One Za’abeel, Dubai, UAE

Dominating the densely populated skyline of Dubai, One Za’abeel is the latest development to add a unique and imaginative first to Dubai’s long list of record-breaking buildings. Dissecting One Za’abeel’s skyscrapers one hundred metres above the ground, The Link stretches to an impressive two hundred and thirty metres in length, whilst its record-breaking cantilever extends sixty-seven metres beyond the development’s main tower. The cantilever is home to eight Michelin-inspired restaurants and the UAE’s longest suspended infinity pool.

Developing the design over the last eight years, dpa were involved in every aspect of the design process. Bringing a multitude of differing skills from our international studios, dpa worked with all designers, architects and stakeholders to deliver a truly stunning world-class development and One & Only’s first urban resort. A multitude of design and pragmatic challenges faced all consultants on an almost weekly basis. From illuminating the infinity pool through to on-site changes to the final late-night commissioning and set-up, dpa were continually involved as part of the design and delivery team, to solve each of the issues.

Entrances, Receptions and Public areas were all treated sympathetically and in line with the interior and brand vision. Subtle and sophisticated colours and textures have been highlighted to provide the warmth and ambience resonant with a hotel of this calibre. Ballrooms are majestic but with the flexibility required of a modern conference and venue environment. Lighting integration within guest rooms has been carefully balanced to maximise the outward views after dark. However, with its plethora of restaurants and late-night destination bar, Sphere, it is the Link Bridge that steals the show.

The building brings a new dimension to Dubai’s iconic night-time identity and one in which dpa are proud to have been an essential and intrinsic part.

Client: Ithra/Mace
Architect: Nikken Sekkei
Interior Design: Denniston, LW Design Group, HBA, Rockwell Group, SquareM, Social F&B by Design
Operator: Kerzner/One & Only
Photography: Gavriil Papadiotis

The BoTree, London

The BoTree on Marylebone Lane has a unique and stunning central ‘Architectural Feature Lattice’ designed by Architects EPR. The lattice elegantly twists up the building from the ground level entrance creating a visually protective veil in front of the corner suite terraces through to the crown of the building where The BoTree Suite is located. A sophisticated warm, white light is typically applied to complement and light the bronze material, but this can be transformed with equal sophistication using carefully selected colours.

One façade employs dark London brick sets installed to create light and shadow both during the day with natural light and later on with artificial, where a single source lights the entire section of the façade. By contrast, the other two façades celebrate clean white vertical ‘sawtooth’ details within the stonework which again are accented with uplighting. The landmark lattice on the corner of Marylebone and Henrietta Place joins these two beautiful architectural envelopes with a twisting bronze veil covering the speciality suites and is adorned with sophisticated colour or white light according to the occasion.

The BoTree focuses on a personalised service, with 199 guestrooms, including 30 contemporary suites designed in collaboration with Amsterdam-based Interior Designers Concrete. With a distinct room layout, hosting a dressing room that provides a transitional space between the entrance and bedroom, custom-designed headboards, bespoke make-up mirror lamps, and unique decorative lighting elements are complemented with subtle accent lighting to the minibar, wardrobes, and vanity mirrors.

The food and beverage offerings within the hotel include LAVO, a sophisticated Italian restaurant with coastal flair, from Tao Group Hospitality, along with the vibrant The BoTree Bar by Concrete Amsterdam. LAVO’s sumptuous and delightful interior is warm in both materials and light throughout. The inviting booths are framed by a feature backlit wall spanning over both floors of LAVO with softly lit greenery and bespoke decorative lighting. The BoTree Bar provides a vibrant space that transforms from day to night through an illuminated colour-changing light feature that spans across the ceiling. The teal marble bar curves across the space with a backdrop of illuminated bottles and curated artworks on display.

Project Managers: Buro Four (Lead) & Gleeds (Cost Managers)
Architects: EPR Architects (Lead) & Orbit Architects (Implementation Architects)
Interior Designer: Concrete Amsterdam and Tao Group Hospitality
M&E Consultant: Elementa Consulting
Photography: Adam Parker

Castelfalfi, Tuscany, Italy

We are delighted to have been invited by Castelfalfi to work on multiple projects situated within their breathtaking 1,100-hectare estate in the heart of Tuscany.

