Surface Design Awards – Complete

• LIGHT + SURFACE - INTERIOR 
  The innovative use of light and the way it is inextricably linked to surfaces, whether it’s the effect the light has on the surrounding surfaces or the materials used to create the light. 

Tap into the luxury spirit of Dubai at Grosvenor House Hotel. Situated in the Dubai Marina area it is known for opulent accommodations, elegant design and stunning views of the city’s skyline and the Arabian Gulf. The hotel, which is part of the Marriott International Luxury collection offers a range of amenities and services for both pleasure and business travel.
Nestled within this luxurious hotel is 7 Tales. A Japanese-inspired bar that boasts exhilarating views from the 44th floor of Grosvenor House. With dynamic colours reminiscent of the busy Tokyo streets the lighting provides a strong theatrical backdrop to complement any beverage. Studio Lumen ensured that through lighting design there was the opportunity to showcase the immersive experience of the city’s newest speakeasy bar on the after-dark scene.
This new bar concept gives guests the opportunity to sip on wow-worthy cocktails while enjoying the exceptional atmosphere. Strong, yet warm accents ensured that right from the original concept the lighting complements the dynamic colours of the murals, neon signs and other architectural features, making this the perfect transportive experience.
Studio Lumen worked closely throughout this project (completing March 2023) with the core interior design team from LW, to achieve the balance required to accent the splendour of the location and to provide the right navigation throughout the different locations, all with functionality, flexibility, and energy efficiency at the forefront of their minds.
Studio Lumen collaborated with core interior design team LW, working closely to understand the concept and theme of the Japanese-inspired bar, within the luxury hotel setting. They used their expertise to select lighting fixtures, colours and intensity that aligned with Japanese aesthetics, warm tones with a splash of colour and subtle variations.
The space starts the evening with a zen-like calm and hits a crescendo by nightfall that is reminiscent of the busy Tokyo nightlife. Lighting plays a significant role in creating this transition seamlessly by carefully orchestrating changes in lighting elements to evoke the desired atmosphere, hour by hour, minute by minute.
7 Tales packs into one location a vibrant bar, lounge and DJ corner with a dance floor and a mini-games corner in a small space in a coherent manner. Lighting provides each space with its own distinct identity yet combines them cohesively and seamlessly.
Adorned with hand-painted murals on the ceilings and walls you’re fully immersed in a Japanese-inspired work of art. Alongside the breathtaking artwork are neon signs that provide a statement fluorescent glow, bringing life to the 1960s-themed vibrant Tokyo space.
Studio Lumen ensured that the use of light and shade contributed to soft, diffused lighting to evoke a tranquil and serene feel in the traditional seating areas while employing dynamic lighting, colours and patterns to reflect the energy of bustling, modern Japan within the sultry bar setting.
With this project, the devil was in the detail, close collaboration with the ID design team ensured the lighting solutions and equipment were discreet in this space, with effort made to approach and utilise new techniques wherever possible.
The clever use of neon doubles up as a colour dynamic technique and is ascetically reminiscent of Tokyo streets. An impressive mural was a last-minute addition with no blueprint from the artist, requiring Studio Lumen as Lighting designers to think on their feet to relocate the lighting to ensure it didn’t conflict with the art on display and was discreet in its delivery. A perceptive lighting approach also allowed the opportunity to take advantage of the bright views of the Dubai Marina.
By combining contemporary Japanese design elements with modern lighting techniques and technology we were able to create a fully immersive experience, transporting patrons into a realistic world and enhancing their overall experience, making it truly memorable.
Creating an opulent Japanese-inspired lighting project for a high-end bar required a fusion of luxury and authenticity. Rich tones and textures were enhanced by the careful placement of lighting adding a regal touch. Showcasing detailed intricate patterns and motifs also added a layer of luxury and mystique.

Adorned with hand-painted murals on the ceilings and walls you’re fully immersed in a Japanese-inspired work of art. Alongside the breathtaking artwork are neon signs that provide a statement fluorescent glow, bringing life to the 1960s-themed vibrant Tokyo space. With dynamic colours reminiscent of the busy Tokyo streets the lighting provides a strong theatrical backdrop to complement any beverage. Studio Lumen ensured that through lighting design there was the opportunity to showcase the immersive experience of the city’s newest speakeasy bar on the after-dark scene.
Every aspect of the lighting design was meticulously planned, from highlighting the intricate patterns that adorn the ceilings to the delicate table lighting. The attention to detail elevates the space to a level of sophistication beyond typical lighting projects, even the perceptive lighting approach allows the opportunity to take advantage of the bright views of the Dubai Marina.
Accent ratios of 1:5 are maintained for dramatic accents that help delineate activities within the open-plan spaces and neon, downlights that blend in with the mural ceiling. LED strip lights that are integrated and remain invisible and decorative lighting including the use of tea candles set the perfect scene.
Seamless lighting controls ensure a zen-like calm space gradually rises to a vibrant night out. Operators can focus on serving customers while the lighting moves from one scene to the next seamlessly.

Studio Lumen worked closely throughout this project with the core interior design team from LW, to achieve the balance required to accent the splendour of the location and to provide the right navigation throughout the different locations, all with functionality, flexibility, and energy efficiency at the forefront of their minds.
To ensure longevity careful planning was essential taking into consideration durability, thermal management, heat dissipation, compatibility and fixture placement. By adhering to these practices, the lighting design ensures that it achieves an opulent and immersive atmosphere and maintains its quality and functionality over an extended period, providing a lasting and valuable investment for the establishment and client.

Lighting design doesn’t just illuminate space, it transforms it into an immersive, dynamic and unforgettable environment. Projects like this set a new standard for proficiency by pushing the boundaries of what lighting can achieve in terms of aesthetics, functionality and emotional impact.
This project was to initially be an extension of a New York-styled jazz bar, a complete turn-around to a Japanese bar was realised within a staggering 90 days, right from the initial concept to opening. This meant that Studio Lumen adapted the provisions for the Jazz bar to the final result in record time. Even the mural artist had no blue-print and developed the artwork on site, leaving the lighting designers to think on their feet to adapt to this situation, providing solutions that did not dilute the look and feel.
Lighting plays a hugely important role in adding a successful vibrant atmosphere to the F&B venue, really putting it on the map for Dubai. Studio Lumen successfully executed the extension of the theme that the operator and designers set out to create, establishing a distinct and memorable experience that transports guests to the vibrant Tokyo streets.

In essence, Studio Lumen's lighting design and meticulous work contributed to making the luxury bar setting a multisensory experience, where lighting played a pivotal role in immersing guests in the culture and atmosphere of Japan.
With this project, the devil was in the detail, close collaboration with the ID design team ensured the lighting solutions and equipment were discreet in this space, with effort made to approach and utilise new techniques wherever possible.
The clever use of neon doubles up as a colour dynamic technique and is ascetically reminiscent of Tokyo streets. An impressive mural was a last-minute addition with no blueprint from the artist, requiring Studio Lumen as Lighting designers to think on their feet to relocate the lighting to ensure it didn’t conflict with the art on display and was discreet in its delivery. A perceptive lighting approach also allowed the opportunity to take advantage of the bright views of the Dubai Marina.