| Project/Product Description | 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 Row on 45, a high-end gourmet restaurant spearheaded by celebrity chef Jason Atherton. This 17-course Haute cuisine experience was born out of Jason Atherton's vision for luxury, using his own London home as an inspiration for the design.
Dubai-based LW Design were enlisted to collaborate on the design with Atherton to create the residential-inspired restaurant concept. In turn, LW appointed Studio Lumen for their lighting design knowledge and expertise to support the project.
From the classic wall panelling to the intricately crafted architraves and detailed profiles often found in distinguished private residences, no detail was overlooked. Even the moody cigar room creates a serene and intimate atmosphere where one can savour a cigar and engage in deep conversation.
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.
This venue is truly one of a kind and exudes a sense of timeless elegance from bespoke timber, marble, leather, and metal finishes executed with an authentic classical touch. The lighting design ensures a welcoming atmosphere with a sense of comfort that puts guests at ease upon arrival and throughout their dining experience.
Lighting design in this high-end location was not just about illumination, it was a critical element of the overall design concept that elevates the dining experience and leaves a lasting impact on patrons. The use of lighting that highlights features, table settings and more provides a dynamic element to the venue that showcases the design concept right down to the finest detail.
For guests the Champagne Lounge is where the 17-course culinary journey begins, offering panoramic views of Palm Jumeirah. A residential-style bar and wing chairs in emerald leather provide a comfortable setting, whilst satirical artworks have been introduced to add a touch of humour and lighten the mood, all supported and enveloped in warm inviting lighting.
A theatrical dining room complete with a live stage awaits in the next room, designed to exhibit Atherton’s culinary skills in a state-of-the-art residential show kitchen where there is a nod to the Art-Deco era supported by the lighting dynamic lighting.
A moody cigar room has a serene and intimate atmosphere enhanced by a thoughtful lighting design that helps achieve the right mood and setting, enhancing the overall experience.
The final room is the Chef’s Library. A solid marble mantelpiece centres the space, surrounded by vintage furniture, bookcases and the same fur textile wallcovering as the entrance, all showcased with subtle lighting solutions.
The lighting design for this project was specially designed, both enhancing and reinforcing the restaurant's true identity, design and customer experience, ensuring that the overall design and execution aligned seamlessly with the concept and atmosphere of the establishment.
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.
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.
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| Materials Used | Impressions count – The overall impression of this high-end location is greatly influenced by its lighting, leaving a lasting impression on patrons and leading to return visits and recommendations to others. Every aspect of the lighting design was meticulously planned, creating a holistic dining atmosphere that caters to comfort and luxury that supports the unique identity, 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 discreet lighting, LED strip lights that are integrated and remain invisible and decorative lighting including the use of tea candles set the perfect scene.
Automated lighting controls to ensure a seamless transition over the course of the operations from evening to late night, retaining the required ambience at all times.
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| Sustainability | 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.
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| Issues Faced | 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 not without its challenges – the project underwent some dramatic changes in the course of construction, resulting in the original scheme quickly adapting to the revisions in the space. The mirrored ceilings in the cigar room posed a challenge all on their own, with the locations and lighting integration being critical to avoid undesired reflections.
Lighting plays a hugely important role in adding a successful vibrant atmosphere to the 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 identity for each space and creating a memorable experience that transports guests to the luxurious gourmet restaurant.
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| Additional Comments | Studio Lumen ensured the lighting design was a contextual fit, aligning with the restaurant's concept, theme and overall design. The restaurant has a well-defined brand and identity and we ensured the lighting aligned with this with custom fixtures and unique lighting elements.
Studio Lumen's well-thought-out lighting design that aligns with the restaurant's theme and concept significantly enhances the patron's experience in several ways.
Ambience and comfort – Where the lighting sets the mood and creates comfort, making the dining experience more relaxed and enjoyable.
Focus and engagement – Where lighting has been used to draw attention to specific areas and features, such as artwork or the chef's table, making the experience immersive and memorable.
Privacy and intimacy – Where the lighting has been specifically designed with a sense of intimacy at individual tables enhancing the romantic atmosphere for couples or small groups.
Aesthetics and presentation – Where the lighting design assists in appearance, highlighting colours and textures making them appear more inviting and visually appealing.
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