AUS’ Six Degrees: Showcasing excellence and creativity in architecture and design

Agency News
-
0
AUS’ Six Degrees: Showcasing excellence and creativity in architecture and design

The American University of Sharjah’s (AUS) College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) celebrated the impressive work of its 98 graduating students at its annual graduate show and industry night, Six Degrees.

Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS, inaugurated the event at the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park on June 1, in the presence of industry representatives and members of the various creative communities in the UAE.

The exhibition showcased the works of graduates in architecture, interior design, design management, multimedia design, visual communication and urban planning. A Six Degrees catalog accompanied the exhibition, highlighting works selected by each graduating student.

Fourteen students and three faculty members were also recognized for their outstanding work during the academic year at a special ceremony during the event.

“We take deep pride in the accomplishments of our graduating students that are showcased at the annual Six Degrees exhibition. This flagship event highlights our students’ exceptional talent and creativity and emphasizes their commitment as designers to pushing the boundaries of what is possible. The show demonstrates the level of rigorous academic training and mentoring they have received at CAAD,” said Dr. Varkki Pallathucheril, Dean of CAAD.

The exhibition showcased a myriad of creative student projects that tackled diverse themes such as a Sharjah Center for Film and Media; a night, hidden market in Beirut; a resilient oasis harnessing ground and quarry water for Gulf resource autonomy; alternative mapping methods physically documenting social-environmental interactions within Sharjah’s industrial areas; UAE urban coalescence; creation of design-build spaces for design education; a housing project that blends Emirati community traditions with an emphasis on privacy; and many more.  

“Our students have demonstrated a remarkable ability to address complex challenges through their projects, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of our programs. The Six Degrees exhibition serves as a platform to engage with professionals and the wider community, fostering collaborations and opening doors to future opportunities. It reflects the great potential our students have for making significant contributions as design professionals,” said Dr. Pallathucheril.

During a special recognition ceremony at the exhibition, students Yara Moustafa Soliman (architecture), Leen Mamoun Afaneh (interior design), Carol Maher Bebawy (multimedia design), Bettina Frana Rodricks (visual communication), Tasneem Zafer Husami (design management) and Sania Parambathkandy Shanavaz (urban planning) received the Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence for their exceptional accomplishments over the course of their years at CAAD and AUS.

The M.A.D. Award (Motivation + Attitude + Dedication) went to students Sara Mohamed Mohamed (architecture), Shahd Husni Shalak (interior design), Yomna Badr Badr (multimedia design), Ayesha Maria Fernandes (visual communication), Rokaya El Lakis (design management) and Maram Mubarak Ali (urban planning). The award is given to one student from each of the college’s degree programs who exhibits motivation, attitude and dedication to their work.

Awarded for their exemplary organizational leadership, service to the university, enlargement of the college purpose, citizenship and contributions to the community, students Salma Ashraf Ibrahim (multimedia design) and Zainab Oghai Gawhari (architecture) received the Dean’s Service Award.

The American Institute of Architects medal for Academic Excellence recognizes the top architecture graduates whose imagination and design thinking will influence the future of the built environment; this year’s recipient is Yara Moustafa Soliman. Furthermore, CAAD students Tala Alsakka Amini and Habiba Mohamed were recognized by global architecture and design practice Aedas. They received the Aedas Award in recognition of the importance of drawings and graphic representation as the language of architecture and for their unique, risk-taking and provocative work.

The Best Faculty Award 2024 went to Dr. Christopher Kaltenbach, Associate Professor of Art and Design; Camilo Cerro, Associate Professor of Architecture; and Patrick Rhodes, Associate Professor of Architecture (Foundations Year). The awardees were voted by CAAD students for the academic year.

Six Degrees will be on view from June 1 to 8 in Wing B at the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park.

To learn more about the AUS College of Architecture, Art and Design, visit www.aus.edu/caad.

-ENDS-

Attached Photos: 

1-6 H.E Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi at (CAAD)’s annual graduate show and industry night, in the presence of industry representatives and members of the various creative communities in the UAE.

7-8 Part of the special recognition ceremony at the exhibition.

