Hotel Penthouse Suite Designed to Accommodate Guests and Entertain

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a luxurious hotel suite design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Jeffrey Beers International.

Uniquely situated in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, Hard Rock Hotel New York offers a backstage pass to the city's historic Music Row, honouring its legacy through intricate design, curated amenities, and award-winning guest experiences. Sitting atop the 36th floor is the jewel of the Rock Star Suite, a glass-enclosed penthouse with expansive city views, original contemporary artwork, bespoke music memorabilia, and one of the largest terraces for entertaining in New York City at 1,600 sq. ft. The sleek interior design includes double height ceilings and rich tones and textures creating an inviting and timeless space. On its first level, the suite features an open-plan living and dining area with a bar and butler pantry, an outdoor bar, VIP direct access to the RT60 rooftop bar & lounge, and more. Guests can retreat upstairs to a luxurious bedroom area with a walk in closet and contemporary bathroom featuring a red free standing bathtub.

What was the client's brief? 

The double story suite is to be used as both a guest room and an event space as well. We therefore designed the separate bedroom on the upper level, as well as created a direct access to the public bathrooms on the floor below. Last but not least, the space exemplifies what the guestrooms are about: to make the guest feel like a rockstar.

What inspired the design of the project?

The rich history of New York’s Music Row, as well as the culture of the Hard Rock brand. The city’s energy at dusk, when the Marquee lights of Times Square come out, also inspired our design.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

Creating maximum impact with a reasonable budget. Also every material has to be high quality and resistant without feeling commercial. Being the only Rockstar Suite it has to be ADA accessible.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The red bathtub with a view feels very unique.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

It is a wonderful honour to be recognized by an internationally focused design award. We also greatly enjoy the opportunity to visit London for the awards event.

Questions answered by Pierre Josselin, Associate Principal, Jeffrey Beers International.

In this week's interview with 2022 SBID Awards winners of the Retail Design category, L'Atelier Five, Jasmine Bagaria talks about portraying the brand's heritage in a modern way, using technology to aid storytelling, and the challenges of working in a pop-up space.

The team elevated the brand's assets through digital and luxury art installations in an immersive digital tunnel, which portrayed the rich heritage and storytelling of the Panthère. 

Firstly, tell us a bit about the design of your project. What were the key ideas, concepts and processes behind it?

The brief was to create an interactive and luxury experience in the Harrods Exhibition windows. Celebrating the story and heritage of Panthère de Cartier through a series of experiential rooms and playful takeaways. We used the internal Cartier guidelines to start the initial storytelling and then elevated the experience in true LA5 style. Pushing the boundaries and showing the client how we can create an impactful and modern pop-up.

What was your biggest takeaway or highlight from completing this project?

The most challenging part of this project was having to design during a lockdown. Most of the design was done over zoom meetings and phone calls whilst we were all under government orders to stay at home. This was the first project where we had to consider social distancing, covid screens and general covid safety into the design. It was a completely new scope to introduce and of course we wanted to ensure the features moulded well with the concept and didn’t seem an afterthought.

Another challenge was to develop the strong heritage of the Panthere de Cartier and showcase the assets in a modern and immersive way. We had a lot of assets to work with and we wanted to create an area for engaging with them, that allowed the story to shine but in a contemporary way. We came up with the infinity tunnel and turned the assets into an impactful digital timeline that took over the space. Using a series of digital tiles and mirror, we managed to create the first ever digital room in the Harrods exhibition windows. As it was the first, there were also some challenges in terms of production. However we worked closely with all parties involved to ensure perfect execution.

What has winning an SBID Award meant for you and your business?

We are honoured to have won the award as it shows our hard work, dedication and passion for what we do. As a business it has inspired us to continue to go further and push to create unique experiences.

The design of the space uses a lot of digital elements and installations. How do you think technology can help tell the brand’s story and connect with the customers?

The use of digital allows you to showcase content in new and exciting ways. Compiling all the assets in a dynamic, moving visual, that pulls people in to explore. You only have a few moments to catch someone’s attention and playing with these elements creates more intrigue than plain text.

