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Duomo – Behind The Design

Duomo – The Dubai Edition

LW Design was commissioned to create an unexpected contemporary dining experience in the heart of the lobby at the iconic Dubai Edition Hotel in Downtown Dubai. The space boasts impressive interior architecture and a remarkable alfresco terrace with unparalleled views of the Burj Khalifa.

Project Brief

The government imposes strict guidelines to reduce the visibility of alcohol in public spaces throughout the UAE. The complex brief required a detailed translation of the brand requirements to create an extraordinary food and beverage outlet that not only pushed creative boundaries but embraced LW Design’s philosophy of designing to current trends through organic simplicity. Having been established in the region for 20 years, LW Design constantly has their finger on the pulse of Dubai’s fast-paced, ever-changing food and beverage landscape, and as a result, they are aware of how the dining dynamic has changed over the years. Creating Duomo was a unique experience because of its location within an arrival lobby which is a bold move for the Dubai market. 

Concept

Duomo, required a conscious design approach to create the perfect balance between respecting local regulations and interpreting brand requirements, whilst providing the exceptional level of detail expected from LW as leading designers. The restaurant’s design seamlessly continues from the lobby and is elevated by a few steps providing a grand sense of arrival. The outlet is differentiated by a faux façade and vibrant yellow chesterfield sofas that line the perimeter. The centre is grounded by cosy round banquettes in soft leather creating intimacy even in the middle of the large voluminous space. The clever seating layout affords each diner uninhibited views of the dramatic arched ceiling and the mesmerising artwork curated by Onion Lab in Barcelona. Duomo, an ode to palatial luxury and timeless Italian sophistication in the heart of Dubai captures the essence of people connecting with the energetic buzz it creates.

Various Design Elements

The arched ceiling is, without question, the showstopper and most photographed feature of the vast lobby and restaurant space. LW Design has intentionally maintained low-level lighting for an intimate yet refined dining experience. A series of images is impressively projected onto the ceiling at night, it creates an ambient yet dynamic display that progresses from abstract patterns to scenes reminiscent of the works of the old masters. The artwork is harmoniously synced to music, creating a truly theatrical dining experience.

The alfresco terrace is densely populated with plants and thoughtfully placed terracotta pots and olive trees to create cosy pockets of seating for diners with a nod to nostalgic Italy and a feeling of timelessness and magic. Diners can enjoy the impressive views of the Burj Khalifa along the, skyline, or they can face the interior dome and observe the various frescoes wax and wane on a journey through imagined Italy.

About The Execution

The impressive domed ceiling is finished with acoustic plaster to mitigate any echoing.. The plaster application was completed twice to ensure the correct acoustic properties. The contrasting timber band breaks the line of perspective and gives the illusion of a lower,  ergonomically comfortable space for the human eye. Guests will still enjoy the overall vastness of the entire space whilst feeling cosy in the area in which they sit.

The Ambience

The terrace is lit with candles and discreet lights in planters creating a warm cocoon in the magical garden escape in the heart of Dubai’s urban landscape. The lighting details are designed by Isometrix, London, to allow for a sublime dining experience. Subtle lights illuminate the arched ceiling during the day and are switched off when the projection artwork starts at 7 pm.

Technical Elements

Projector and acoustic ceiling.

Material Selection

Acoustic plaster for the ceiling, solid oak timber flooring and matching oak veneer on the walls. Vein-matched travertine.

Furniture

All furniture is handcrafted locally with the highest quality materials and attention to detail. The statuario marble tops have metal bases that add refined elegance to the neutral palette. Vibrant yellow chesterfield sofas line the restaurant’s walls to create a sense of theatre. Vincent Shepherd chairs on the terrace

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+585 889 996 96 sageninfo@gmail.com 184 Main Collins Street Victoria
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Intermediate Designer - Hong Kong

LW has openings for experienced hospitality Interior Designers to join our Hong Kong studio.

  • Hospitality background is a MUST
    • Preference for a candidate from a large international hospitality firm (adept at dealing with a large volume of work)
    • Industrious and independent
    • Eager to grow and develop further skills (possibility for career progression when appropriate)
    • PR not required
    • Multiple language skills not a must
    • Ideally 4-5 years of experience

Please contact our team at:

hk@lw.co

DUBAI, UAE

Our LW Dubai studio opened in 1999 and is under the exceptional leadership of Founder & CEO Jesper Godsk and Founding partner Colin Doyle. the office is home to our passionate Architects and Interior Designers who work alongside to deliver world-class projects from hotels, residential buildings, bars & restaurants worldwide.

We are proud to say many employees have been with LW from the beginning and each designer’s expertise, experience, and passion plays an important role in accomplishing and delivering to our exceptionally high standards.

Technical Architect - Dubai

We are looking for an experienced technical-based Architect to join our Dubai studio.

Representing LW as an Architect you will work alongside our talented team, creating residential, mixed-use and hospitality projects for clients based in the UAE and globally.

