4SPACE introduces PAPA Bar in Dubai, which includes nine exciting concepts
4SPACE delivers exciting PAPA Dubai project, an exciting 1,580sqm entertainment destination in the vibrant Atrium complex, the dining and entertainment epicentre of riverside Al Habtoor City. Comfort and soul food are at the heart of the dining experience that takes visitors from evening to the early hours. World-respected bartending figures from Dubai and Moscow partnered with 4SPACE to create nine glorious bars and mixology concepts like no other.
The Dubai-based design firm partnered with the world’s finest mixologists from Dubai and Moscow to create an exclusive transformational venue. The venue seamlessly shifts from a sophisticated and immersive dining experience to a chic after-party venue with DJs and entertainment as the evening moves to night.
The total space is made up of little ‘boulevards’ including the Rum Station, Champagne Avenue, Gin Point and Vodka Lane, Tequila Road, Sake Alley, Whiskey Square and the VIP Lounge. It’s got a cohesive village feel, with archways in different finishings used throughout the expansive space to allow a unified design between each of the bars. The monochromatic colour approach allows a seamless transition between each distinctive bar. As the tempo picks up, the lighting transforms. 4SPACE designers seamlessly integrated the architectural and entertainment lighting with five distinctive ambient moods based on the time of day and desired experience. Each bar has its own distinctive vibe and personality and transforms daily from a chic restaurant where you can dine in style as the evening draws to a close. As nighttime falls over the city, the restaurant becomes an elegant party venue and after club-bar.
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Note Design Studio creates a practical workspace for Samsen and it has a wine bar too
With working cultures and practices in a state of transition and flux, as businesses around the world adjust to a post-pandemic landscape, one company has taken a particularly inventive approach. In need of a workspace and meeting venue in central Stockholm, Swedish digital tech consultancy Samsen is opening – not an office – but a wine bar, and Note Design Studio have been charged with creating the perfect interior.
Designed for work and play
As a specialist tech consultancy working with the likes of Klarna, Spotify and Nespresso, Samsen normally despatches employees to work in its clients’ offices – something that COVID-19 made impossible. They had been planning a home of their own long before the pandemic struck, with a vision of an office shaped by long standing workplace trends that embrace flexibility and employee satisfaction. It became clear that, although the company didn’t need anything like a conventional corporate office, it did need a shared space that the team could come to whenever they needed, to use however they liked – whether as a space to work, hang out, or spend time with family and friends. Not just a practical resource, but an employee perk. With the founders of Samsen sharing a passion for wine and a determination that their space should look nothing like the traditional office, a wine bar seemed the perfect option.
“When we did our first presentation for Samsen, they first went quiet. They had to explain to us that they didn’t want an office at all – they just wanted to work in a wine bar. The whole idea is to offer employees something different, and add real value besides going to work every day,” SAYS – Susanna Wåhlin, Note Design Studio.
The wine-bar workspace – dubbed the Samsen Atelier – is in keeping with the young company’s fundamental philosophy: the belief that work should be built on the personal life of the individual, not the other way around. The Samsen team are free to design their work around their needs and passions, able to choose how, when and where they work, and with which clients. In their they have access to a flexible space that they are empowered to use as their own, whether for personal or professional reasons.
Adaptable seating
The need to balance function and atmosphere was the driving force behind Note’s design process. The team took inspiration from the small bars and cafés found in Japan – spaces that often seem tiny, but have a surprising capacity to hold a large number of people thanks to clever seating arrangements.
The space is made up of two connected rooms – one houses a large communal table that can be used for dining or collaborative work; the other holds a bar lined with stools, a trio of café tables, and bespoke upholstered benches beneath two large windows. This set-up allows for multiple seating arrangements to be employed simultaneously – from group gatherings, to one-to-one chats and working in isolation – and ensures the atmosphere is vibrant and bustling even when relatively few people are on site.
Inspired by Japan
Taking the dark-wood look of Japanese bars and restaurants as a starting point, Note developed a palette that balanced warm and cool colours and materials, combining traditional stained soft wood with harder, more modern accents of concrete and steel. The wooden cabinets on the walls are a direct reference to Japanese interiors, as is the half-length curtain that divides the two rooms. Another curtain separates the kitchen area, which houses brushed metal units from Reform that contrast with the golden woody warmth of the yellow-brown palette elsewhere.