What are some considerations of working on a pop-up space design? What are the biggest challenges and how do you overcome them?

We always want to provide a 360 experience, so the visitor can take home a piece of the pop up with a memorable takeaway. Whether through branded giveaways or bespoke photo moments.

It can be challenging at times to translate the Brand guidelines into a space that has their own guidelines. We love to push the boundaries and ensure the pop-up is unique and stands out as a brand activation. Hence why we work closely with all parties to create the ultimate experience.

How do you hope Panthère de Cartier design will impact the customer? What impression are you hoping to leave?

With all our projects, we hope to leave a memorable impression on all visitors. We love creating modern and impactful experiences that engage the visitors and ensure commercial success and brand awareness.

Questions answered by Jasmine Bagaria, Lead Designer, L’Atelier Five.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a luxurious bar-restaurant design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Albion & East.

What was the client's brief? 

To create a 300 cover bar-restaurant with a grand, centre-piece bar, a very open kitchen integrated into the space and two iconic outside terraces.

What inspired the design of the project?

The building is the former 1930’s Forum Theatre, designed by Mr Stanley Beard who specialised in cinema architecture, but had long since closed and remained abandoned for 15 years until we resurrected it as Teatro Hall. The original interior had an Italian Renaissance style design with high ceilings and large columns. Our inspiration was to resurrect the building in ‘Stile Liberte’, an Italian variant of Art Nouveau and named after Arthur Liberty and the store he founded Liberty’s. We were rediscovering, resurrecting and reawakening and building of grand proportions in a subtle, not slavish, mind to its history.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

With new Brexit laws, delivery of bespoke items made for us in Europe needed careful planning and challenged budgets. Coupled with increases in raw material costs we had to focus hard on design elements which were stand out. Having to work harder than ever before, we didn’t compromise on design and hit budgets through planning and extending our network of suppliers of bespoke and hand made items.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

A grand island bar takes centre stage with a tall backdrop of etched blue Venetian Glass housed in cherry wood, marble bar top and pale parchment under tiled counter. Our Clock Tower is reminiscent of seating in the Waldorf Astoria lobby in NYC. Banquets, with rich midnight velvet seats and pale cream linen curtains, create intimacy. Four handmade Murano glass chandeliers, with over 100 glass columns each, create grandeur that the space demands.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

Having followed the awards for several years, I have always been impressed at the quality and diversity of the finalists. It has been a source of interest and inspiration for me over the years as I have been developing my company. SBID is a well recognised and prestigious organisation and it’s an honour to be a finalist with you.

Questions answered by Sarah Weir, Lead Designer and the Founder & Managing Director, Albion & East.

4SPACE is celebrating its 10 year anniversary. Can you tell us how the company grew to this stage and what your visions are for the future? 

From humble beginnings, 4SPACE has grown from a small, humble office and a team of two to a buzzing design entity with over 20 employees with an expansive and vibrant office in the heart of Dubai.

Founders Firas Alsahin and Amjad Hourieh always dreamed big. They understand that dreams without goals are merely dreams. They set appropriate goals and put in place a comprehensive 10-year plan to provide a roadmap for the necessary steps to achieve success. By the tenth anniversary, Design Middle East Awards bestowed 4SPACE the prestigious boutique firm of the year award in 2022. 4SPACE continues to grow, and the team aims to be the top international architectural and interior design firm by 2032, with branches across Europe and Asia. They have various projects in the pipeline, including hype entertainment venues, government commercial spaces, unique food and beverage concepts and a hospitality project.

Within the next five years, 4SPACE intends to transform from a boutique design studio to a much larger design firm with at least 50 employees by 2027 and over 140 by 2032. They aspire to be one of the top five design firms within the region by 2027. They aim to have a sustainable business model and dynamic company structure so that the company can expand into new areas of business, clients and markets. 4SPACE targets companies and private clients seeking a one-of-a-kind design and superior service. They are adopting a new company structure, systems, workflow, techniques and a sophisticated hiring strategy to achieve these changes. They anticipate that 4SPACE will promote much of their team to take on additional responsibilities and be involved in managing this vision and development.

