The majority of the photography for this project is courtesy of:
Mandarin Oriental / George Apostolidis

The Hotel du Rhône is located on the banks of the River Rhône in the centre of Geneva.

Originally designed by the noted Swiss architect Marc-Joseph Saugey, the hotel’s ground floor public spaces underwent a major refurbishment in 2007/08, shortly after the hotel was acquired by the Mandarin Oriental Group.

dpa lighting design were responsible for the lighting within the public spaces, including the entrance lobby, reception, lounge bar and two restaurants; “Le Sud” an all day brasserie with a menu by the French chef Paul Bocuse and “Rasoi” an Indian Restaurant run by acclaimed Indian chef Vineet Bhatia

dpa worked closely with the interior designer, Tihany Design, to create different identities for each of areas whilst maintaining visual cohesion between the discrete spaces. Where possible luminaires were concealed from direct view, allowing the rich materials and finishes specified by the interior designer to be revealed, whilst minimising the potential visual distraction from the lighting equipment itself.

A particular challenge of this project was meeting the strict energy usage requirements laid out by the local government. This was achieved through the careful selection of appropriate luminaires and high efficacy light sources and the use of a micro-processor based lighting control system. The control system allowed the mood of each individual area to be determined according to the uses of the space and the time of day.

Operator: Mandarin Oriental
Interior Designer: Tihany Design

Le Richemond Hotel on the banks of Lake Geneva has undergone a major refurbishment completed in the Autumn of 2007. dpa were responsible for the lighting design in relation to the key front of house areas, which included the main lobby/reception, bar, restaurant, meeting rooms, banquet hall, conference centre and spa. It was important for the lighting design to fully consider the colourful material pallette together with associated textures proposed by interior designer John Stefanidis. The lighting application emphasises the interior design to the full and the result is an impressive lit interior portraying the quality of this prestigious hotel. The use of traditional styled light fixtures and minimalistic architectural lighting combine effectively. The spa area in contrast introduces coloured lit elements, which inject a sense of drama and theatre particularly in reference to the backlit bamboo clad walls, the contoured ceiling design and mosaic floor treatments.

Client: Rocco Forte Hotels
Interior Designers: John Stefanidis
Photography: dpa lighting consultants

Ginevra 0613

Situated on the site of the old Absheron hotel, the new JW Marriott Absheron is located next to the vibrant Baku Boulevard along the city’s waterfront. With the fashionable new developments of Port Baku residences and the Park Bulvar shopping mall in close proximity.

dpa Dubai were appointed as the specialist lighting consultants for the internal Public Areas and dpa London for the external Façade and Landscape. The interior designer for the project was the internationally renowned WA International Interiors, dpa Dubai worked closely with their Design Director Claire Craig to develop the lighting for the internal Public Areas. Our concept focused on concealing indirect light sources within ceilings, walls and furniture details to reduce any visual ‘clutter’ so as not to detract from the interiors. Large decorative glass chandeliers were selected from a specialist manufacturer and dpa were responsible for providing illumination to each chandelier within the reception and pre-function areas.

Located on the 21st floor is the indoor swimming pool, a double height volume with panoramic views of Baku city and the newly constructed Flame Towers. The brief for the lighting was to create drama and contrast, whilst not disrupting the night time views of the city. We developed an LED cove light which uses a DMX protocol to create a simple dual tone colour cycle with extended fade times for lighting scenes during the day and night time. Internal back lit fret work panels, provide an ambient back drop for guests admiring the views whilst relaxing by the pool bar in the evening. The internal lighting effect in the Pool ceiling adds to the exterior lighting scheme and draws attention of the public from Baku Boulevard at night time.

Client: Pasha Group
Operator: JW Marriott
Project Manager: MACE
Architect: Reardon Smith
Interior Designer: WA International Interiors
Landscape Designer: Scape
M&E Consultant: Strabag

The JW Marriott chain has recently expanded it’s portfolio with the opening of a new outlet in Ankara, Turkey, providing the capital with a smart and sophisticated business hotel.

The Hotel has been designed by the New York office of RMJM Architects and the interiors by the UK based Frank Solano Associates.

dpa lighting consultants were commissioned to design the lighting for all the interiors, including the Guest Bedrooms and Suites, a Jazz Bar, Night Club, Speciality Restaurant, an extensive Spa and the impressive Atrium Lobby which is bathed in daylight during the day and is then transformed into a dramatic and stunning space at night, the lighting of which provided the dpa Team with unique challenges.

dpa were also asked to design the lighting for the landscaped areas, including an impressive Wedding Terrace, a Pool Terrace and an intimate Roof Terrace with breathtaking views over Ankara.

The lighting of the entrance and exterior façade of the hotel was the most demanding aspect of the project for dpa.

The vertical characteristics of the building’s architecture were enhanced and emphasised with pencil beams of warm white light from custom designed uplights concealed in the tops of the stone fins. This subtle lighting effect contrasts with several feature slots within the facades being uplit with coloured light. This use of coloured light is repeated on a smaller scale on the shorter stone fins above the entrance canopy.