The first featured project is the new restaurant, Olivina, where we have collaborated with the Designer, Henry Chebaane of Blue-Sky Hospitality. The elegant entrance vestibule invites the guests through the intimate lounge into the main restaurant, where they are greeted by a striking overlapping ceiling feature and layers of concealed lighting integrated within the beautifully crafted furniture. With locally sourced food, stunning panoramic views of the incredible landscape, and carefully coordinated lighting, the new restaurant is a theatre for all the senses.

The second project is the new beautifully renovated Spa where we worked closely with the Interior Designers, Affine Design. The reception is rich with special finishes and features a magnificent artisan pendant. A timber arched walkway featuring concealed lighting leads the guests through to the elegant pool area. The main lighting feature within this space is integrated within the flanking walls, where concealed LED reflects the rolling hills of the surrounding landscape.

Designer for the Spa area: Affine Design
Designer for Olivina Restaurant: Blue Sky Hospitality
Operator: RAKxa Integrative Wellness
Photography: Courtesy of Castelfalfi

 

Pavyllon at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane

Michelin star chef Yannick Alléno has brought his modern French Pavyllon restaurant to London’s prestigious Four Seasons Park Lane Hotel. dpa had the pleasure of collaborating with interior designer Chahan Minassian to create a modern and sophisticated lighting scheme for the restaurant, private dining areas, bar and terrace. The tea lounge has additionally been refurbished to match the décor of the restaurant with modernisation of the existing lighting.

dpa’s approach was to bring a subtle and seamless integration of lighting to elevate the dining experience whilst revealing the luxurious fabrics and materials of the beautiful interior design. With the restaurant service running from morning until late into the evening, a combination of precise lighting controls and employment of tuneable white luminaires allowed the perfect scene to be set.  A fresh and comfortable breakfast scene balances the natural light of the morning, shifting to a warmer and elegant setting for afternoon tea or lunch and ending with a sophisticated, intimate dinner and drinks scene.

The sumptuous, curved dining counter and theatrical show kitchen is at heart of the restaurant, with intricate and layered lighting details accentuating the hood and counter. Bar Antoine is centred around an elaborate Murano glass chandelier and undulating dark timber walls with stone artworks illuminated from above and below for a dramatic backdrop to the seating area and spiral staircase.

The existing lighting in the tea lounge has been replaced with modern LED luminaires including tuneable white linear LED to the double height feature coffers and coves, which shift to warmer colour temperatures throughout the day and are in keeping with the ambience of the restaurant.

Please visit www.pavyllonlondon.com to find out more about this project.

Hotel Operator: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Interior Designer: Chahan Interior Design
Architect: Cornforth Architecture + Design
Photography: Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane and Pavyllon London

 

 

 

The OWO, Whitehall, London

The former Old War Office building in Whitehall, which once served as the headquarters for statesmen including Winston Churchill and, which was the inspiration for writer Ian Fleming to pen his James Bond spy novels, opened in September as The OWO. Situated at one of London’s most historically important and powerful addresses, the Grade II*-listed building has undergone a grand transformation and is home to 9 destination restaurants and 3 bars, a 120-room Raffles London at The OWO, and 85 Raffles branded Residences. The OWO Residences by Raffles is the very first in Raffles residences in the UK and Europe.

The OWO has been reborn as a new culinary epicentre for the capital. Transformed through years of meticulous restoration, it is home to an impressive 9 new restaurants and 3 bars. Led by world-renowned chefs and restaurateurs, each of The OWO’s dining spaces and bars showcases an unrivalled selection of international cuisines and dining experiences. From early morning power breakfasts and lunches with the political elite to glamorous evening rendezvous, this monumental building celebrates a new chapter as a bustling culinary hub in the heart of Whitehall, unlike anywhere else in London.

The Spa at Raffles London at The OWO is home to a dedicated well-being concept spa delivered by Guerlain and members’ health club by movement specialists, Pillar.