How have you found that projects, their requirements and client expectations have changed throughout your years in practice?

Client expectations and requirements vary depending on market trends. Pre-pandemic, clients wanted open and shared spaces for a collaborative environment. During the pandemic, privacy and partition-closed spaces became necessary, with the online market and cloud kitchen prevalent. Post-pandemic, clients want innovative and sustainable designs. 4SPACE created many mind-blowing ideas from various techniques and 3D software programmes. Because of these changes, the team at 4SPACE has adapted, followed trends, learned new softwares and techniques and explored a host of different materials and designs.

Do you think the Metaverse will impact the interior design profession? What opportunities could it present for interior designers?

The Metaverse is having an impressive impact on the design industry. Alsahin explains, "Brands and businesses will be more and more willing to be a part of the next big thing; they will need to exist where their customers exist and in order to achieve that, they need to invest in the virtual world”.

Alsahin believes that the Metaverse is a stepping stone to cultural evolution and a limitless capacity for art. There are many more opportunities for designers inclined to use 3D software programmes. They used to quote, "From sketch to reality" with the formation of Meta4SPACE, the mantra has changed to "From sketch to metaverse world". Alsahin continues, “In the near future, users will be able to use augmented reality smart glasses, which are wearable computer-capable glasses that add extra information; ideally 3D images and information such as animations and videos, to the user's real-world scenes by overlaying the computer-generated or digital information over the user's real-world". Now that everything is limitless and with the advent of various Metaverse environments, the industry will need skilled designers and architects who can master future virtual and AI technology. “Virtual, augmented, and mixed reality technology will become important not just to present a designed space as a visualization method, but rather to be a designed form of space itself”.

What are the most notable achievements 4SPACE has accomplished over the past decade?

It takes many years to create something special. Over the last decade, 4SPACE has created a great team, has access to better technology and creating new goals. The team has received numerous awards and recognitions from internationally acclaimed award-winning bodies, including the SBID overall winner in 2018 and Design Middle East Awards boutique firm of the year 2022. With project requirements increasing, there is a new wave of employment opportunities post-pandemic. The new office space is fully automated and includes a new architecture company and Meta4SPACE and increasing staff levels. Power 50 nominated Alsahin for fourth place in this coveted award.

What key advice would you give to emerging designers for building a successful interior design business? 

As the old saying goes, "no man is an island". Building a company in a foreign land has its challenges. Success requires sound finances, and self and team trust are hugely important. 4SPACE has created a great team, ensures that no one is self-sufficient and encourages the team to rely on and support each other. Together, the team has various goals, ensuring they achieve them no matter what. Alsahin and Hourieh encourage their teams to succeed, be inspired, share insights and do better each day. They understand that physical and mental health is important and inspire their teams to have a healthy work-life balance, enjoy the fruits of their labour and pay it forward.

Questions answered by Firas Alsahin, Co-Founder, 4SPACE.

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This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a timeless restaurant design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, EDG Design.

What was the client's brief? 

Singapore’s famed Orchard Road was once lined with fruit plantations, spice gardens and orchard groves (hence its name). But with the country’s modernization these plantations gave way to office towers and shopping malls that we see today. Our brief was to pay homage to this bygone era of the location’s Colonial past, agricultural history and the beauty of the tropics seamlessly merged for diners to enjoy morning, noon and night. Thus the concept of Estate was born, a series of three distinct dining rooms linked to open theatrical food kitchens that celebrate one of Singapore’s favourite pastimes…eating!

What inspired the design of the project?

