—and why it matters.
2️⃣ Designing for a diverse workforce—from Baby Boomers to Gen Z, every generation has different needs. How can hybrid models, sensory design, and spatial adaptability support everyone?
3️⃣ Striking a balance between aesthetics and function—does designing for inclusivity mean compromising on beauty? Or can workplaces be both visually compelling and accessible?
4️⃣ The client’s role in driving change—how informed decision-making can push inclusivity forward, moving features like prayer rooms, baby-feeding spaces, and quiet zones from nice-to-have to standard practice.

Join the Conversation!
27 Feb 2025 | 12:55 - 13:45 | Design Talks, Workspace Design Show

What’s the biggest challenge in making workplace design both inclusive and visually inspiring? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 👇

5 3

At Design Insider, we love seeing boundary-pushing design making an impact in the commercial sector, and WeWantMore is certainly delivering just that! Their latest project, Mövenpick Brussels Airport, is Belgium’s first Mövenpick hotel and a flagship destination for Accor!

Just a short drive from Zaventem Airport, this stunning new hotel, designed by architect David Vancanneyt, boasts 103 beautifully designed rooms, indulgent wellness facilities, and the showstopping rooftop restaurant, Magritte.

Tour the project! Click on the direct link in our stories, or select the Project tab on our website homepage, link in bio!

#hoteldesign #luxuryhospitality #boutiquehoteldesign #restaurantinteriors #hotelroomdecor #hotelrenovation #hospitalityinteriors #luxuryresorts #beautifulhotelinteriors #hotelsandresorts #hotelarchitecturaldesign #luxuryhotelinteriors #boutiquehotelvibes #resortarchitecture #hospitalitytrends #travelinteriors #hotelstyleinspo #designinghospitality #luxuryspacedesign #furnituresolutions #contracthospitalitydesign #modernhospitality #hoteldesigninspiration #sustainablehospitalitydesign #designleader #hospitalitydesignleader

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At Design Insider, we love seeing boundary-pushing design making an impact in the commercial sector, and WeWantMore is certainly delivering just that! Their latest project, Mövenpick Brussels Airport, is Belgium’s first Mövenpick hotel and a flagship destination for Accor!

Just a short drive from Zaventem Airport, this stunning new hotel, designed by architect David Vancanneyt, boasts 103 beautifully designed rooms, indulgent wellness facilities, and the showstopping rooftop restaurant, Magritte.

Tour the project! Click on the direct link in our stories, or select the Project tab on our website homepage, link in bio!

#hoteldesign #luxuryhospitality #boutiquehoteldesign #restaurantinteriors #hotelroomdecor #hotelrenovation #hospitalityinteriors #luxuryresorts #beautifulhotelinteriors #hotelsandresorts #hotelarchitecturaldesign #luxuryhotelinteriors #boutiquehotelvibes #resortarchitecture #hospitalitytrends #travelinteriors #hotelstyleinspo #designinghospitality #luxuryspacedesign #furnituresolutions #contracthospitalitydesign #modernhospitality #hoteldesigninspiration #sustainablehospitalitydesign #designleader #hospitalitydesignleader

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We’re thrilled to unveil the 2025 Commercial Interiors UK Directory—your essential guide to the commercial interiors industry!

This year’s edition is packed with thought-provoking insights, expert opinions, inspiring case studies, and industry-leading suppliers, making it a must-read for designers, specifiers, operators, and suppliers shaping the spaces where we work, socialise, heal, learn, and travel.

Featuring exclusive editorial content from Design Insider, this year’s highlights include:

🔹 Expert Opinion Articles – Industry leaders tackling the big questions.
🔹 Inspiring Case Studies – Showcasing standout commercial projects.
🔹 Editorial Features & Event News – Key insights and discussions.
🔹 Supplier Finder & Member Profiles – A go-to guide for accredited.

This directory is a celebration of the knowledge, creativity and expertise within our commercial community.

Read and download the 2025 Directory using the link in our bio!

Here’s to another year of inspiring design and innovation!

#CIUK #DesignInsider #CommercialInteriors #InteriorDesign #IndustryInnovation