Velvet at the Corinthia, London, UK

dpa were thrilled to be commissioned by Corinthia London to develop the lighting scheme alongside renowned Interior Designers, David Collins Studio for the new Velvet Bar at the Corinthia.

Velvet takes the place of Corinthia’s former bar “Bassoon”, which has been completely reimagined by David Collins Studio. The transformation sees furniture re-upholstered, rich velvet drapery introduced, and new artwork by Robson Stannard throughout; dpa worked closely with both the Hotel and David Collins Studio to highlight these new features appropriately. All lighting has been re-lamped, with beam angles carefully considered, re-aimed, and scene-set to create focus and drama throughout the bar. The introduction of additional theatre-style Par Can lights to a new stage area, backed by the deep red velvet drapery, creates a new focus to Velvet, transporting guests back to the roaring twenties, an era where opulence, indulgence, and celebration took centre stage. The lighting levels were carefully considered to provide a seductive, intimate atmosphere that complements the magic and theatre of the acclaimed bartender and mixologist Salvatore Calabrese’s innovative twist on classic cocktails. It has already been claimed that this will be one of London’s most desirable cocktail destinations.

To find out about the inspiration behind Robson Stannard’s artwork featured at Velvet at The Corinthia, click here

Client: Corinthia Hotel
Interior Designer: David Collins Studio
Photographer: Alex Upton Photography

 

KOYN Japanese Restaurant, London, UK

KOYN restaurant in Mayfair, housed within the renovated building formerly occupied by the US Embassy and Canadian High Commission and set back within the Grosvenor Square development, has a striking first impression.

The food offering showcases a broad spectrum of Japanese cuisine with a stunning sushi bar at ground floor, and a Robata counter at lower ground providing the theatre of open fire cooking. The lower ground floor is also complemented with a private dining space and is connected to the upper floor by a striking staircase lit with concealed linear lighting to the steps and walls. The bar is nestled in the corner of the ground floor in dark and moody tones of wood and natural stones and lit to reveal the specialist drinks and objects on display.

The lighting provides a cohesive approach to exposing and expressing the interesting materials throughout the restaurant and bar. Always concealed, allowing only the materials and any decorations to be seen as well as, of course, the food to provide visual interest to each table and bar & counter throughout.

Client: LSL Capital
Interior Designer: Fabled Studio
Project Manager: Emmaus Consulting
M&E Consultant: Barlows MEP Services Ltd
Photography: James McDonald

 

Veeraswamy, London, UK

dpa have been working closely with Camellia Panjabi, Namita Panjabi, and Ranjit Mathrani of MW Eat for 19 years, designing the lighting for their three fine dining restaurants and the various Masala Zones throughout Central London. Each restaurant is individual and makes dining a special occasion with truly authentic Indian food that is simply exceptional, coupled with outstanding service and magical interiors that further enhance the whole experience. Established in 1926, the fine dining restaurant Veeraswamy is the UK’s oldest Indian restaurant. It was recently refurbished, with the lighting playing an important part in representing the spaces. dpa worked closely with the owners and interior designer Jeffrey Wilkes in the development of the lighting design.

The lighting creates drama from the tables, to the exquisite display case full of brightly coloured turbans and glassware at the entrance, and on to other art and sculpture. A combination of decorative lighting elements and carefully integrated architectural lighting provides decoration and ambiance to the dining rooms. The dining space is split into three distinct areas, all with their own look and feel. The lighting is carefully scene-set through a dimming system to create exactly the right mood for lunch, early evening and throughout the night.

Owner: MW Eat – Camellia Panjabi, Namita Panjabi and Ranjit Mathrani
Interior Designer: Jeffrey Wilkes, DESIGNWILKES
Photography: Courtesy of MW Eat

 

OKKU Japanese Restaurant, Riyadh, KSA

dpa were delighted to be commissioned to produce the lighting design for OKKU, an award-winning Japanese Restaurant, operating in Riyadh. The original and innovative space features two distinct floors where guests are greeted by Samurai warriors, a signature Jelly Fish Tank, a giant Japanese Bell and exquisite interior detailing to compliment the food and beverage.

dpa were very proud to work again with OKKU on another iconic restaurant and worked closely with the design team and client to bring out the richness and detail of the interiors with light, in a subtle and sympathetic manner.

Client: Whissle
Interior Designer: LW Design Group
Photography: Courtesy of OKKU

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

Tasca and Netsu Restaurants at the
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai

Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai is a newly constructed 5-star resort-style hotel located on Dubai’s Arabian Gulf shoreline.