High Quality and Additional Photos: https://we.tl/t-hpSBEOxqKZ

Video Link: https://we.tl/t-ssbOp2u4wz

SCA announces Eid Al Fitr holiday for financial markets

Agency News
-
0
SCA announces Eid Al Fitr holiday for financial markets

ABU DHABI, 4th April 2024 (WAM) — The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) announced that the Eid Al Fitr holiday in the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and Dubai Financial Market (DFM) will start from Monday, the 29th of Ramadan 1445 AH (April 8, 2024), until the 3rd of Shawwal 1445 AH.

SCA added in today’s circular that its decision came after consultation and coordination with the financial markets and the Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange, based on the circular issued by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources regarding the Eid Al Fitr holiday.

SCA clarified that trading and regular working hours will resume in the markets on Friday, April 12, 2024, if Eid Al Fitr falls on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, or on Monday, April 15, 2024, if Eid falls on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

SCA pointed out that for the Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange and Dubai Commodities Clearing Corporation, they will continue to operate during the mentioned holiday period, and their trading hours will be as usual.

UAE a gateway for Chinese companies to expand into GCC, African markets: Under-Secretary for Financial Services and Treasury in Hong Kong

Agency News
-
0
UAE a gateway for Chinese companies to expand into GCC, African markets: Under-Secretary for Financial Services and Treasury in Hong Kong

DUBAI, 10th May, 2024 (WAM) — Joseph Chan, Under-Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury at the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, highlighted the ongoing efforts to strengthen relations with the UAE, to help pave the way for the expansion of Chinese companies into the markets of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region and Africa.

In an interview with Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of his participation in the Dubai FinTech Summit held this week, Chan said that major Chinese companies are establishing their international headquarters in Hong Kong to enhance their regional and international operations.

He also pointed out that with advanced policies and regulations covering Web3 and digital assets, many Chinese-owned digital asset companies have established their headquarters in Hong Kong with the aim of expanding globally.

He added that some investors from Hong Kong and China working in the sectors of venture capital, family offices, digital assets, and banks are currently seeking to strengthen their presence in the UAE, with expectations that these trends will accelerate and diversify in the future, especially in light of the joint facilitations provided by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau of Hong Kong, InvestHK, and other government agencies.

Chan noted that the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism during the Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong last September, to enhance their economic cooperation in financial services, pointing out that since then, there has been regular follow-ups by both institutions.

Chan stressed that he led a delegation of over 30 business leaders from Hong Kong and China to Dubai and Abu Dhabi over the past few days to highlight the business opportunities available in the UAE and Hong Kong and deepen their cooperation in key financial areas, including wealth management, family offices, financial technology, and digital assets.

DIFC publishes report on regional outlook for banking, capital markets

Agency News
-
0
DIFC publishes report on regional outlook for banking, capital markets

DUBAI, 27th May, 2024 (WAM) — Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial centre in the MEASA region, has published a “Regional Outlook for Banking and Capital Markets” report in partnership with LSEG Data & Analytics.

The report focuses on how regional IPO growth is expected to come in three phases. Firstly, the continued privatisation of state-related entities, followed by listings by family-owned companies, and lastly, FinTech and tech-enabled start-ups.

Additionally, the report considers the profile of investors based in the region, especially Dubai, which has attracted a rising number of wealthy individuals and families who are seeking to capitalise on investment opportunities.

Commenting on the report’s findings, Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer, DIFC Authority, said, “Driven by the surge in IPOs, capital markets across the MENA region have experienced remarkable expansion, driven by reforms aimed at enhancing market infrastructure and fostering greater foreign and regional investment inflows. With its strategic initiatives and robust regulatory framework, DIFC plays a pivotal role in driving innovation and stimulating growth within the financial sector. Dubai’s IPO boom underscores the city’s status as a thriving hub for capital markets, and DIFC’s role in enabling this acceleration through the firms that drive capital markets and provide advisory services for IPOs will continue to contribute to the dynamic evolution of global finance.”

Following two years of moderate IPO activity, 2024 shows signs of a rebound supported by the postponement of several 2023 deals in anticipation of more favourable market conditions. Based on data published by EY, 51 IPOs took place in 2022, raising US$22 billion, including a mix of both family businesses and the public sector.

