ZN DESIGN designed the new headquarters for Refine, a Dubai-based real estate company with a global outlook shaped by economic analysis, market shifts, and human mobility. Tasked with delivering more than a functional workspace, the studio created Refine Sky Gallery, a project located in the heart of Dubai Bay, near the Burj Khalifa, that expands the idea of what a corporate office can be: a spatial reflection of future cities.
ZN DESIGN approached the project by embracing contrasts. The design explores the dualities of art and future, tradition and innovation, East and West. Its goal was not only to provide a workspace but to give form to an entirely new way of experiencing business environments, where creativity, comfort, and ambition coexist.
Designing the Future with “Epic Futurism”
Refine Sky Gallery introduces what ZN DESIGN calls an “Epic Futurism” aesthetic. The approach moves beyond pure minimalism or grandiosity, aiming instead for a deliberate interaction between clean, futuristic lines and references to classical architecture. Throughout the space, subtle color choices echo the energy of Dubai’s skyline without overwhelming the viewer.
Large windows invite in the surrounding city, allowing the skyline to become an integral part of the interior design. Curved forms throughout the office mirror the contours of Dubai’s coastline, reinforcing the connection between the built environment and the natural one. By positioning “Planet Future” as a guiding motif, the office offers more than a look ahead, it questions what it means to build responsibly and intelligently in an urban context.
A Desert Oasis Reimagined
The concept of the “Desert Oasis” drives the spatial narrative. In a city known for its desert origins and coastal ambitions, the design seeks harmony between nature and technology. The reception area demonstrates this most clearly. ZN DESIGN has replaced the typical front desk layout with a “green island” a hub that acts as part café, part party lounge, part business reception.
This multi-functional space encourages connection rather than separation. Business guests and staff can move freely, and the area accommodates formal meetings and casual interactions equally well.
Art, Sound, and Dialogue
Refine Sky Gallery doesn’t rely on visuals alone. Sound plays a critical role in shaping the experience of the space. The office soundscape moves from Debussy’s “La Mer” to Ligeti’s “Atmosphères,” allowing occupants to drift between logical concentration and imaginative thinking.
Sound becomes an architectural element, gently guiding how people experience time, space, and even negotiation. Conversations take on a new tone when layered with ambient rhythm and surrounded by a skyline that never stands still.
In the conference room, organic textures and soft lines encourage a sense of clarity and openness. Rather than imposing authority, the space invites decision-making through calm focus. In the main office area, technological tools appear integrated, not imposed. Interactive systems support productivity while maintaining an aesthetic rooted in contemporary design.
Redefining Business Hospitality
The VIP reception area deviates from standard corporate expectations. Here, ZN DESIGN introduces elements inspired by vacation environments. Natural materials, warm lighting, and a layout that encourages relaxation give the room a distinct energy. Meetings feel less like obligations and more like conversations held in a refined lounge.
Each detail works toward one purpose: to create an experience of space that prioritizes both ambition and ease. Business doesn’t need to feel detached or rigid. It can happen in places that spark thought, invite dialogue, and promote a deeper kind of engagement.
Project name: Refine Dubai Headquarters
Project location: Dubai, UAE
Project area: 2,000 m²
Client: Refine Dubai
Design firm: ZN DESIGN
Design scope: interior, furnishings
Lead designer: Amy Shen
Design team: Guo Zhenli, Ning Chunhui, Diao Jinjing
Construction firm: Motif Dubai
Branding support: ZHISHANG ART
Photography: Zheng Yan
Completion time: February 2025