The first in the UK, the Guerlain Spa spans 27,000 square feet over four floors of Raffles London at The OWO. Facilities and services include a gym and movement studio, a 20-metre swimming pool surrounded by loungers, a vitality pool, and steam and sauna rooms. 9 treatment rooms include 3 VIP Spa Suites and a private hair and beauty space.

Movement specialists Pillar operate the members’ health club at Raffles London at The OWO, constructed around the three pillars of human wellbeing – Movement, Nutrition and Recovery.  Born out of a need for the modern high-performing individual to have their wellness needs consistently met wherever they happen to be on the planet. Members, guests, and residents can train, eat, learn, grow, work and socialise with Pillar. These unparalleled facilities help them excel on their chosen life path.

Please click here to read more about this project, or visit www.theowo.london, www.raffles.com/london, www.theowo.london/restaurants-and-bars and pillarwellbeing.com.

To learn more about the story of this magnificent transformation, click here.

 

Joint Shareholders: Hinduja Group and Onex Holding
Hotel Operator: Raffles London at The OWO
Architect: EPR Architects
Designers: 
Raffles London at The OWO: The Office of Thierry W Despont
Spa/Swimming Pool and Wellness Areas: Goddard Littlefair
The OWO Residences by Raffles: 1508 London
Show Residences at The OWO Residences by Raffles: various designers including Albion Nord, HBA Residential, Elicyon, Winch Design, Angel O’Donnell, RJP Design
Landscaped Residents’ Garden: Marcus Barnett and The Gardenists
Café Lapérouse Pavilion in Grand Courtyard: DaeWha Kang Studio (lighting design by others)
Chandeliers: iDOGI for ‘Meridies’ the venetian glass chandelier above the Grand Staircase; Lasvit for the poppies in The Poppy Suite; Dernier & Hamlyn used archive photography taken in the building before WWII to recreate beautiful George IV chandeliers for The Churchill Suite
Photography: Courtesy of The OWO and Raffles London at The OWO and James Newton

Raffles London at The OWO
Raffles London at The OWO
Raffles London at The OWO
Raffles London at The OWO
Raffles London at The OWO
Raffles London at The OWO
Raffles London at The OWO
Raffles London at The OWO
The OWO Residences by Raffles
The OWO Residences by Raffles
Raffles London at The OWO
Raffles London at The OWO

MSC World Europa

Swiss-​based MSC Cruises’ newest venture, delivered in October 2022, comes in the form of this striking 333 metre long, 205,700 gross tonnage, futuristic mega-ship named MSC World Europa. The vessel accommodates up to 6,762 passengers and 2,138 crew over 22 decks and was constructed at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. This eco-friendly and efficient ship is powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), the cleanest fossil fuel, and connects to shore power, recycles water and dampens propeller noise to avoid upsetting marine life. The ship is the first of the World Class series and features state-of-the-art technology with MSC stating the vessel is designed for the future of cruising, the fusion of technology, sustainability and revolutionary onboard experiences.

Made up of 58 mega blocks, this ship is an incredible feat of engineering, featuring a ‘wave’ longitudinal profile springing from the arrow-shaped G-bow and a Y-shaped architectural stern with panoramic views, which leads to the 104-metre-long external promenade, showcasing the record-breaking 11-deck high stainless-steel sinuous dry slide, the longest at sea. This creates a spectacular centrepiece in the evening when the ‘illuminated trees’, a stunning configuration of homogenous LED lines which clad the structural steel, introduce an energetic and dynamic component to the drama of this vast outdoor space. This connects to the internal promenade ‘World Galleria’, which is lined with a mix of restaurants, bars, lounges, entertainment, shops and boutiques. This 3-deck high volume is partially covered by an LED screen ceiling on which are projected UHD images and videos throughout the day and night.