Using the concept brief as a starting point, we developed a story of a 19^th Century plantation owner living in a grand estate surrounded by lush orchards growing crops of cinnamon, nutmeg, gambir and peppercorns. The architecture of these Colonial houses also served as inspiration. We utilized a similar approach of creating a series of intimate yet interconnected rooms for dining, kitchens and private areas which encourage exploration while creating an inviting and comfortable atmosphere. The restaurant thus became a modern interpretation of a grand colonial estate that celebrates its heritage through design, palette, intricate details and gastronomy.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

This building is an iconic landmark on Orchard Road and although constructed in the 1970s, is considered old for Singapore. As such, the building has lower floor-to-floor heights seen in today’s towers; therefore we were challenged to maximize the interior ceiling heights and did so by streamlining mechanical services and adding visual tricks such as blackened mirrors on the ceiling which create the sense of height and depth in a subtle manner. We also found a hidden structural column in the middle of our buffet kitchen which was not on the original architectural drawings. We managed to re-plan the kitchen and dining rooms quickly whilst still maintaining the integrity of the design.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Seeing the total transformation from the old space into a beautiful and timeless restaurant and sharing in the positive energy and excitement of our client is what makes design so gratifying. Developing a strong design narrative told through design, overcoming a challenging building and unforeseen challenges, and adapting to a new working model of executing design and construction during the unpredictable heights of Covid-19, we feel especially proud that Estate has come out with the rest of the hotel as an exciting new venue for guests and visitors to enjoy.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

SBID is one of the most well-known and prestigious design awards in our industry. As an international design and branding studio, we feel the opportunity to promote our work through SBID’s platform also helps EDG Design gain visibility and recognition from the voting public as we continue to create exciting and memorable guest experiences through design.

Questions answered by Simon McDonald, Design Director, EDG Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a dining and late-night venue design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Novo Design.

We were brought in as the design team to assist with the delivery of Inca, an exotic dining and late-night venue situated under the London Palladium at Oxford Circus. The turnaround on the project was unheard of for its scale but the project manager knew we were the right team to do this and would be able deliver an outstanding design under challenging time scales. And that we did. We worked through the specification process pragmatically with the client prioritising the longest lead items and bit by bit, and lots of late nights and specification meetings later we started on site with 90% of the design information signed off. The last elements were worked out easily as a team on site. After 16 weeks of possibly the most intense project we have ever worked on the final results were outstanding and it was credit to the client for putting their trust in us and being decisive with decisions and sign off, the contractor for working tirelessly through the build and offering pragmatic solutions to problems if they occurred whilst on site and a fantastic project and cost manager for keeping it all ticking and making sure everyone was where they should be.

What was the client's brief? 

To create a high end, premium environment to act as a backdrop to world class Latin America shows and performance and an exceptional food and drink offer.

What inspired the design of the project?

A journey through Latin America. Colours, textures, landmarks and environment were all huge factors that inspired the design decisions.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

Lead time, covid and Brexit. We were briefed in July and delivered the project at the end of October. We didn’t have the usual lead in to organically develop the design it had to be done on the fly so there were lots of intense meetings making decisions quickly to ensure contractors had information ahead of starting on site. Limited to selecting UK stocked items/materials as we didn’t have time for European transit times which was limiting and more challenging to create such a high-end premium feel with limited options.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Going to the launch event. It was amazing delivering such a unique design, but it really comes to life when the space is full of people, the performers are on stage and the food and drinks are theatrically delivered to your table. A dining experience like no other.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

This was such an intense project due to the timing and tight turn around. The team were working on drawings and details until the early hours of the morning regularly and then heading to site the next day, they put so much into the project to ensure it was delivered perfectly and it would be great if they could get some recognition for the time and effort put in.

Questions answered by Abbie Smith, Founder and Creative Director, Novo Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a creative restaurant and bar venue design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, DesignLSM.

What was the client's brief? 

The Alchemist, an experiential British restaurant and bar group founded in 2010, wanted to create a fresh, new look for their original site located in Manchester’s dynamic Spinningfield’s district.

DesignLSM were tasked to create a visually compelling design that enabled the drinking and dining venue to seamlessly transition from day to night, reflecting the evolution of brand, and invigorated the space with a welcoming and energising ambiance.

What inspired the design of the project?

The design of The Alchemist draws inspiration from the origins of the universe - creating an immersive experience for guests that is influenced by the search for the elixir of life and humanity’s continual fascination with our own origins and the subsequent exploration of the universe.

