ISG’s managing director, Steve Ramsden speaks at Commercial Interior Design’s Power 50 Panel
ISG successfully delivered the largest number of fit out projects commissioned by Expo 2020 Dubai, the latest World Expo held from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022 and the ‘World’s Greatest Show’ in 2021. Steve Ramsden, Managing Director for Southeast Asia and the Middle East was invited to speak at the very first Commercial Interior Design (CID) Power 50 Panel conference since Expo 2020. The panel discussion explored the challenges of constructing Expo 2020 and how it can help create a safer and more sustainable District 2020.
Projects successfully delivered by ISG include 62 country and thematic pavilions, Expo 2020 Media Centre, Expo Monitoring and Control Centre, 10 of the Best of the Best restaurants, seven Local Gems restaurants, two Food Halls, North and South Viewing Platforms, and Service Pavilions.
Given ISG’s proven event infrastructure and interior fit out delivery excellence at Expo 2020, Steve Ramsden, Managing Director for Southeast Asia and the Middle East was invited to speak at the very first Commercial Interior Design (CID) Power 50 Panel conference since Expo2020. Themed ‘Beyond Expo 2020', the panel discussion explored the challenges of constructing Expo 2020 and how it can help create a safer and more sustainable District 2020. Over 100 attendees from the industry attended the event at Grosvenor House Hotel in Dubai Marina on 31 March 2022.
When asked about the repurposing of pavilions and places delivered by ISG across the entire 438ha Expo2020 site for the development of the new District 2020, Steve shared ISG’s dynamic approach to delivering fit out for major event infrastructure, leisure spaces, and restaurants.
“I think sustainability in that regard was a given. We had to build something that could last and be possibly repurposed within six months. Six years ago, the Expo 2020 site was a desert. It’s incredible what we have built there today. It’s incredible what will remain. And almost all of it will remain in terms of infrastructure. I think that’s the biggest legacy for sustainability.”
– Steve Ramsden, Managing Director, Southeast Asia & Middle East
Speaking on the challenges faced when delivering Expo 2020 projects, Steve added: “Time was against us. One of the most intense projects we did was delivering 10 best of the best restaurants within 12 weeks. The key challenge for us was within the supply chain and securing the different materials needed on time. So, we did things that couldn’t normally be done, like bringing things in from overseas and putting cargo on Emirates flights at record frequency and speed.
The challenges were overcome honestly, by the truly collaborative relationship we had with our designers, structural engineers, suppliers, and many others. They didn’t sit back. And we just didn’t stop. Without that, all of this wouldn’t have happened.”
The ‘Beyond Expo 2020’ panel discussion also featured three other speakers, Miriam Liano, Vice President of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in UAE, Ralf Steinhauer, Director at RSP Dubai and Ahmed A. Sultan, Partner, GM, Finasi Group, aptly held on 31 March 2022, the last day of operation for Expo 2020 Dubai. Other topics discussed at the event included the metaverse, returning to the workplace, and designing beyond borders.
See all of ISG's Expo 2020 Projects here.
Read the full feature article on CID Magazine here.