The ship allows for completely distinct zones for different themes, moods and experiences. dpa worked in close collaboration with MSC and the extensive architectural and entertainment team across the plethora of venues, which includes 33 restaurants, speciality restaurants, bars and lounges, to sculpt a vibrant cosmopolitan environment for the varied guest experience. The fully integrated and neatly detailed front of house lighting installation was comprised completely of low energy LED light sources and connected back to an architectural lighting control dimming system. The system is used to achieve the correct balance of lighting layers and intensity according to the activity and time of day, which dpa orchestrated during an extensive setting up period in the weeks prior to final delivery. This included the aiming of all adjustable light fixtures on to tables, seating, furniture, artwork, product and so on; a monumental task that provided a high level of fine tuning and maximised the final lit result.

A selection of these venues are featured here for your enjoyment, including the External Promenade, Indoor Promenade ‘World Galleria’, Mixology, Teppanyaki, Masters of the Sea Pub (which has its own microbrewery, with the special copper vats installed as a showpiece), Panorama Lounge, Luna Park Arena, Sportsplex with its bumper cars and World Theatre.

Owner: MSC Cruises
Builder: Chantiers de l’Atlantique, Saint-Nazaire, France
External Profile of Ship: Martin Francis of Francis Design
Architects/Design Team: De Jorio Design International, AD Associates, SMC Design, YSA Design, Tillberg Design of Sweden, Studio Daz
Photography: Courtesy MSC Cruises, Photographer: Ivan Sarfatti

MSC World Europa, Venom Drop @ The Spiral

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi

dpa were delighted to be part of the design team for the refurbishment and renovation of the guestroom and suites for Mandarin at the luxurious Emirates Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi.

Working closely with the Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental and the interior designers Champalimaud, we were tasked with modernising the  lighting with latest in LED technology and controls to help promote the elegance and spaciousness of the rooms and suites. All the spaces are carefully balanced in illumination to give the guest a relaxed experience and also flexibility to adapt to different times of the day and evening.

Client: Emirates Palace Company
Operator: Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Lead Consultant: KEO International
Interior Designer: Champalimaud
Photography: Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group

 

 

 

SIRO Hotel at Boka Place, Porto Montenegro

We are thrilled to announce our involvement in the first SIRO hotel located in Boka Place, Porto Montenegro.

The brand new hospitality brand from Kerzner, SIRO (Strength, Inclusive, Reflection and Original), will offer a wellbeing experience for guests and residents alike, with a 96-key hotel sitting alongside 144 managed residences.  We have been working closely with Atellior on the interior areas, Holder Mathias Architects and Arhi.pro on the external architecture and Gillespies on the landscape design for this exciting development, due for completion at the end of 2023.
  
Operator: SIRO Hotels (Kerzner International Limited)
Project Name: Boka Place
Client: Adriatic Marinas d.o.o. / Porto Montenegro
Interior Design: Atellior
Architecture: Holder Mathias Architects and Arhi.pro
Landscape Design: Gillespies
Visuals: Courtesy of Adriatic Marinas d.o.o. / Porto Montenegro

P&O Cruises, P&O Arvia

dpa lighting consultants were immensely proud to be working on P&O Cruises newest ship Arvia, the sister ship to Iona, constructed in the Meyer Werft shipyard, Germany. dpa were working for P&O Cruises in association with Jestico + Whiles, Partner Ship Design and Richmond International, designers of the front of house guest areas for this new 184,700 tonne ship.

Like Iona, Arvia is powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), therefore significantly reducing carbon emissions.  At 345 metres long, Arvia has an operating capacity of 5,200 guests and 1,800 crew, designed to capture unprecedented panoramic views across the ever-changing seascape, at every available opportunity. She is the first ship of her kind to feature a Sky Dome with retractable roof, spanning a vast performance and recreation area at the top of the ship. Altogether, Arvia is the epitome of a sunshine resort sailing year-round to the warmest climates.

Fleet favourites such as Epicurean, Sindhu, and The Glass House as well Iona icons including The Keel & Cow and The Olive Grove star alongside new dining, retail and interior concepts, including the Grand Atrium which again touches port and starboard in cross section, with window structures that allow an abundance of natural light ingress and views to memorable sunrises and sunsets.  The central staircase area has been re-modelled to house a magnificent contemporary chandelier with dynamic lighting effects to coincide with aerialist ‘show’ performances.  The house lighting control is articulated to respond to the time of day and activity, ranging from energetic atmospheres to more refined, personalised and relaxed ambiances.