The colours running throughout the design reference the tones created through supernovas and swirling gasses, intertwined with patterns and shapes of orbital pathways of pathways of planets that are represented through curated bespoke furnishing and lighting features.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

We were very aware that, due to the height of the ceilings, we needed to create big scale dramas in the space otherwise the design would get lost.

We overcame this by integrating striking lighting features throughout that had been carefully curated from both an atmospheric and design narrative perspective. Each sculptured pendant is influenced by the cosmos, the orbits of planets and satellites. The collective groups are hung in specific positions to create dramatic focal points which enhances the changing ambience of the day and creates dynamic zones within the open plan space - sculptural statements in the day to luminous masterpieces at night.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

From the get-go, the concept was well interpreted and we’re extremely proud of the space and new direction that we have delivered for The Alchemist. Since re-opening, we’re thrilled with the positive feedback received from both the client and the public. Despite there being a vast selection of drinking and dining destinations in the city, The Alchemist continues to set itself apart and remains as one of Manchester’s most renowned and vibrant social hot spots.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

The work we completed for The Alchemist went beyond the creation of just a beautiful design, it transitioned the brand into a new era of what they represented, evolving their core DNA. The striking space has cemented The Alchemist as the go-to hot spot in Manchester drinking and dining’s scene, receiving a hugely positive response from the public, press, and the client. The SBID Awards are renowned for celebrating the best of interior design and as we are incredibly proud of what we achieved, we hope this project has earned its rightful place in the running as one of Manchester’s most vibrant new openings.

Questions answered by Yasamin Nikoosimaitak, Marketing Manager, DesignLSM.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a hotel design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, YANG.

What was the client's brief? 

The hotel is located in Nanjing Tangshan Garden Expo, covering an area of 13,745 sq.m. YANG took over the project in June 2020 and completed it within a year. The design team had two major tasks: to create a unique space experience, accurately interpreting Indigo’s neighborhood culture and making the hotel stand out from competitors in the area, and to deliver the spirit of the place through the design with local characteristics, thus drawing attention to the issues concerning the protection of the geological environment in Tangshan.

What inspired the design of the project?

Tangshan is rich in geological resources. In a one-kilometer radius, there are mine pits dating back over a millennium, abandoned quarries and national geological parks. Since the Indigo brand is always at the heart of closely related neighborhoods, the design team has conducted a thorough geological and cultural investigation of Tangshan and drawn on Tangshan’s original environmental features. Inspired by Tangshan’s mineral ore, the team decided to make it the theme of the space. The design team hoped to inject new vitality into the old mine pits and arouse people's awareness of the issues related to natural recovery and ecological sustainability.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

It is the first time that the Indigo brand has entrusted a design team with telling Indigo’s neighborhood story. The team had only one year to work on the project, from the design concept to implementation. Within the limited time, the team managed to create a unique space experience, accurately interpret Indigo’s neighborhood culture, and enhance the competitiveness of the hotel. Since its opening, the hotel has stood out from its competitors in the area and earned a reputation for its distinctive theme, exciting experiences, and neighborhood story. Moreover, the hotel is widely loved by guests and highly praised by the hospitality industry, becoming a must-visit place in Nanjing.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The design is realized through the innovative concept, rich colors, and special materials. The adoption of colorful glass, metal mirror and acrylic create a forest-like mood in the lobby area. The design of the lobby bar and the ADD restaurant is inspired by bonfire, miner’s lamp, and the arc shape of the tent, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The lift lobby and the corridor are transformed into mini exhibition halls showcasing exploration tools. With the theme of “natural recovery,” the guest rooms bring forests, plants, and mosses inside. The minibars and nightstands in the guest rooms are in the form of mining toolboxes, blended into the surroundings.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

The SBID International Design Awards is one of the world-acclaimed awards for design excellence. This annual event offers a unique opportunity to meet creative professionals and provides a perfect platform for all entrants to learn from each other and, especially for entrants from China, to promote their works on the SBID Awards’ globally respected stage. We are honored that YANG has become a finalist with the project Hotel Indigo Nanjing Garden Expo and that this project entry has been selected to feature as one of the popular “Project of the Week” stories on the SBID blog. Thank you for the recognition. We will bring the industry more outstanding works. Let’s look forward to it!