The privatisation of state-related entities is leading to greater economic diversification, private sector development and sovereign liquidity creation. As of March 2024, Dubai had followed through on six out of the ten government entities it plans to take public, including Parkin, which was 165 times covered and attracted US$71 billion in orders – a new record for the emirate.

Another recent example includes the November 2023 listing of Dubai Taxi Co., a unit of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), which raised US$315 million and was 130 times oversubscribed, while Saudi Arabia’s wider plans to privatise US$55 billion in assets by 2025 reinforce the increasing regional trend towards privatisation.

From the private sector, the listing of family-owned companies is helping to drive business growth, succession planning and enhanced governance and transparency. For example, Al Ansari Financial Services, one of the UAE’s largest remittance and foreign currency exchange companies, owned by a local family group raised US$210 million from its 2023 IPO, while Spinney’s (Spinneys 1961 Holding PLC), which was incorporated in DIFC to list its shares on DFM, thereby benefiting from its extensive laws, regulations, and stability, listed in April 2024.

Spurred on by the momentum of other, highly anticipated listings, such as Lulu’s forthcoming IPO, there is now an ever-growing list of demonstrable incentives for other family businesses to follow suit. A third wave of IPOs is expected through FinTech and tech-enabled start-up exits, helping to stimulate new industries with high-growth potential, while creating strong demand from investors and viable exit options for VC investors.

Through increased IPO activity, banks, investment banks, brokerage firms and law firms within DIFC’s ecosystem also benefitted significantly from the privatisation of state enterprises, with fees for MENA deals alone exceeding US$1.2 billion and proceeds from MENA equity and equity-related deals exceeding US$13 billion in 2023.

The report also highlights how the region’s capital markets are becoming more mature, driven in Dubai by DIFC’s robust regulatory framework and commitment to innovation. DIFC is also home to more than 230 investment banks, all of which are stimulating capital markets.

Deepening of Dubai’s capital markets and market reforms, aligned with best practice have helped create greater opportunities for investors in different themes of the economy. As outlined in the report by John Wilkinson, Head of Emerging Markets Equity Capital Markets and Managing Director, Goldman Sachs, DIFC is driving this growth as an attractive jurisdiction for incorporation, through its business-friendly approach towards the rule of law, and how the Centre has grown as a venue for global investors.

The region is home to a vast range of potential investors. Notably, these include family businesses, and wealthy individuals who are represented by the influx of wealth of asset management firms.

According to recent data, the UAE attracted a record-breaking number of High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) in 2022, which continued into 2023 and beyond. Currently, there are an estimated 109,900 resident HNWIs, including 298 centi-millionaires and 20 billionaires, prompting DIFC’s estimated 370 asset managers to strengthen their presence in the emirate.

Rasmala Announces Acquisition of Cove Rotana Resort in Ras Al Khaimah

Agency News
-
0
Rasmala Announces Acquisition of Cove Rotana Resort in Ras Al Khaimah

Dubai, June 3, 2024: Rasmala Investment Bank Limited (“Rasmala”), a leading alternative investment manager, announces that it has successfully advised Cove Resort Holdings Limited to acquire the Cove Rotana Resort in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. Cove Resort Holdings Limited is an ADGM-based special purpose vehicle, wholly owned by Mr. Saqr Kamal Hasan.

Orascom Development Holding, the seller, built this five-star beach resort consisting of 349 rooms in 2009. This top-tier resort is famous for its 600m-long private beach, upscale dining, and exquisite facilities.

This acquisition comes at an ideal time as Ras Al Khaimah is becoming a key player in the UAE’s tourism and investment sectors, propelled by strong economic policies and promising growth forecasts. This acquisition is perfectly timed to capitalize on the exponential growth expected in Ras Al Khaimah’s tourist arrivals over the next 5 years. 

“The successful signing of this agreement marks a significant milestone for all parties involved and opens a new chapter of growth and opportunity,” commented Ali Taqi, Chief Investment Officer at Rasmala.