 

Client: P&O Cruises
Builder: Meyer Werft Shipyard, Papenburg, Germany 
External Profile of Ship: Martin Francis of Francis Design
Architects/Design Team: Jestico + Whiles, Partner Ship Design and Richmond International
Visualisations: Courtesy of P&O Cruises

 

London Architectural Photography
London Architectural Photography
London Architectural Photography
London Architectural Photography

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Ilma

dpa lighting consultants have developed the lighting design for Ilma, a new superyacht by The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. The yacht, which embarked on its maiden voyage on 2nd September 2024, forms  part of an expansion of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection whose first vessel, Evrima, launched in October 2022. A further superyacht Luminara is scheduled to set sail in 2025. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has taken the exceptional guest service and design excellence, that The Ritz-Carlton is known for, to the seas, featuring multiple restaurants and bars, a marina terrace and mezzanine, Ritz-Carlton Spa, a fitness centre, retail boutiques and an expanded bow.

As with all projects, close collaboration is paramount and the strength of our relationships with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, AD Associates and Chantiers de l’Atlantique are proving immensely important in this very exciting venture.

One of the main challenges for the team was to provide innovative solutions at the design stage, knowing that the launch of the ship was years ahead, in a competitive market. Therefore, we have strived to provide original lighting ideas and detailing, in close coordination with AD Associates, that will help define The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection as a leader in superyacht design and the luxury cruising sector.

Minimising energy use and impact on the environment is a high priority for all clients, particularly in the cruise industry. As well as designing efficiency into the lighting scheme through the use of low energy light sources, an architectural lighting control system is used throughout the public areas.  The lighting scene setting has been programmed to ensure each of the spaces onboard Ilma appear at their most elegant day and night. Time clock controlled lighting adjustments linked to the ship’s clock provide imperceptible changes to the scenes throughout the day and into the evening, ensuring energy use is minimised autonomously. Further, all 228 suites feature a pre-programmed lighting control system, linked with other room services, to deliver an intuitive and comfortable guest experience at all times of day.

Client: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Interior Architect: AD Associates
Shipyard: Chantiers de l’Atlantique
Exterior Renderings: Aivan
Videography: Baya Dynamics

 

Cunard Queen Anne

dpa are proud to be the lighting designers for Cunard Line’s new ship, Queen Anne, which was delivered and set sail in May 2024.  She features much-loved signature spaces and new experiences that showcase classic Cunard style and exciting new design directions.

Working with Carnival UK and world-renowned designers David Collins Studio, Richmond International and Sybille de Margerie under the creative direction of Adam D. Tihany, dpa have developed intimate working relationships that have led to an extremely rewarding design process within a team driven ethos.  Throughout, we have all been firmly focussed on providing designs that are befitting of the Cunard brand and of a vessel that sets the bar for luxury ocean travel in 2024.

A key aspect of the lighting design is to minimise energy use and, with low energy, (all LED lighting now commonplace) we must find further ways to ensure the lighting is as efficient as possible. This is achieved by employing high efficacy light sources in discreet equipment, and architectural detailing that offers both aesthetic and functional benefits. This is combined with the use of a sophisticated lighting control system in the public areas, allowing pre-set lighting scenes to be programmed.  In numerous spaces, the lighting scene selection is linked to the ship’s clock to allow for automated operation ensuring these spaces are presented impeccably, with appropriate light levels to suit the time of day and activity, while reducing energy expenditure.

Client: Carnival UK
Interior Designers: David Collins Studio, Richmond International, Sybille de Margerie, Adam D. Tihany
Shipyard: Fincantieri, Italy
Photography: Courtesy of Carnival UK

Hilton Cologne, Germany

The Hilton Hotel in the heart of Cologne City has undergone a dramatic and creative renovation to its reception lobby and ground floor areas with the addition of the Pigeon Post Bar & Eatery. General Manager, Martin Soerensen played a significant role in driving the project from site during the recent difficult times along with Project Managers Chandler KBS and the Hilton Interior Design team.