Questions answered by Yang Bangsheng, Founder and President, YANG & Associates Group.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a restaurant design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Kotak Design.

What was the client's brief? 

Our client and their executive chef had already established a successful restaurant group in India, and now they want to break into the lucrative British hospitality industry.

When the COVID pandemic hit the United Kingdom, it impacted negatively on the restaurant industry, but our patrons were fortunate enough to stumble onto this beautiful St. Johns Wood venue. To showcase the seasonal food of the Indian subcontinent, the brief read, "build a destination Mayfair restaurant in St. Johns Wood."

What inspired the design of the project?

As designers, we take pleasure in hearing the stories our clients have to tell via the environments we create for them. Our client desired to highlight contemporary Indian cuisines that reflected the diversity of India's seasonal produce. We used this concept as a foundation for the restaurant's branding and ambiance, which we then reflected through the use of a variety of features, including but not limited to lighting, installations, art, the ceiling, etc.

We found a lot of inspiration in the notion of "Ritu" (means seasons). Whether it's the colour distinction between the areas of seating, an attempt to re-create the verdant scenery of southern India, the setting sun over a wheat field in the north, or the winding dunes of the Rajasthani desert, every detail has been carefully considered. The logo's six-sided motif was inspired by India's diverse seasonal patterns and reinterpreted to fit the western four-season format.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

We believe the difficulty is in developing a coherent plan for the restaurant's future given its history of shifting uses. The isolated location of the bar on a lower level, the low ceiling in the lobby, and the prevalence of transitional spaces all led to a feeling of disconnection.

We moved the entrance to the front of the building and installed a raindrop chandelier to make the space more inviting. It's highly unlikely that regulars will recognise the eatery from its former incarnation. A primary focus of our interior design firm is the development of fully immersive environments. Mr. Srivastava, the owner, has shown tremendous confidence and support in us during this process.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The foundation of our interior design studio is the creation of interactive and narrative environments. To be able to do so in a small space while also creating a visual connection that celebrates the hospitality culture.

We'd like to highlight and offer our special thanks to Jaysam contractors for their lovely feature ceilings, Luum for the gorgeous Indian monsoon chandelier in the conservatory, Michele McKinney for her meticulous leaf installation, and Phillip Jeffries, Ted Todd, and Domus for the impeccable final touches (and not restricted to).

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

An entry into awards is to recognise everyone who contributed to the successful completion of the project. To be recognised as an SBID finalist is a testament to the faith that the client placed in us to carry out their vision.

Questions answered by Ravi Kotak, Founder & Design Director, Kotak Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features nine distinctive bar designs by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, 4SPACE.

What was the client's brief? 

4SPACE was tasked to design nine very distinctive bars for PAPA Dubai, each with different offerings. The Bar Village is made up of little ‘boulevards’ including the Rum Station, Champagne Avenue, Gin Point, And Vodka Lane, Tequila Road, Mezcal Street, Sake Alley, Wine Square, Whiskey Square, and a VIP Lounge called High gate.

What inspired the design of the project?

PAPA Dubai is an exciting 1,580 square meters dining and entertainment destination in the vibrant Atrium complex, the dining and entertainment epicenter of riverside Al Habtoor City. PAPA will take its visitors on an extraordinary culinary and mixology journey through nine glorious bars, each themed with a unique concept. Comfort and soul food are at the very heart of the dining experience. The fascinating bars have been developed in collaboration with Moscow and Dubai's top bartending figures.