Built from chunky slabs of limestone, the bespoke bar backs a tall wine fridge also designed by Note. The space houses a number of other Note designs created especially for Samsen, including a statement yellow shelving unit on the wall, the integrated window benches, and the large yellow communal table, which is surrounded by black chairs from the Candid collection that the studio designed for Zilio A&C. Above the table, Rich Brilliant Willing’s Palindrome lamp in bent tubular steel adds a sculptural element. In the adjoining space, the bar stools, café chairs and tables have been sourced from Mattiazzi.
Despite the distinct ‘anti-office’ feel of the space, there are, inevitably, practical features that facilitate the use of the space for work. Power outlets have been positioned to enable easy access from all seating areas; and the silver curtain on the wall conceals a whiteboard. Two large screens can be used for presentations – as well as video gaming and showing major sports events.
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Have you seen the new Rove Bar by H2R Design?
H2R Design successfully completed the interior design of Rove at the Park Hotel. They were recently tasked to extend the same design ethos to the Rove Bar as well. As the original interior designers of the entire property including the rooms, facilities, lounges and outdoor spaces, H2R Design was tasked to develop the bar concept, keeping in mind the signature theme at the hotel. The design concept for the bar, then includes a variety of elements like a central focus point and a variety of seating styles, from semi-private areas to chill lounge seating, all in keeping with the overarching thematic styles to maintain harmony with the complete hospitality experience.
A classy and stylish space tempered by sophistication, Rove Bar presents older guests with an exclusive retreat to unwind, socialize and enjoy the assorted offerings from the bar. In creating this getaway, H2R Design has taken care to retain the hotel’s ethos to cater to the thrill-seeking adventurers and ‘rovers,’ while translating the playfulness and youthful, excitement-filled atmosphere that permeates the family-focused hotel into a mood-elevating, exclusive bar to suit the targeted customers.
The main direction came from the overall property design methods and character. However, given that Rove Bar was designed and developed months after the hotel’s opening, H2R Design had the opportunity to expand on the frivolity of the space and add more quirkiness.
The methodology was to continue to build on the original design but with the addition of objects to add merriment and make it more suitable and befitting for the intended guests.
Jubilant colourways and conspicuous corners make up the design of the Rove Bar. The vibrancy instantly attracts onlookers and allures them into the venue. What was initially supposed to be a secluded hideaway has turned into a special attraction in the entertainment-themed hotel.
The overall space is open and welcoming with several nooks and corners to seat the guests. There are lounging areas for a more relaxed feel, while restaurant style tables, banquettes and seats sprawl across the floor.
The focal point of the venue is the large bar with its towering effect amidst the colours, walkways and seats, and the checkered style ceiling design above the bar creates a sporty feel. The rich turquoise glass mosaic tiles across the bar add sophistication while the countertop made of epoxy resin terrazzo finishes solidify the build. Stainless steel skirting has been added to the base of the bar while there is a brass metal termination on the counter’s edge.
Another key space is the semi-private dining area anecdotally called the Red Room in deference to its fiery crimson walls and mix of glossy and matte red tiles. This room is designed with a powder-coated metal to mesh the framework. Additionally, red pendant lighting fixtures have been added to the ceiling to further enforce the power of the colour in the room.
The use of art has been instrumental in creating a wildly contained space. Whether it is the pop art portrait of an 17th century general, melting into monochromatic stripes, the dancing matador, the stencil silhouettes in motion or the persuasive messaging on the walls, the playful theme gets so much more amplified with these unforgettable pieces.
The coffee tables in the lounge area are custom made with epoxy resin terrazzo finishes. The furniture is current, modern and lightweight in an array of recreation park hues with soft and comfortable textile skins. The joinery of the banquettes are done with leather and are placed in front of timber cladding.
Brass pendant lights have been used above the bar counter, while a very unique set of floor lamps designed by Artemide have been placed in Rove Bar. Broken down in each ring, the design emits projected lights. Each ring releases light rays that come to life in a “scenic dance, made of shadows that circulate around its central heart”.