Over a period of 4 years, dpa worked in close collaboration with the Client, Operator and Design Team WASL Group, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, Architects DAR and Interior Designers Design Wilkes and Silverfox to design the lighting solutions for all public FoH areas of the Hotel, internally and externally.

Interior Design for the Guestrooms, Public Areas and Ballroom facilities was undertaken by Design Wilkes.  Silverfox Studios provided the Interior Design for the Spa and Fitness Centre and the Speciality Restaurants, The Bay, Tasca, and Netsu.  Landscape design was courtesy of 40North and Cracknells.

As part of the design brief dpa worked closely with all parties from initial conception stage, ensuring that the lighting design was cohesive throughout the hotel, and well integrated within the Interior Design and Architecture.

dpa followed the project through to the construction stages, maintaining a regular presence on site to ensure the designs were fully understood and coordinated with the various contractors, suppliers, consultants, and site teams.

While all spaces are special in their own way, the most impactful moments within the Hotel occur in the Main Lobby and within Netsu Restaurant.

The Main Lobby is very important, forming the first impression of the Hotel for arriving guests and visitors.  At 12 metres tall, it provided a challenge to ensure that the lighting was sufficient to adequately illuminate the space during daylight hours, with the dimming range to provide subtlety and ambience after dark.  A discreet, linear, ceiling recessed system was designed and specified, allowing high output linear LED luminaires to be installed in a way which matched the rhythm of the architecture and the ceiling.

At ground level, there is a colonnade of 14 Light Trees, designed by Design Wilkes and Preciosa, with technical and aesthetic input from dpa. The Trees feature approximately 900 individually addressed LED light points, illuminating hand blown glass leaves. The leaves are programmed to produce dynamic ripples of light, individually varying their brightness to create differing effects. The arrangement of the colonnades leads the eye along the central water feature, and through to the landscaped, beach adjacent courtyard and lap pool.

Within Netsu, a signature restaurant on the ground level, Silverfox Studios produced an industrial aesthetic, with a combination of rugged and natural materials. The brief was to create a theatrical dining experience, to use the central open Robata kitchen as a ‘stage’.

In response to this, dpa implemented a series of suspended lighting truss rigs, upon which were mounted theatrical RGBW projectors, with variable beam angles and focussing.  These projectors were used to provide warm white intensity at the points where food is displayed and served, and dramatic coloured accents around the space.  RGBW linear floodlights were mounted on top of the rigs to provide a coloured wash of light to the MEP service at high level, accentuating the height and industrial aesthetic of the space.

Owner: WASL Group
Operator: Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Project Manager: DAR
Architect: DAR
Interior Designer for Public Areas: Design Wilkes
Interior Designer for Spa and Restaurants: Silverfox Studios
Interior Design Co-ordinators: PMQ
Landscape Consultants: 40North and Cracknells
MEP Consultant: SEED Engineering
Photography: Alex Jeffries Photography Group
dpa Project Team: David McNeil, Douglas Brennan and Tim Leeding

 

Coppa Club Maidenhead, UK

dpa lighting consultants have been fortunate to work with Quadrant Design and Georgina Brennan Interior Design on the lighting design to the Coppa Club, Maidenhead. Our approach to the Lighting Design was to work with both client/operations teams, and the design team to ensure that the appropriate ambience and accent was achieved with lighting to enhance the interior and exterior spaces. Our lighting design included a sympathetic approach to the architectural lighting, with concealed lighting where possible to expose interesting interior features with minimal down lighting so that the overall ambience is created with decorative features and elements. Lighting control was extremely significant for all areas to balance natural light during the day, both when bright and overcast, but more importantly at night when more intimate scenes were created for early and late evening. Finally, the overall brief and vision of a warm jewel of interior spaces was successfully achieved especially when viewed from the Berkshire Cut River.

Client: Strada
Interior Designer: Quadrant Design
Project Manager: Simon Bristow Associates

 

 

JW Marriott Hotel Nara, Japan

dpa lighting consultants were delighted to be asked to work in collaboration with GA Design, Marriott Hotels and Mori Trust on the first international luxury hotel in Nara, Japan. The new JW Marriott is located a short distance from the Nara Park and ancient temples which provided inspiration for the project. The simplicity of heavy timber beams and stone from the temples and local homes have been reinterpreted by Joanna Biggs, lead Interior Designer for this hotel together with references to the local landscape and culture.