The transformational venue transforms from a sophisticated and immersive dining experience to a chic nightlife venue with DJs and entertainment as evening moves to night. Move from a quiet dinner with friends to one of the city’s best vibes. Feel the energy of this unrivaled sensory-driven experience in Dubai. PAPA Dubai will host some of the world's most courageous bartenders vying to show off their avant-garde skills throughout the year. Each of the nine bars has been carefully considered and designed by inimitable 4SPACE in a collaboration with Papa's founder Natalia Freys.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

There were several challenges that 4SPACE had to overcome. Eight different terrazzo surfaces were designed and installed throughout Papas. Cleverly, designers sourced authentic materials and graffiti artists to allow for fully cohesive individuality. 4SPACE presented the clients a 3D design which they executed to perfection. The piece de resistance is the nine thoroughly different concepts within one narrative. The arches unify the overall design.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Unique key features:

Rum Station - Tiki bar concept with tiki-style totem poles and art on the walls and bamboo surface accents with greenery on the ceiling.

Champagne Avenue - terrazzo highlights, bubbly texture with organic patterns used on the arches and moldings and printed on the banquette seating fabrics, and four classic chandeliers,

Gin point and Vodka Lane - retro bar that features an impressive disco ball centered in the arched ceiling and UV paint graffiti on mesh screens.

Tequila Road and Mezcal Street - designed to capture the spirit of South America with sugar skull centered in the archway and lighting inspired by Mexican sombreros.

Sake Alley - the wooden structures over the bar are designed and built based on the Japanese Kumiki joinery method and careful lighting that was chosen to represent a peaceful zen garden.

Wine Court - designed as a wine cellar with four prominent arches and an oversized mirror to reflect the arches into eight, a mixture of bricks and mirrors on the arched ceiling, and copper details inset into the bar and furniture.

Whiskey Square - feels secluded from the other bars, is central in the symmetrical space with sensual onyx lighting and was inspired by Art Deco style, including lighting and detailing on the fascia of the bar.

The Entrance - impressive and eccentric with red pipe and greenery installation that hangs from the ceiling and customized carpet below.

VIP Lounges - the red one serves as an extension to the entrance, represents the brand colour of PAPA and boasts three oversized lighting pendants, while the other is centered with an enormous arch and copper mesh on the wall, black marble on the floor, and gorgeous lounge seating.

DJ Booth - a space that can easily convert into a dance floor because of its entertainment lighting, circular kinetic mirrors, and led lighting.

Female Toilet - designed with banquette seating and comfortable poufs where ladies can take a rest while waiting in the queue, the wall feature is made from triangular screens surrounded by mirrors for Instagrammable selfies and the exciting ceiling feature is made from a pink ball installation with stretched mannequin legs.

Male Toilet - inspired by fun house-style mirrors with led lights and a black ball installation.

Terrazzo is well-known in the industry for its sustainability and eco-friendly properties. Due to its natural composition, terrazzo does not contain any volatile organic compounds (VOC). VOCs are organic compounds that vaporise by temperature changes and high pressure. This leads to emissions, the leading cause of air pollution in urban areas, harming the environment. Architecture is becoming environmentally friendly, and durable, long-lasting materials such as terrazzo are a huge advantage today. 4SPACE is keen to encourage change that benefits the environment and circular economy.

In contrast to wood, tile, and carpeting, terrazzo does not contain grout joints. As a result, there is no need for steam cleaning, energy-wasteful vacuuming, and grout cleaning. Terrazzo is water and highly stain-resistant, therefore easy to manage. Terrazzo is the number one choice for extensive facilities with high foot traffic, such as hospitals, airports, schools, and office buildings. By using terrazzo in construction, 4SPACE ensures exceptional indoor air quality, durable, eco-friendly and low-maintenance flooring and worktop surfaces.

PAPA's Instagram page has become hype and is attracting a lot of customers who are curious about the design elements in the female toilets. Social media influencers have described PAPA Dubai as one of the most Instagrammable night and bar entertainment venues in the United Arab Emirates because of its unique design. 4SPACE has an impressive network and enviable relationship with industry, lifestyle and entertainment magazines, blogs and influencers, generating vast exposure and traffic for the venue.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

Putting our project in front of the eyes of professionals, we appreciate their opinion and the recognition.

Questions answered by Firas Alsahin, Founder & Design Director, 4SPACE.