Cove Resort Holdings Limited is an ADGM domiciled special purpose vehicle, wholly owned by Mr. Saqr Kamal Hasan, a prominent UAE based businessman and investor. Mr. Hasan conveyed his enthusiasm regarding the acquisition: “We are delighted to welcome The Cove Rotana Resort into our esteemed portfolio. This property represents more than a resort; it’s a testament to unparalleled luxury and service. Its world-class amenities and breathtaking views perfectly reflect our dedication to providing exceptional hospitality experiences.”

This acquisition builds on Rasmala’s expertise in originating and structuring direct real estate investments for its clients. This transaction is expected to close by September 2024, subject to the satisfaction of certain customary closing conditions.

Contact
For more information, please contact:

Rasmala Media

+971 4 363 5600

media@rasmala.com

About the Rasmala Group

Rasmala Group is a leading alternative investment manager operating in global markets since 1999. It invests directly and alongside Gulf-based institutional investors including banks, pension funds, endowments, family offices, corporations, and government institutions. Rasmala Investment Bank Limited (RIBL) is based in the Dubai International Financial Centre and regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Rasmala Group. For further details, please visit www.rasmala.com.

About Cove Rotana Resort – Ras Al Khaimah, UAE

Located about 8 km from the center of Ras Al Khaimah and 20 km from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, the Cove Rotana Resort is a five-star property offering a lavish experience with breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf. The resort spans approximately 289,955 sqm and features 600 meters of pristine beachfront. It boasts 429 keys, including 349 rooms and 80 luxurious 1, 2, and 3-bedroom villas, catering to both families and groups. The resort’s amenities include multiple dining options, three meeting rooms, a gym, five swimming pools, and a comprehensive wellness center with four spa rooms.

About Cove Resort Holdings Limited

Cove Resort Holdings Limited, wholly owned by Mr. Saqr Kamal Hasan, a distinguished businessman with extensive background in the banking industry coupled with a rich family heritage in the hospitality sector. Mr. Hasan has successfully leveraged his expertise to acquire strategic investments and drive growth. His deeply-rooted understanding of the hospitality sector, inherited from his family’s longstanding involvement, has enabled him to excel in luxury hospitality investments. His strategic vision and leadership continue to make a significant impact in both the banking and hospitality industries.

ARY MILLIGOLD WEEKLY

Agency News
-
0
ARY MILLIGOLD WEEKLY
ARY-MILLIGOLD-WEEKLY-02.06.24Download

Tips to Extend Your Toyota’s Lifespan

Agency News
-
0
Tips to Extend Your Toyota’s Lifespan

Toyota cars have an enviable reputation for reliability, performance, and longevity. Vehicles such as the Toyota Hilux are renowned for being practically indestructible and can keep going for years. However, just like any other car, Toyotas will last much longer if you look after them. At Al-Futtaim Toyota, we’re not just here to sell and buy Toyota cars in the UAE but to provide a full aftersales service, too. Here are our top tips to extend your Toyota’s lifespan.

Keep up with your services

The number-one way of prolonging the life of your Toyota, whether you drive the new Toyota Crown 2023 or a five-year-old Hiace van, is to keep up with your services. Ensure that  the technicians are completely familiar with Toyotas and that they have both the experience and the equipment to carry out both interim and full services.

The easiest and most cost-effective way to do this is to take out a Service Plan with Al-Futtaim Toyota. You can do this for both new and pre-owned cars in the UAE. If you buy a new car from Al-Futtaim Toyota you can take out a service contract package that could give you up to 60% savings on your costs. Choose from a 4-year or 80,000km plan which is also transferable if you sell your car in the UAE. For used cars, you can choose from a 1, 2, 3 or 4-year plan and get up to 20% savings on your servicing costs.

Get minor repairs sorted before they become major issues

If you notice a problem, our top tip is to get it checked and repaired sooner rather than later. A minor issue could easily turn into a much larger (and much more expensive) issue further down the line. If your Toyota is struggling to start or running poorly, a new battery or an engine flush could solve the issue. Throttle Body Cleans and Fuel Injection Cleans can also keep your Toyota running efficiently with fewer breakdowns.