Candidates must have:

8-10 years industry experience post RIBA part 3

Experience developing residential and hospitality projects

Proficiency in 2D/3D software, such as REVIT, Autocad, SketchUp, and InDesign

Must be creative, proactive, self-motivated and able to achieve results at a fast pace

Please submit your CV and portfolio showcasing your previous experience to:

Contact@lw.co

HONG KONG, CHINA

LW Hong Kong is located in what is arguably one of Asia’s most vibrant and exciting cities, at a cultural crossroads Hong Kong embraces a bold and forward thinking design scene. The cities’ exhilarating urban energy is constantly evolving, and has led to the creation of many trend setting food and beverage concepts.

LW Hong Kong is within easy reach of APAC, south west Asia, and mainland China. It is perfectly placed to take advantage of opportunities in the region.

The studio is led by Partner, Senior Director of Interior Design Adrian Battisby, he brings over two decades of hospitality experience and knowledge. Adrian leads with an energetic and charismatic approach, actively supporting an international team of designers.

SÃO PAULO, BRASIL

Established in 2015 the LW SP studio reflects our commitment to build our relationships in the region with developers, operators, other creative minds and strengthens the firm’s position for future growth.

The Sao Paulo studio immerses us within an eclectic design community and is known for bold, contemporary designs with a talented team that works in an atmosphere of creative collaboration.

Cristina Wakamatsu, Design Director and Partner, is responsible for guiding the office’s culture and work product, ensuring they embody LW’s values and commitment to produce outstanding design solutions.

At LW SP studio we have a talented and passionate team dedicated to the firm’s core values of design excellence. The future is bright, and I am excited to be a part of a team working to better our collective future through collaboration, innovation and design problem solving.”

AARHUS, DENMARK

LW Aarhus is keen to take the time and establish the design team in Denmark. They allow themselves the luxury of time to absorb the DNA of Aarhus and the rest of Europe. Operators are keenly centered around nurturing the right partnerships to create exceptional lifestyle hotels that will contribute to innovative and high-end experiences. The team is playful and delivers exceptional results; they possess the modernity that can render nods to history and seamlessly combine contemporary design. They are brand storytellers. LW Aarhus consociates with appropriate global operators and progressively nurtures their relationships. They allow themselves to breathe so that they have the space to create a unique experience, whether in the luxury or lifestyle arena.

Hospitality Interior Designers

LW has openings for experienced hospitality Interior Designers to join our Dubai studio.

Representing LW as an Interior Designer you will work with the Design Directors and will be responsible for designing alongside a team of designers. You will be expected to work on large-scale 4 and 5-star hotels and a variety of F&B projects and will also be expected to contribute and develop the design to an international level while ensuring the project meets LW standards. The applicant must be willing to contribute to the social environment and be part of creating an inspirational atmosphere.

To be considered for this position you must be/have:

  • Minimum of 6 years proven experience in hospitality Interior Design working on large-scale projects for both lifestyle and luxury brands
  • Proficient in AutoCAD, PowerPoint, Photoshop and Sketch Up. Revit would also be a benefit
  • Experience in technical coordination and delivering 4 and 5-star hospitality documentation packages
  • Must be creative, proactive, self-motivated and able to achieve results at a fast pace

Please submit your CV, with a selection of works in a portfolio that showcases your presentation skills, renderings, drawings and detailing capabilities, FF&E specification examples to:

Contact@lw.co

Hospitality Interior Designers

LW has openings for experienced hospitality Interior Designers to join our Aarhus studio.

Representing LW, as an Interior Designer you will work with the Design Directors and will be responsible for designing alongside a team of designers. You will be expected to work on large-scale 4 and 5 star hotels and a variety of F&B projects and will also be expected to contribute and develop the design to an international level while ensuring the project meets LW standards. The applicant must be willing to contribute to the social environment and be part of creating an inspirational atmosphere.

To be considered for this position you must be/have:

  • Minimum of 6 years proven experience in hospitality Interior Design working on large-scale projects for both lifestyle and luxury brands
  • Proficient in AutoCAD, PowerPoint, Photoshop and Sketch Up. Revit would also be a benefit
  • Experience in technical coordination and delivering 4 and 5-star hospitality documentation packages
  • Must be creative, proactive, self-motivated and able to achieve results at a fast pace

Please submit your CV, with a selection of works in a portfolio that showcases your presentation skills, renderings, drawings and detailing capabilities, FF&E specification examples to:

Contact@lw.co

Senior Technical Architect - Sao Paulo

Representing LW as a Senior Technical Architect you will work with the team and will be responsible for designing alongside a team of designers. You will be expected to work on large-scale 4 and 5-star hotels and a variety of residential projects and will also be expected to contribute and develop the design to an international level while ensuring the project meets LW standards. The applicant must be willing to contribute to the social environment and be part of creating an inspirational atmosphere.

To be considered for this position you must be/have:

  • Minimum of 12 years proven experience working on large-scale projects for both mixed use and residential
  • Proficient in AutoCAD, Revit, Adobe and Sketch Up.
  • Experience in technical coordination and delivering documentation packages
  • Must be creative, proactive, self-motivated and able to achieve results at a fast pace

Please submit your CV, with a selection of works in a portfolio that showcases your presentation skills, renderings, drawings and detailing capabilities, FF&E specification examples to:

Contact@lw.co