The new spaces are connected as a culinary social hub as open and semi-open spaces visually connecting with each other.

The interiors of the restored heritage building have been designed by the creative London-based Interior designers THDP. The site was once home to Cologne’s postal savings bank, so a sophisticated and slick vintage design ethos was created by THDP, with a contemporary interior featuring interesting and quirky design elements moulded into the fabric of the spaces.

The reception and feature bar are at the heart of each space and provided excellent opportunity for interesting lighting integrated to enhance the interior elements and surrounding space. Decorative lighting elements help further to provide accent and interest throughout.

Finally, and importantly, an architectural lighting control system was used to provide the various important transitions to the mood and ambience of the spaces creating bright and inviting spaces during the day and moody, cosy spaces at night.

Client/Operator: Hilton International
Interior Designer: THDP
Project Manager: Chandler KBS
Photographer: Stefan Bunkofer

Fairmont Taghazout Bay, Morocco

The Fairmont Taghazout Bay is a coastal luxury five-star resort that sits within the beautiful Taghazout Bay. Its breath-taking views and beautiful gardens link the various hotel and F&B elements with an adjoining Fairmont operated villa complex within the overall site.

The stunning, simple and contemporary Moroccan architecture designed by Abdessamad Achrai (Local Architect) and HKS (Concept/Masterplan), and the soft and captivating landscape designed by Scape Design are complemented by lighting providing both enhancement and theatre to the overall site as well as a practical approach to guest orientation with key features and elements illuminated at night. The elegant interiors designed by Wimberly Interiors connect beautifully with the outside scene, dovetailing with terraces and other spaces to reinforce the seamless inside-outside aspect of the spaces.

The lighting approach was to use a minimal palette of lighting elements in key spaces to enhance the interior material palette throughout. Key elements such as interesting Objet d’art, stunning large artworks, and feature food displays and bars throughout were carefully integrated with lighting to showcase each of the spaces both inside and out.

Operator: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts 
Client: AKWA Group 
Interior Designer: Wimberly Interiors
Landscape Design: Scape Design
Architect: Abdessamad Achrai (Local Architect) HKS (Concept/Masterplan)
Photography: Courtesy of Fairmont Taghazout and Scape Design

Mullingar Park Hotel, Ireland

We were very fortunate to work with the Client and Operator, Josephine Hughes at the Mullingar Park Hotel in County Westmeath in Ireland along with Interior Designer Angela Amesbury. Together, they have created a beautiful destination hotel where dpa have been engaged in a number of areas of the hotel redevelopment.

The reception and lobby is the newest area to receive a transformation and is now the focus and first impression from a guest perspective of the luxurious interior space complemented by dpa’s lighting design.

The hotel is adorned throughout with stunning flower displays with the central display to the lobby being a particularly important focus and feature. New lighting was integrated within the large crystal chandelier to both accent the floral display table and provide sparkle to the fixture itself.

Additional highlights to the interior include lighting integrated into the various interior architectural details within the ceiling and walls to enhance and expose the materials with soft washes of linear LED lighting.  This is complemented with punches of accent light to individual details, features, and art pieces. Carefully selected picture lights also help to provide further focus to the decorative collections around the perimeter.

Finally, and important for the transition of the main entrance to all facilities, an architectural lighting control system was used to provide the appropriate mood and ambience of the spaces creating bright and inviting spaces during the day and more moody, cosy spaces within the open areas at night.

Client/Operator: Mullingar Park Hotel
Interior Design: Angela Amesbury
Photography: Noel McIntyre – Motion Picture Media

The Beaumont, London, UK

dpa lighting consultants were delighted to be commissioned by The Beaumont owners to work with the design team on the refurbishment of this very important London hotel. Working closely with The Office of Thierry W Despont, the interior designers, Reardon Smith Architects and Project Managers Gardiner & Theobald, dpa developed appropriately sensitive lighting solutions to the various key public areas and new guestrooms/suites. Inspired by the great hotels of the 1920’s and in an Art Deco building located in the heart of Mayfair and the West End but secluded in a quiet garden square, the property maintains the elegance one would expect of a luxury five-star London hotel.