Protect Your Paint With PPF

The harsh sun of the UAE can play havoc with your paintwork. Over time, the UV light breaks down the pigments in the paint, leading to fading and peeling. If your paint surface is damaged, it could expose the bare metal underneath, allowing rust to quickly take hold. PPF or Paint Protection Film is an easy way to instantly give your paint the protection it needs with a layer of transparent adhesive film. It also protects against stone chips and sand abrasion, making it a smart choice for Toyotas in the UAE.

Rustproofing – Keep Rust At Bay

Rust is the one thing that will eventually destroy any vehicle, even a Toyota. As soon as oxygen comes into contact with bare metal, the surface of the metal starts to oxidise, which is commonly referred to as rust. If you allow this rust to develop, it can penetrate deep into the metal, eventually eating it away and shortening the lifespan of your car. Rustproofing is a smart solution that not only protects your vehicle from rust damage but can also improve its resale value. At Al-Futtaim Toyota, we use TERESON Rust Proofing, which comes with a five-year guarantee for total peace of mind.

Tinted windows – protecting your upholstery and dash

UV light doesn’t just damage your paintwork, it can cause real harm to your interior too. Upholstery can quickly fade when exposed to strong sunlight, and plastic dashes are vulnerable to fading and cracking. By applying 3M Tinted Film to your windows, you can instantly cut the amount of UV light as well as keep the interior of your vehicle cooler. It also protects passengers and the driver from the dangers of sunburn and keeps the car cool and comfortable.

With a little bit of care and attention, you can ensure your new and Pre-Owned Toyota Cars live a long and happy life with minimal issues. Take a look at the aftersales services on offer at Al-Futtaim Toyota today and see how we can help you take better care of your car.

Silver with the speed of an arrow: The Mercedes-Benz W 25 made its debut 90 years ago

Agency News
-
0
Silver with the speed of an arrow: The Mercedes-Benz W 25 made its debut 90 years ago
  • The first “Silver Arrow” can be seen at the Mercedes-Benz Museum, in the racing curve
  • Manfred von Brauchitsch won the Eifel race at the Nürburgring on 3 June 1934
  • The 750-kilogram formula racing car W 25 established the tradition of the Silver Arrows

“Close-up” – the name of this series from the Mercedes-Benz Museum says it all. Each instalment tells a surprising, exciting or behind-the-scenes story, illuminating details of a vehicle, an exhibit or an architectural or design feature. In the spotlight this time: the Mercedes-Benz 750-kilogram formula racing car W 25 of 1934, the first Silver Arrow.

No. 4/2024: Mercedes-Benz W 25 formula racing car of 1934

Nobility: 90 years ago, this silver single-seater coined the name that still applies to Mercedes-Benz racing cars today – “Silver Arrows”. The Mercedes-Benz W 25 made its debut in the Eifel Race at the Nürburgring on 3 June 1934. Manfred von Brauchitsch won the race, setting a new track record with an average speed of 122.5 km/h. This was the beginning of a success story that extends to the latest racing cars of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One team.

Racing curve: The Mercedes-Benz Museum celebrates the brand’s unique tradition of sporting success in Legend Room 7 with its spectacular racing curve. The W 25 can be seen here as a star amongst many other bright silver racing cars from the brand. The room is called “Silver Arrows – Races and Records”. An apt tribute to the Grand Prix racing car. This is because record-breaking vehicles with eight- and twelve-cylinder engines were also derived from the first Silver Arrow.

Reduced: How did the drivers feel in the 750-kilogram formula racing car W 25? The view from the cockpit over the large, slim steering wheel and through the small windscreen into the racing curve with the other Silver Arrows gives an impression. The dashboard with a rev counter plus oil and coolant gauges is reduced to the essentials.

Streamlined: The W 25 is an aerodynamically optimised monoposto with exposed wheels. It stands for a new era of racing car construction at Mercedes-Benz.

Speed: The W 25 was a fast performer, reaching top speeds of up to 300 km/h. But speed also counted in the pits. This is why the bonnet, which has many ventilation slots, has quick-release fasteners. It can therefore be opened in just a few seconds without tools.