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Pedal by NIU is a unique concept bicycle workshop cum coffee bar in Dubai
Pedal is a unique concept bicycle workshop cum coffee bar where cycling enthusiasts can socialise with like-minded others over coffee and pastries while they shop for the latest accessories and have their bikes serviced.
The rustic-industrial ambience of the flagship Pedal merges form and function to create a one-stop bicycle shop in an industrial area of Dubai. The seamless concrete floor provides a solid monotone foundation to unite the different zones, each designated for specific purposes.
Overhead metal light fixtures suspended from the high, open black ceiling create a cohesiveness to the separate retail and hospitality areas while utilizing every available space for displays.
A curved wood rack curves artistically up one wall for customer bike parking while the cosy coffee zone encourages cyclists to hang out with distressed leather chairs and reclaimed wood tables.
On view through sliding glass-paned doors is the workshop so cyclists can observe their bike maintenance and repairs as they enjoy coffee and camaraderie. And also browse the stylish displays of the latest cycling gear.
The bicycle theme extends throughout the retail displays and even into the washroom/changing areas with old-fashioned wash bucket sinks, and bicycle inspired signage.
The warm red oxide façade of Pedal encourages cyclists to squeeze their brakes and come inside.
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NIU completes Grapes and Dates, a dramatic new Acai snack bar concept in Last Exit-Khawaneej, Dubai
Italian architects Elena Gregorutti and Giorgio Palermo from NIU Design Studio created an enticing interior with a bold reference to the region for the debut of a new chain of Emirati-owned Acai snack bars—Grapes and Dates is located in the popular Last Exit- Khawaneej, Dubai.
Partly Inspired by the small ice cream shops of southern Italy, the bold abstract use of Arabic calligraphy on the ceiling and upper walls adds a strong Arabian flavour.
The eye-catching PVC ceiling printed with calligraphy by Emirati artist Diaa Allam and artwork by Italian artist Carla Asqini. The collaboration also demonstrates the multi-national approach to this project.
The interior design is a blend between the traditional (vaulted shape and traditional Terrazzo material) with a 1950’s retro feel, highlighted by the curved corners of the orange kitchen doors and the form of the food hatch between the kitchen and counter area. The ceiling and the sculptural counter provide the modern high-tech twist to the design.
The result is a futuristic environment- it’s almost like being on board a spaceship because there is no loose furniture and the enveloping shape, creates a unique and unusual experience. It’s a precisely curated blend between something traditional and something futuristic.
The brief was to develop a unique concept for the interior design and brand identity for the launch of Grapes and Dates a new Emirati chain of Acai snack bar.
The interior space was a small gallery linked by a vaulted ceiling joined by two entrance doors, one to the inner food court and the other street-facing.
The design had to be functional to allow for fast, hygienic and efficient preparation and delivery to customers, with an aesthetic to the tribute to the region’s culture and heritage. Located in the Last Exit- Khawaneej food mall, the design had to be immediately distinguishable from other neighbourhood eateries.
The brief was to create a flexible concept that could be adapted to other spaces regardless of their shape or size while always remaining true to the aesthetic look and feel of the flagship outlet and brand values.
The use of recyclable, eco-friendly, non- toxic, hygienic materials was also requested by the client. The concept will be repeated for the upcoming branches. However, the design is conceived so that the concept will remain constant, but the shapes can vary.
The selection of a stretch ceiling will allow for different ceiling shapes to be lit and decorated in the same manner. The three brand colours can also be interchanged depending on the location. Various artists will be commissioned for each of the additional branches.
NIU created a fresh environment bathed in light concerning the Middle East. A minimalist design to maximise the visual impact of the small 30-meter square vaulted space. A well-curated functional space, with much attention to detail and quality.
Photography by Alex Jeffries Photography Group
A&T Group Interiors completes the fit-out of 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant in Dubai’s Address Downtown
The world-renowned Japanese restaurant 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant opened it’s doors at Address Downtown, Dubai yesterday with full interior fit-out by A&T Group Interiors. Whilst the cuisine is Japanese, the restaurant originally made a name for itself in Madrid, Spain. It’s the second branch of the popular Japanese cuisine restaurant in the UAE, the first one launched in Abu Dhabi in 2017. The interiors create a chic dining experience, with plush velvets, mirrors, and striking fixtures.