The guests receive a warm welcome with the feeling of a luxury residential home due to the natural interior finishes and warm coloured lamps. The connection with nature is immediate in the lobby such as the panoramic view of mountains surrounding Nara, drawn on the wall behind the reception. The lighting is irradiating to this artwork by colour temperature changing lamps which are programmed to synchronize with the daylight outside.

Client: Mori Trust
Hotel Operator: Marriott Hotels and Resorts
Interior Designer: GA Design
Photography: Courtesy of JW Marriott Hotel Nara, Japan

 

 

 

 

Juliet Rose Bar, Hilton Munich City, Germany

The Juliet Rose Bar at the Hilton Munich City has the Rose at the heart of its theme, side by side with the botanics of the beverage and food menus. There is a spirit of alchemy in the interior both for the design and purpose, with the large bar being the focus of the space where the theatre of signature cocktails are accented with perfectly placed and coordinated light to create drama and focus. The interior adapts through the day from morning to late into the evening with a warm and inviting atmosphere, created with very warm lighting elements and lamps which are dimmed low at night to create the desired and appropriate ambiance.

The interiors have been designed by London-based Interior Designers Goddard Littlefair with dpa working closely with them on all aspects of the lighting. Each lighting element was carefully considered and placed to enhance the space and provide the appropriate atmosphere.

Operator: Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Juliet Rose Bar
Interior Designer: Goddard Littlefair
Photography: Fanning Tseng – Yes! Please Enjoy Photography

H&M Barcelona, Spain

On 3rd February 2017, Hennes & Mauritz (H&M) launched their brand new Flagship store in Barcelona, Spain, which is situated on Passeig de Gràcia, one of the major avenues in Barcelona and one of its most important shopping and business areas, containing several of the city’s most celebrated pieces of architecture.

dpa undertook the lighting design of the historical lobby and the newly introduced Flax & Kale café within the heritage spaces of this 1950’s property, a former HQ for insurance company Banco Vitalicio de España.

The lighting scheme for the historic lobby features decorative custom pendant luminaires with dedicated, directional lighting to the merchandise displays.  At the same time, finely integrated linear lighting solutions accentuate the important architectural features within the space while respecting the building’s heritage.

The Flax & Kale café represents an innovative new concept and experience for H&M.  The lighting provides a clean, airy yet warm space that complements the interior architecture and distinguishes itself from the adjacent retail areas.  At the same time, the design seamlessly combines the bright and fun character of H&M with the warmth and design lines of the Flax & Kale tradition.

The lighting installation is fully reversible with minimal disturbance to the historic building fabric while achieving a theatrical lit result for customers to enjoy.

Client:   Hennes & Mauritz (H&M)
Café Operator: Flax & Kale, Barcelona
Flax & Kale Interior Designer:  Estudi Francesc Pons, Barcelona
Photography: dpa lighting consultants

 

Trèsind, Dubai, UAE

Located on the 2nd Floor of the Nassima Royal Hotel in Dubai DIFC, Trèsind is well known for its Indian molecular gastronomy. Following the recent renovation, the restaurant is returning with 2 new dining concepts.

In the dining experience, one has the comfort of dining with the signature dishes along with new explorations in the Modernist Indian Cuisine, paired with some of the most unique concepts in mixology. Trèsind Studio is an immersive intimate affair, guided as a chef’s table experience.

In the main dining area. the walls and feature wall frames are finished in dark blue whilst the entire ceiling is covered in blue and white wallpaper. Long tables placed centrally in the space act as serving stations and carry jars of spices, frequently used in Indian cuisine, that add colour and texture. Narrow beam spotlights provide a sense of theatre as the staff moves around these tables while serving the guests.

The dining tables are located in pockets around the perimeter of the space in pairs providing a sense of privacy. Integrated linear lighting grazes the louvered panels that cover the windows from behind, providing a sense of depth. The frames on the walls on either side of the tables are highlighted by picture lights, while the tables are softly accentuated.

A similar approach has been applied in the Studio. Here, the focal point is the preparation counter. The lighting levels are generally lower due to the lighter finishes on the walls and ceiling, and to promote the 180o views out to the city.


Project Credits:

Client: Passion F&B Management Consultancies
Interior Designer: Modo Milano
MEP Consultant: Akins

Kerridge’s Bar & Grill, Corinthia Hotel London, UK

We were delighted to be commissioned by Corinthia London to work with David Collins Studio on the new Kerridge’s Bar & Grill at the Corinthia, which has already received fabulous reviews and is clearly one of the most important restaurant openings in London this year.