Lightweight: Frame, gear lever, pedals and even the suspension straps of the exhaust – holes bored to save weight can be found in many areas of the W 25 at the Mercedes-Benz Museum. This shows the importance of lightweight construction during its development. The weight even determined whether the car could take part in a race: the Grand Prix racing formula announced in 1932 by the umbrella organisation Association Internationale des Automobile Clubs Reconnus (AIACR) stipulated that racing cars could weigh a maximum of 750 kilograms without operating fluids.

Anecdote: The 750-kilogram racing formula and the silver body of the Mercedes-Benz W 25 make for a fascinating story. It was told by the brand’s famous racing manager, Alfred Neubauer: apparently the W 25 painted in the traditional white racing livery weighed one kilogram too much before the Eifel race. The paint was ground off overnight. At the starting line, the “Silver Arrow” astonished the spectators with its bare aluminium skin and met the weight requirement exactly.

Development project: The W 25 was developed from 1933 as a classic front mid-engined racing car. It was further improved during its use in motorsport until 1936. It made its debut with a supercharged 3.4-litre in-line eight-cylinder engine (M 25 A), which delivered up to 260 kW (354 hp) at 5,800 rpm. The 4-litre M 25 B engine with up to 316 kW (430 hp) followed in the same year, 1934. The enormous power is evident in the exhibit at the Mercedes-Benz Museum: the exhaust pipe still has a bluish tinge from the heat of the exhaust gases. The exhaust pipe runs along the left-hand side of the vehicle from the engine compartment to the heavily tapered, streamlined rear end.

Tradition: The W 25 was followed by the Silver Arrows of the 1930s and 1950s. Mercedes-Benz returned to Formula One as an engine supplier in 1994, and the brand has its own works team again since 2010. Since 1934, the Silver Arrows have won three European Championships (Rudolf Caracciola in 1935, 1937 and 1938) and twelve drivers’ titles in the Formula One World Championship: Juan Manuel Fangio became world champion in 1954 and 1955, Mika Häkkinen in 1998 and 1999, Nico Rosberg in 2016, and Lewis Hamilton won the championship in 2008, 2014 and 2015 as well as in 2017 to 2020.

Presentation of the BMW M4 GT3 EVO at the Nürburgring:BMW M Motorsport makes the successful model evenbetter.

Agency News
-
0
Presentation of the BMW M4 GT3 EVO at the Nürburgring:BMW M Motorsport makes the successful model evenbetter.

Nürburgring. BMW M Motorsport engineers have been working intensively to make their flagship in GT racing, the BMW M4 GT3, even better. The result of this work is the EVO version of the car, which was presented on Wednesday evening before the 24 Hours at the Nürburgring (GER) in the M Showroom at the ring°boulevard. The BMW M4 GT3 EVO will be in race action from the 2025 season. The same applies to the BMW M4 GT4, which will also have an EVO version available from next season. 

Video for editorial use: Jens Klingmann explains the updates to the BMW M4 GT3 EVO: https://b.mw/M4_GT3_EVO.

The key to optimising the BMW M4 GT3 for the BMW M Motorsport engineers was the intensive dialogue with teams and drivers, because only when you know what customers need to be able to optimally drive a GT car can you tailor it perfectly to their needs. Thus, the focus with the BMW M4 GT3 EVO was not necessarily on pure performance but on areas such as drivability, efficiency, and reliability. The test work was primarily undertaken by BMW M works drivers Jens Klingmann (GER), Bruno Spengler (CAN), and Augusto Farfus (BRA). The price of the car is 578,000 euros net.

Details on the EVO package of the BMW M4 GT3.

From the outside, changes to the chassis are noticeable on the BMW M4 GT3 EVO, which is no longer traditionally painted but is coated with a significantly lighter cathodic dip coating. Smaller aero mirrors, larger air outlets on the front wheel arches, and an altered adjustment range of the rear wing provide more aerodynamic efficiency.

New anti-roll bars on the front and rear axles, larger rear brake discs, and a much finer and easier-to-adjust differential ensure less tyre and brake wear and thus better and more consistent drivability. The headlights at the front and rear in LCI design are also new.