The architectural lighting is carefully integrated into the building fabric whilst splendid decorative fixtures reinforce the design style and character of the property. Each element is separately controlled and linked to a scene set dimming system changing throughout the day and night to provide the perfect atmosphere at all times. The decorative lighting uses appropriate LED lamps as does the architectural elements to provide an energy efficient scheme. Where practical the existing control system was used and adapted to accommodate the new requirements. The Colony Grill with its artificial roof light has the feeling of day time and then changes to a soft warm glow as night falls. The adjacent Gatsby’s Room adorned with books and dramatic art provides a wonderful space to relax or enjoy light food and drinks. The signature Le Magritte Bar & Terrace further reinforces the Art Deco language with an impressive bar and artwork.

Interior Design: The Office of Thierry W Despont
Architect: Reardon Smith Architects
M&E Consultant: Hurley Palmer Flatt Group
Project Managers: G&T (Gardiner & Theobald)
AV Consultant: LMS AV
Photography: ZAC and ZAC; Helen Cathcart

Address Sky View, Dubai, UAE

The Address Sky View in the heart of Downtown Dubai is the latest luxury hotel and residences development to open for Emaar. Two elegant towers are linked at the summit by an architecturally striking sky bridge to offer its guests unparalleled views of Dubai’s city skyline. The interior spaces are generous and modern with emphasis placed on comfort and elegance. dpa lighting consultants were proud to work with Emaar and HBA to help realise an appropriate and sympathetic lighting solution for all for the public spaces, guestrooms and residences.

The lighting design took the direction at the conceptual stage to be unobtrusive and integrated as much as possible, whilst enhancing the focal points of interest for each of the large public spaces. The lighting scheme had to balance the abundance of natural daylight during the day, and respond in the later hours to create a warm and welcoming destination. The guestrooms and corridors interior are treated respectfully with light and employs the use of smart lighting control to follow through the experience of luxury.

Owner: Emaar Properties
Operator: Address Hotels + Resorts
Project Manager: Turner Construction
Architect: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill / Norr Group
Interior Designer: Hirsch Bedner Associates
Photography: Courtesy of the Address Hotel and Ales Vyslouzil

 

Hart Shoreditch Hotel London, Curio Collection by Hilton, UK

dpa lighting consultants had the pleasure of collaborating with Fabled Studio on the lighting design of Hart Shoreditch, London. Drawing inspiration from the area’s rich industrial history, Fabled Studio combined old-world charm and contemporary design to deliver a project filled with beautiful craftmanship, layers of texture and hand-worked copper accents. Guests are welcomed into the hotel with cool textured sandstone walls and soaring stone arches, which are contrasted by the warm statement decorative lighting. dpa worked closely with Fabled Studio in the selection of lamping within decorative elements to create a warm and inviting ambience, whilst minimal architectural lighting adds accents to feature trees, stone arches, and concealed integrated lighting to statement bookcases enveloping the guest elevators.

Leading through to the restaurant, past the statement wrought iron staircase and glowing pendants, the cool textures of the reception are replaced with rich oxblood leathers, exotic veneers and a statement soft oak ceiling, complemented with a continuation of warm decorative lighting. The soft oak ceiling is a reference to the furniture & cabinet makers of Great Eastern Street, with the intricate junctions of each oak beam celebrated with miniature spotlights to enhance the angular rhythmic expression of the ceiling.

Completing the guest areas are meeting rooms and a gym nestled in the lower ground floor of the hotel building. Providing maximum flexibility, Fabled Studio designed a mirror image meeting room which can be divided with sliding panelled timber screens to allow one room to become two. By utilising ceiling coves and bespoke joinery to integrate concealed lighting, dpa were able to add interest and focus to particular elements of the interior, with supplementary downlighting to provide functional light to the tables. Lighting control within the Meeting Rooms, provide the flexibility of controlling both rooms together and independently to provide different scenes depending on the occupancy. Within the gym, functional opal downlights are softened with integrated linear uplighting behind delicate diamond fretwork panels and statement batten wall lights.

Fabled Studio continued the clean and cool palette of colours with copper accents within the guestrooms, which led dpa to combine very warm white dimmable, 2400K downlights and linear lighting, integrated within bespoke joinery and to provide soft uplighting behind the headboard, to compliment the warm decorative lighting.

To reduce energy and maintenance costs a lighting control system was installed in the public areas to give the flexibility required for the lighting to adapt to suit the hotel’s needs throughout the day. The control system installed includes an astronomical time clock that automatically sets the lighting scenes to allow for a smooth transition between day and night and there are control plates within the Restaurant, Reception, and Meeting Rooms to allow for further control of the lighting should the staff wish to change the lighting scene, or raise/lower the light levels.

Hotel Operator: Hilton Hotels and Resorts
Interior Design: Fabled Studio
Photography: Courtesy of Hart Shoreditch Hotel London, Curio Collection by Hilton

The St. Regis Shanghai Jingan, China

Situated on West Beijing Road in the heart of the Jingan District, Shanghai’s cultural and business centre, the 68-floor, 491-styled guest room St. Regis Shanghai Jingan hotel offers guests stunning views across the city and ease of access to explore Shanghai’s storied past and energetic present.

The hotel’s elegant interiors in combination with the integrated lighting layers, create a harmonious ambience by combining traditional English and Chinese palatial styles with elements of Chinese art and culture, such as calligraphy and handcrafted gold foil paintings. Five glass sculptures by world-renowned glass sculptor Dale Chihuly are featured in the hotel’s public space, together with the signature chandeliers of the Great Hall and Drawing Room.

dpa were tasked with developing the front-of-house lighting design concept and detailing this for the local project team to then implement.  The areas include the atmospheric ground floor St. Regis Bar, Champagne Bar decorated with the St. Regis mural of Chinese landscape painting inspired by artist Zhao Bo-Ju from Song Dynasty, the Yan Ting Chinese Restaurant with its private dining rooms, and Seki-Tei Japanese Restaurant with feature live cooking station.  The public spaces are a blend of clean crisp architectural lighting components and decorative lighting pieces, which typify the interior lighting scheme.

Hotel Operator: Marriott International – The St. Regis Shanghai Jingan, China
Photography: Courtesy of The St. Regis Shanghai Jingan, China 

 

 

Jumby Bay, The Estate House, Antigua

Reachable only by boat, and with no cars in sight, Jumby Bay Island is a world unto itself. Set within 300 acres of lush palm trees, white powdered beaches and surrounded by turquoise blue oceans, Jumby Bay is an extensive resort set on a private island located off the coast of Antigua. Named after the Antiguan word ‘jumbee’, meaning playful spirit, this island retreat is the embodiment of rarefied yet relaxed luxury.

dpa worked alongside Interior Designers Dennis Irvine Studio in the redesign of The Estate House and key F&B Outlets. Dennis Irvine Studio have acknowledged the island’s history, location, and spirit through the thoughtful use of materials, colour, furnishings and local artwork. The character of the spaces has been carefully considered with the decorative lighting making a key statement and aiding to the ambience both during daytime and at night.

Interior Design: Dennis Irvine Studio

Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa, Champillon, Epernay, France

The newly-refurbished Michelin starred Royal Champagne Hotel overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage listed vineyards of France’s Champagne region, is a former post-house where French kings would stop along their way to coronations in Reims.  The Condé Nast Traveller Top Resort in Europe 2020 winner comprises a modernist wing and a restored 19th-century Coach Inn and has a refined, fresh, elegant and restorative personality, with interiors by celebrated designer Sybille de Margerie.

dpa worked closely with the French landscape architect’s AC&T Paysages & Territoires to develop an exterior landscape lighting strategy to compliment the modern Parisian styled landscape, with linear planting set within sinuous planting beds.  The lighting design was knitted into the fabric of the exterior and included a slender timber post with integrated downlight, to provide rhythm and articulation to the circulation.

Owner: Provital
Architects: PACE
Landscape Architect:  AC&T Paysages & Territoires
Interior Design: Sybille de Margerie
Project Manager:  Ramsey Krause Ltd / MACE
Photography:  Courtesy of Royal Champagne