David Collins Studio worked closely with Tom Kerridge to transform the space into a sumptuous and atmospheric dining room and bar that was in keeping with the whole ethos of Britishness that Tom wanted for his first restaurant in London.

dpa worked very closely with Simon Rawlings and the team at David Collins Studio from the concept to the final setup, crafting the lighting design. Painting the ceiling dark green and removing the huge chandeliers that were in the space was carefully considered to change the emphasis of the room, bringing all the life, decoration and sparkle down to the lower human levels of both the dining room and bar area. Additional layers have been added with art including two large bronze sculptures by Beth Cullen-Kerridge and three pieces by Robi Walters, as well as the introduction of illuminated gantries over the bar and rotisserie areas.

Each table, the artwork, and bar are lit by a series of narrow beam spotlights above apertures in each ceiling bay. At low level there are various decorative lighting elements and integrated architectural lighting throughout the spaces. Each component is separately controlled and dimmed to create the perfect balance visually in the space day and night. As with many of our projects candles are as important, if not more important than all the other lighting elements providing that soft dancing light across the tables and brushing people’s faces with a warm glow. The whole space has a beautiful softness and warmth both during the day and at night.

Client: Corinthia London
Interior Design: David Collins Studio
Artwork: Beth Cullen-Kerridge and Robi Walters
Photography: Cristian Barnett and Kensington Leverne

Masala Zone Covent Garden, London, UK

MW Eat own and operate three fine dining restaurants and several Masala Zone establishments across London, providing sophisticated informal dining with authentic Indian cuisine. dpa has been working closely with MW Eat for the last 15 years, not only are they passionate about authentic food but the group’s passion extends to all aspects of their restaurants, which is what makes them so special.

Featured here are images of Masala Zone Covent Garden with the incredibly colourful Rajasthan puppets dramatically uplit, the vibrant bar with carefully integrated layers of light, and focused pools of light on each table exposing the visual delights of the food as it is served. The eclectic decorative chandeliers, small pendants and wall lights add important layers of decorative illumination to the various spaces, and sophistication to the visual experience.

The lighting is grouped with many layers individually controlled to create the perfect balance of drama and warmth throughout the day and into the evening. The lighting changes automatically and with unperceivable fades from one scene to another.

Owner: MW Eat – Namita Panjabi, Camellia Panjabi and Ranjit Mathrani
Interior Designer: Design Wilkes
Architect: Anthony Richardson & Partners
Photography: Courtesy of MW Eat

Ramusake, Dubai, UAE

Ramusake at the Hilton Doubletree is the first appearance of the exciting London brand in Dubai, courtesy of the Mahiki Group. Situated at a prime location in Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai Marina, the restaurant’s expansive terrace, offers incredible views over the Bluewater Island Development and the soon-to-be-completed observation wheel, the Ain Dubai.

Offering a specialised menu of Japanese classics with a refreshingly modern twist, the restaurant captures the ‘Isakaya” dining concept perfectly. Taking inspiration from Shōwa era, (1920’s) Tokyo, the venue’s interior design and lighting serve to accentuate and reinforce the food offering creating an encompassing, authentic dining experience.

The restaurant feels very elemental. Fire, steam, smoke, and spectacle is provided by the centrepiece Robata Grille. Ice, within the large fresh fish displays, Water in the views of the Arabian Gulf, and Air, through the entirely retractable glass façade. These elements combine with the material and finishes palette, aged concrete, charred timber, and hand-painted Japanese artworks, to transport the guest to another location and time.

From conception to final site stages, dpa lighting consultants provided creative and technical guidance throughout. The original concept brief was to create an intimate, dramatic lit environment, incorporating authentic Japanese elements through the use of traditional “Chouchin” and “Tsuri Dourou” lamps. Collaborating closely with the Interior Designer, concepts were also developed for an impressive, oversized abacus suspended at high level above the main dining space.

Working within the existing site conditions, and in collaboration with the Interior Designer, dpa implemented a strategy to provide spotlighting highlights to the dining tables and artworks, with lit emphasis and focus provided at the open show kitchen and the main Sake bar. A combination of high-level, mid-level and low-level lighting techniques were used, building up layers of accentuation to create a balanced lit environment. Ambient light levels were kept very low, to enhance the intimacy and theatre of the space. Through the specification of discreet equipment and integrated detailing, the lit effect takes centre stage, rather than the lighting equipment.