The Istanbul EDITION is part of a new hotel concept born from a collaboration between Ian Schrager and Bill Marriott of Marriott International.

dpa lighting consultants were asked by the owner to work with the unique team of designers and visionaries on all aspects of the hotel from the 3 level basement ESPA spa designed by HBA London, to the public areas and guest suites created by New York based interior designers Gabellini Sheppard. dpa also worked closely with Tumay Architecture to create a dynamic lighting system to the façade and general light to the base of the building.

With Ian Schrager Company directing the team, a truly unique quality and mix of design, experience and hospitality has been achieved.

The Istanbul EDITION has 13 floors with a panoramic Penthouse Suite. Amongst the public areas are contemporary interiors with tones of traditional Ottoman style throughout. This includes walls, ceilings and floors lined with mosaic tile, exotic woods, bronze, gold and white gold leaf reminiscent of Ottoman style in all of its splendour.

Turkey, as in most of mainland Europe, the UK and Ireland have been consumed by rising energy costs as well as the ethical concerns we all face for the conservation of natural resources. dpa lighting consultants are extremely conscientious in the approach to lighting design and energy conservation on all projects whether designing an inspiring masterplan in Abu Dhabi or the sensitivity of a spa resort in Killarney.

Lighting has played a significant role in the success of the overall quality, style and ambience to the interior spaces with lighting carefully integrated into the building fabric to express the materiality, space, volume, texture and tone as well as bring out the natural colour pallet which is of rich natural hues. dpa’s challenge was to develop an inspiring and appropriate lighting design for both interior and exterior areas as well as provide an extremely energy efficient lighting scheme.

The lights for the exterior of the building utilize LED “Pixels” over the façade, which are programmed to provide abstract and sophisticated motif designs. Colour is used sparingly to the crown of the building, and concealed linear lighting helps to accent the layers of balconies at ground and first floors, which wrap around the core of the public areas.

The lighting to the entry and lobby (images 1 & 2) enhances the various layers of materials and accentuates the contrasting textures and colours. A comfortable volume is achieved by allowing areas of relative darkness to recede back and provide brighter areas of interest.

Through to the Gold Bar (images 2 & 3) the careful detailing of concealed and appropriate lighting continues with material accent and a careful balance of light. A continuity of this is seen in the mezzanine Drawing Room (image 4) where simple accent to the tables and concealed linear lighting are used sparingly in areas where activity is present and key materials/elements benefit from lighting accent.

As with all areas, layers of lighting are used from low level to ceiling to provide visual interest and balance, which can also be seen in the Guest Suites (images 5,6 & 7).

The Guestrooms follow a similar and sympathetic design approach with careful detailing and integration into the interior fabric (images 5 & 6).

The lighting design for ESPA continues with a sympathetic and appropriate response to accentuate and compliment the interesting 3 levels of Spa interior spaces (image 8).

Energy efficient lighting has been utilised throughout the scheme. In particular, linear LED, low voltage cold cathode, low wattage IRC lamping, fluorescent and metal halide light sources have been used.

Finally, an architectural lighting control system seamlessly provides the functionality of scene setting throughout the day and night on both an aesthetic level as well as further reducing power consumption.

Owner: Palmali Group
Operator: EDITION Hotels
Architect: Tumay Architecture
Interior Design (Public Areas and Guest Suites): Gabellini Sheppard
Interior Design (Spa): The Gallery HBA
Spa Operator: ESPA

The Hyatt Regency Johannesburg underwent a major refurbishment in 2013. Nick Human of LLP Interior Design Studio in Johannesburg, and old friend of dpa’s asked us to help him with the lighting of this very important hotel. The scope of work included the external lighting to the front of the building and canopy, the Lobby, Lobby Lounge, oneNINEone Restaurant, The Terrance – Cigar and Wine Courtyard, various function rooms and the main Ballroom, together with the public circulation, so a major project.

The Lobby space has new feature chandeliers and a number of architectural lighting components to show off the refreshed spaces and materials, providing a dramatic introduction to the Hotel. The Lobby Lounge is an open connection between the Lobby and the external Courtyard beyond. There is a series of low level decorative lights, striking edge lit glass panels, a dramatically lit wine wall and architectural lighting components to highlight features, tables etc. as appropriate. The space enjoys excellent daylight when available and becomes an more intimate place to relax at night. The Garden Courtyard is a haven within the city. The planting and trees are exposed with light grazing across trunks into the canopy, underwater lighting, festoon lights, gently lit paths and careful consideration to every component within the space.

The oneNINEone Restaurant with the new communal table and hanging pendant feature is also well day-lit with a strong visual connection to the Garden. The lighting provides drama on the table and exposes the brick walls, artwork, and other displays throughout the space. Freestanding floor lamps have been introduced to provide a human scale more intimate element and a dimming control system ensures the most appropriate atmosphere day and night. The Show Kitchen as always in such eateries is the stage with the activity of the chefs the theatre, various lighting components enforce this.

The various Ballrooms have been redesigned with new decorative lighting features in some, a floating raft and new lit display table in another, combined with recessed architectural lighting to highlight tables and fabrics. Again, all the lighting is controlled with a scene set dimming system for ease of use and to activate the most appropriate lighting for the particular event and time of day. 