The “Inception” design by BMW Group Designworks integrates the themes of digitality and dimensionality into a bold, high-contrast mosaic. From multiple perspectives the iconic M colours appear in the same sequence they occur in the M logo: light blue on the left, dark blue in the middle, and red on the right, but now in three extruded, pixel-like dimensions. This approach sets up an asymmetrical overall layout for the car which also integrates a non-reflective matte black portion ahead of the driver to assist their forward focus. For the BMW M4 GT3 EVO, for dark areas of the livery the foil has been omitted to allow the authentic carbon fibre construction to show through, and save weight at the same time.

Comments:

Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “The BMW M4 GT3 has achieved more than 70 victories and countless major successes since its introduction. I particularly remember the DTM titles in 2022, the victory at the 24h Spa-Francorchamps in 2023, and the title wins in the North American IMSA series. I am convinced that the EVO model of the BMW M4 GT3, as well as that of the BMW M4 GT4, will contribute to playing in the first league of GT racing in the coming years and celebrating many more great victories. I thank everyone involved in the development of the cars.”

Björn Lellmann (Head of Customer Racing at BMW M Motorsport): “Our engineers have listened very carefully to the feedback from our customers during the development of the EVO cars. The result, in our view, are models that make it even more possible to be consistently close to the limit without taking too much risk, exactly what drivers of all classes need to be fast. Our goal is to win the very big races with our BMW M4 GT3 EVO and at the same time provide every BMW M Motorsport customer with a package that offers maximum chances of success.”

Jens Klingmann (BMW M works driver): “It is always an honour to play an important role in the development of a race car. Thank you to BMW M Motorsport for the trust! We have not made one big improvement to the BMW M4 GT3, but have turned many smaller screws, which will especially improve drivability on a long run. Our conviction is that several small steps also make a big step. The car is already very strong, but I am sure that we could make it even better in its EVO version. The more gentle handling of the tyres and brakes will especially help a lot at the end of a stint in the race.”

Technical data of the BMW M4 GT3 EVO:

Dimensions:

Length5,020mm (incl. splitter and rear wing)
Width2,040mm 
Height1,310mm (variable)
Wheelbase2,917mm 
Wheel size12,5 x 18 inch front; 13 x 18 inch rear 


Technical data :

Engine P58 3,0l straight six M TwinPower Turbo
Capacity2.993cm3
Outputup to 590 hp
Transmission X-Trac 6-speed gearbox
Brakes390mm disc & 6-piston calipers front; 380mm disc & 4-piston calipers rear
Clutch Electro-hydraulic

Previous successes of the BMW M4 GT3:

  • DTM Drivers and Team title 2022
  • IMSA GTD Sprint Cup title 2022
  • Overall victory 24h Spa-Francorchamps 2023
  • IMSA GTD Overall and Sprint Cup titles 2023
  • NLS Speed Trophy title 2023
  • Asian Le Mans Series GT title 2023
  • Overall victory 24h Dubai 2023
  • Overall victory Indianapolis 8 Hour 2023
  • Overall victory Kyalami 9 Hour 2023
  • 2nd place 24h Nürburgring 2023
  • 2nd place Overall GT World Challenge Europe 2023
  • Drivers title British GT Championship 2023
  • Drivers title Italian GT Sprint Cup 2023
  • FIA WEC LMGT3 victory in Imola 2024
  • Four victories in five season races of the GT World Challenge Europe 2024

Frame Your Rhythm: Samsung Music Frame

Agency News
-
0
Frame Your Rhythm: Samsung Music Frame

“Bringing innovative design projects to mass production is a multi-step process that involves iterative exploration and trial and error. The Music Frame project is the culmination of positive energy and passionate collaboration across our design, development and CX teams since the summer of 2021.”

— Chulyong Cho, Head of Design Team, Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics

Designing the Experiences of Tomorrow

Samsung Electronics is home to forward-looking departments seeking untapped opportunities. True to its name, the Visual Display Business’ Future Experience Design group actively develops concepts for user experiences that are missing in the market before turning those ideas into innovative products.

Launching a new product is no easy feat, however. There is a long journey ahead after proposing an initial concept — from designing for mass production and collaborating with other departments to enhancing marketability and perfecting the product’s technical aspects. Brought to fruition through unceasing passion and innovation, this is Music Frame and its design story.