At the terrace, accentuation was sparingly provided to the central feature tree, surrounding planting dividers and artworks, ensuring that the main focus is reserved for the spectacular views out.

Overall, the Lighting Design, Interior Design and restaurant concept have combined very cohesively to create a successful and popular finished project, which stays true to the design aspirations set out within the original concept.

 

Owner / Operator: Mahiki Group, London
Interior Designer:  MY Studio, Dubai
M&E Consultant: Sunstar Technical Services LLC, Dubai
Project Manager: Studio International Engineering Consultants, Dubai
Photography: Taken by dpa lighting consultants FZ LLC with the kind permission of Ramusake

Yosma, Baker Street, London, UK

Yosma is a recently opened Turkish Meyhane, Mangal & Raki Bar in Baker Street, London. Designed by Afroditi Krassa Studio Yosma is the concept of Levent Buyukugur and Sanjay Nandi of the Good Food Society and Executive Chef Hus Vedat.

Inspired by the streets of Istanbul, Afroditi Krassa’s design has injected heart and soul into every corner of the Bar/Restaurant providing opportunity for the lighting design to enhance and accent the interiors while creating a comfortable and honest ambience with theatre from the chefs ‘on stage’ to the rear of the restaurant.

Photography courtesy of Yosma

Tamba, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Located at the World Trade Centre Abu Dhabi, Tamba is a brand new Indian inspired dining experience with a contemporary twist. The owners Purple Honey, together with interior designers LW Group, have created a unique and stylish experience within the loft-style setting. An abundance of decorative handmade lighting pendants and oversize bells form the spectacle of the interior, with individual spaces designed to cater for the casual to the intimate. The rich and intricate theme of the interior flows onto the terrace where diners can enjoy the views of the Capital City in a sensual environment.

dpa had the pleasure of being invited to join the design team and work closely with the Client and Interior Designers to develop a lighting scheme that would reinforce identity and help bring an emotive quality to the establishment.

Many important considerations needed to be addressed while designing the lighting, in particular the daytime and evening operating hours. With the amount of daylight entering the space, the feel of the restaurant dramatically changes throughout the day into late evening. Therefore, the lighting needed to address this balance while retaining the focus on areas of interest and excitement; this was achieved by layering the lighting so that different elements could come into play as the natural daylight dissipated. Concealed LED was used predominantly throughout to provide accent to the decorative screens, niches, and artwork. Tungsten Halogen was decided for soft illumination of the dining tables because of the warm colour, dimming and most importantly to show case the exquisite food. A touch of theatre is introduced to the terrace with strategically placed gobo pattern projectors, to complement the surroundings, and generous use of natural candle light.

All of the lighting is operated by a control system to allow the necessary scenes and seamless transition through the day and night.

Client and Operator: Purple Honey
Project Manager: Al Fara’a Interiors
Interior Designer: LW Design Group

 

Steigenberger Hotel Business Bay, Dubai, UAE

In the heart of Dubai’s Business Bay district, close to the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall, the newly opened 5-star Steigenberger Hotel Business Bay Dubai meets the demands of both leisure and business travellers. This cosmopolitan hotel with a German touch is the first property from the brand in the GCC region, featuring elegant and stylish designs combined with German precision and efficiency.

dpa lighting consultants provided the lighting design for all of the internal public & guest areas, working closely with the Interior Designers at LW Design Group on the entrance lobby, reception, lobby lounge, meeting rooms, ballroom, fitness suite and Spa. Together with guestrooms and suites which enjoy stunning views over the bay, the interior design and lighting design worked hand in hand for the restaurants, bars and cafés.

The lighting design brings together and showcases the stylish palette of materials and finishes, whilst providing a sense of space and continuity through the connecting areas. The overriding design approach to the lighting was to limit the down lighting and play to the architectural features of the spaces by integrating lighting into key interior and architectural detailing and concealing the light equipment as much as possible.

Functionality of the lighting is also key, with all areas designed with energy efficient light sources in maintainable locations and controlled by intelligent lighting control systems to change the emphasis and atmosphere at different times of the day.

Client: Abdulsalam Al Rafi Group
Operator: Steigenberger Hotels
Project Manager: ArchGroup
Interior Designer: LW Design Group
M&E Consultant: Al Tayer

Finz , Beach Rotana, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Finz at the Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi is a recent refurbishment of an old favourite fish restaurant in the Capital City. Offering inventive and exquisite dining in a chic, modern setting with romantic views across the water, Finz is a firm destination for those wanting a rich and enjoyable evening experience.