Interior Design: LLP Design
Landscape Design: Landmark Studios

The Hilton Glasgow Hotel has undergone a refurbishment of its ground floor public areas including reception, double height lobby lounge, lobby bar and two inter joining restaurants.

dpa worked closely with interior designers Central Design Studios to refresh a tired interior space from the early 90’s. The interiors have been transformed with quality materials and sophisticated detailing and carefully integrated lighting to enhance the spaces both during the day and at night.

The refurbishment posed a particularly difficult challenge with a very tight budget so dpa worked with Hiltons engineering team to retain and upgrade the old lighting control system so that funds could be used for quality new lighting.

Client: Hilton International
Interior Designer: Central Design Studio
Project Manager: Hilton International
Photography: Courtesy of James Balston

The Four Seasons Hotel in Riyadh is an established property that has undergone a major refurbishment which includes re-presenting the main Entrance Lobby and Tea Lounge whilst restaurants have also been reinvented with striking new interiors.

The main Lobby is a large space with dramatic and powerful vistas. The importance of water in the region has been recognised with the inclusion of a large vertical water feature and sculpture, carefully lit from below with light integrated into the structure and from higher level with concealed projectors on the opposite side of the space. The structure at high level is exposed with appropriately positioned light sources grazing light across the complex surfaces. At low level vertical slatted screens have been introduced to break up the space and with light placed between each fin at low level their form is further expressed and enjoyed.

Features in the space are highlighted with light and the dramatic art installation behind the reception desk is illuminated to expose its 3 dimensional qualities and forms. This has a floating line to the top and adjustable wall washes providing direct light onto the feature. The reception desk sits in front with again light floating it under the counter and at skirting level.

Elements Restaurant at The Four Seasons Riyadh offers a variety of cuisines through out the day and night. Unlike most All Day Eateries this facility provides the highest quality of food in luxurious and visually stimulating surroundings.

The lighting has been carefully conceived as part of the overall design philosophy with the show kitchens and displays having a dramatic and theatrical quality. The lighting consists of a combination of elements, integrated light within counters at low level, integrated light within high level canopies and cornices, highlighting of displays and tables with narrow beam spotlights and a variety of decorative luminaires.

All the lighting is connected to a computer controlled pre-set scene setting system that has been carefully organised to provide the perfect atmosphere at each moment of the day and night.

The Four Seasons Hotel located on London’s Park Lane has recently undergone a multimillion pound redevelopment . The hotel, which originally opened in 1970, was Four Seasons Hotel’s first hotel in Europe. The refurbishment consisted of restructuring the public spaces, reconfiguring the guest rooms and suites, plus the addition of an extra floor atop of the original building housing the hotel’s spa.

dpa lighting design were appointed as lighting consultants for all public, front of house and external areas, including the entrance lobby and reception, restaurant, bar, tea lounge, ball room, meeting rooms, guest lounge, gym, spa, façade lighting, porte cochere and garden. We were also responsible for designing the lighting in all guestrooms and suites of which there were 12 different guestroom types and 11 different suite designs.

dpa lighting design worked closely with the project team which included the client, Pierre-Yves Rochon (interior designer ) and ReardonSmith Architects (lead architect) to produce lighting solutions, in terms of both aesthetic appearance and functional operation, suitable for the many different spaces within the hotel.

A fully automated lighting control system is utilised in the public areas to select the most appropriate lighting scene dependent on both the time of day and time of year.

Within the function rooms the lighting controls fully integrate with the audio visual systems allowing both projectors, blinds, audio and lighting to be controlled seamlessly as one at the touch of a button. The system even allows for users to copy and modify lighting scenes for future recall.

The guestroom and suite lighting all link with the hotel’s guestroom management, key card and booking systems, automatically selecting the correct lighting configuration dependent on whether guests or staff are entering the room and swicthing off the lighting when the room is vacant.

Through the use of lighting controls and the integration of these with the other hotel systems, many savings are made through the reduction of energy use and the benefit of extended life of tungsten lamps, reducing the maintenance required for these sources.

Client: Pedra Developments
Operator: Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
Project Manager: BSPM
Architect/Lead Designer: Rearden Smith Architects
Spa Architect: Eric Parry Architects
Interior Designer (Public Spaces and Guest Rooms): Pierre Yves Rochon
Interior Designer (Ownership Facilities): Decovar
MEP Services Engineer: IDA Associates
Landscape Architect: Macgregor Smith
Planning Consultant: DP9

This large resort hotel is in a beautiful setting next to a lake in County Kerry, Ireland. dpa were asked to be involved with its refurbishment in collaboration with interior designers Hirsch Bedner Associates.

The Hotel presents an air of luxury, with the modern innovation of the crystal-themed bar in contrast to the traditional feel of the wood-and-leather Library, while the focus of most rooms is the views toward the lake via a high degree of transparency.

Lighting was used in all areas to enhance these objectives, working around the limitations of the existing structure of the building.

Client: The Europe Hotel & Resort, Killarney
Interior Design: The Gallery HBA
Architect: Gottstein Architects