* Content images have been simulated for illustrative purposes only and may differ from the actual product. Product specifications may vary by country, region and model.

Bringing Style to Spaces

Inspired by Your Lifestyle

Consumers are now opting to purchase products that seamlessly blend into their living spaces instead of ones that only offer functionality. To that end, Samsung has introduced a series of lifestyle TVs including The Serif, The Frame and The Sero. Since TVs are not in use most of the time, these products transition to Ambient or Art Mode to offer a tasteful design experience — rather than displaying a black screen.

Delivering audio in the form of a picture frame, Music Frame is an extension of this approach. Setting itself apart from conventional speakers designed mainly to amplify sound, Music Frame and its concept of lifestyle audio prioritize the user’s lifestyle and living space. Picture frames are a familiar furnishing that can be placed anywhere, reflecting each individual’s taste and personality based on the kind of art being displayed. Music Frame draws inspiration from ordinary picture frames, allowing users to listen to music as they appreciate their favorite pictures.

Breathing Life Into an Innovation

In collaboration with the development and CX teams, Samsung designers built and tested a working prototype that demonstrated high-quality sound. They received positive responses from users after extensive testing, which solidified their confidence in the product’s acoustic performance and overall concept. As a result, the initial design remained intact and went into mass production.

Bridging the Gap Between Decor and Audio

Sculpting Unseen Sound

Music Frame embodies audio, so Samsung couldn’t lose sight of how people enjoy listening to high-quality music. Given the product’s unique form factor compared to traditional, elongated soundbars, the designers worked closely with the sound development team to perfect acoustics from the get-go. Speakers commonly have fabric, grilles or other materials on the front to easily emit sound. Together with the sound development team, the designers found a way for Music Frame to amplify sound through a gap between the frame and panel — creating a design rarely seen in audio products. The result? A frame-shaped speaker that is not restricted by the material that covers the front side.

Due to the frame’s shape, the gap between the bezel and the panel was important since this portion produces high- and medium-pitched sounds. After countless tests to find the optimal sized gap, both in terms of design and sound quality, the team settled on a width of 9mm. The designers worked with developers to make sure the vibrations from the rear woofer speaker — responsible for the bass — would not create noise when the product is hung on a wall like a picture frame.

A Piece To Personalize Your Space

Just like a real frame, Music Frame allows users to swap the images inside for personal photos or works of art. Listening to music while looking at a framed photo of a precious memory or a piece of art adds new levels of depth to users’ experiences.

Samsung designers also considered users who might place the Music Frame on a table instead of hanging it on a wall. Meticulous refinements were made to the frame stand’s shape and angle to ensure it doesn’t look too prominent or cause reflections on the panel. Since the rear of the product is visible if placed on a table, the back was designed in a neat and minimal fashion.

Music Frame in Your Everyday

Your Life, in the Frame

If there’s a particular image users want to cherish, they can create their own art panel by uploading an image to a third-party website and placing an order.

Music Frame comes in a default black bezel, but users can purchase an additional white bezel to match their decor. They can fill their frames with stunning images to create a stylish space that is perfect for listening to music.

* Art panels are sold separately and customization availability may vary by region. White bezels are sold separately and will become available starting in the summer of 2024.

Fill Your Room With Rhythm

For more captivating TV viewing, users can utilize Q-Symphony for richer stereo sound by placing two Music Frames on either side of their TVs. For surround sound, users can place a soundbar in front of their TV and a Music Frame on the opposite wall to act as a rear speaker. With the SmartThings app, users can set the equalizer settings to their preferences. By fine-tuning the audio, users can enjoy more vibrant sound and immersive content.

* Q-Symphony using Music Frame is available only when connected to a 2024 Samsung TV (DU7000↑ & LS03D) or 2024 Samsung TV and 2024 Samsung Soundbar (Q700D↑, Ultra Slim, S-Series).

Looking forward to a future of new possibilities, Samsung designers will continue to develop products and designs that naturally blend into users’ lifestyles and living spaces.

For more information about Samsung Electronics’ design, please visit the Design Samsung website.

1...151617...255Page 16 of 255