The main structure of the restaurant was retained during the refurbishment, but the feel and movement of the space was redesigned. The brief for the lighting design was to lift what was previously a dark interior and help reinforce the new modern and open voluminous space. A desire was expressed by both the hotel operator and interior designers to keep the ceiling free form clutter, and any lighting equipment introduced had to be minimal and discreet. The challenge for the lighting was therefore threefold: provide functional lighting for the day and evening, create a warm, inviting focus-driven lighting scheme, and to be as simple and elegant as possible. In addition, emphasis had to be given to the show kitchen and DJ station while keeping an overall balance and harmony.

To provide a sense of space and volume to the interior, linear LED profiles were routed into the existing roof supporting structures gently washing the ceiling in warm white light. All of the profiles and wiring were completely concealed from view. Very discreet, elegant, colour-matched, suspended spotlights were introduced in key areas to accent light the tables and provide a low circulation level of light. Additionally, supplementary colour-matched surface mounted spotlights were located in the beams for highlighting to artwork and features. Display, shelf and wine lighting were carefully integrated to be completely concealed and to provide lighting just where it was required.

On the exterior terrace, the lighting was kept deliberately to a minimum to preserve the views out across the water. Candles are predominantly used on the tables, with miniature brass spotlights tucked up in the overhang to raise the light level if required. The surrounding glass balustrade has a custom concealed LED edge lighting detail to provide a soft boundary to the terrace.

Because of the nature of the project and the number of different lighting techniques, product and lamp selection was very important to ensure a colour consistency across the spaces, and also to ensure the best dimming compatibility with the lighting control system.

Client and Operator: Rotana
Project Manager: Beach Rotana
Interior Designer: LW Design Group

 

Estiatorio Milos Restaurant,
London, UK

Estiatorio Milos Restaurant London is the 6th restaurant from the acclaimed chef Costas Spiliadis who’s attention to every detail of his restaurant was the starting point for the lighting design of the restaurant.

The primary importance for the lighting was to light the food well and not compromise on fashion or gimmick for decoration as the food at the market and table was to be the focus. The interior did however have to provide visual comfort and harmony with the Crown Estate listed building ‘envelope’ which offered opportunities to enhance from the external gated entrance to the double height space of the main restaurant space (Images 1 & 2).

Working with Canadian Architect Alain Carle who designed the elegantly refined interior spaces as backdrops to the ‘theatre’ of the restaurant. The lighting played an essential part in bringing the spaces to life with theatrical lighting accent to the food and tables, bars and displays which reinforce the visual focus and interest.

The Studio Pendant Orb from Neidhardt is a striking feature connecting the ground floor to the mezzanine and inspired as glowing jellyfish floating within the restaurant. Carefully and discreetly integrated within the ceiling details is recessed track lighting aimed through and down to the tables below. (Images 1 & 2).

Client: Costas Spiliadis
Operator: Estiatorio Milos
Project Manager: Keytask Management Ltd
Architect and Interior Designer: Alain Carle Architecte
Base Build: JM Architects
M&E Consultant: TEI Electrical Contractors

Photography courtesy of James Newton 

Four Seasons Hotel, Casablanca, Morocco

Fronting the Atlantic Ocean, the new intimately scaled Four Seasons Casablanca offers a resort style hotel, blending textured sand-coloured contemporary architecture with a modern Moroccan interior. dpa worked closely with GA Design International, London to design the main public areas including the ‘Mint’ tea lounge and EDG Design, California for the design of the ‘Bleu’ speciality restaurant and ‘Altitude 33’ pool bar.

Overlooking the oceanfront on the prestigious corniche, the hotel is part of the Anfa Place development, being the first master-planned construction on the White City’s shore. The guest experience is set off on arrival at the inspiring and sensational Porte Cochere, which consists of 1225 Moroccan shaped pots, each individually lit. The understated and discreet entrance then gives way to a majestic mix of interior spaces with a building geometry that is based around the linear courtyard and gardens.

Owner: Inveravante
Operator: Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
Project Manager: MACE
Master Planning Architect of Anfa Place: Foster + Partners
Local Architect: Sens Archi
Landscape Architect: Arge
Interior Designer: GA Design (main Public Areas including the ‘Mint’ Tea Lounge) and EDG Design (‘Bleu’ Speciality Restaurant and ‘Altitude 33’ Pool Bar)
Electrical Contractor: Elecnor
Photography: Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts