LDF will not be returning in 2024
(UK) - LDF have announced the show will not be returning in 2024. Despite a successful return in 2023, with over 13,000 visitors, and a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Diversified Communications have decided to postpone LDF for the immediate future.
Carsten Holm, Managing Director of Diversified Communications said; “I am so proud of the team, who have worked so incredibly hard in delivering a world-class event, promoting excellence in design both here in the UK and to an international audience. The event has always been a highlight of the design year, with incredible engagement from the community, including over 100,000 followers on social media, and 13,000 people coming to the show this year. However, we have found it increasingly difficult to serve the very broad spectrum of companies exhibiting at the fair effectively and reconcile the high expectations for an event of this quality, with the commercial support from the industry.”
Holm adds, “London Design Fair leaves a legacy of creativity, innovation, and community. The decision to postpone reflects the commitment to delivering an event that not only meets but exceeds the high standards set by the diverse and dynamic design community. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our incredible partners, exhibitors and visitors for all their support over the years and are as disappointed as they are that the show will not take place again in 2024.”
www.LDF.com
BDNY gathers 15,000 visitors to its 2023 show
(USA) —BDNY, one of the leading trade fairs and conferences for the boutique hospitality and lifestyle industry, gathered nearly 15,000 at the Javits Center November 12-13 to experience new products, engaging conversations, and strategic networking events.
The show saw a 16% increase in overall attendance, a 15% increase in qualified buyers, and a 20% increase in exhibitors since 2022. More than 650 exhibiting companies participated, which included a greater international presence with more companies exhibiting from Spain and Italy, plus new pavilions from Portugal and Ukraine.
The successful talks programme featured 30 sessions covering such top-of-mind topics as biophilia in design, what’s new in F&B, state of the industry from owners and brands, how to nurture diversity in the industry, and the impact of AI on design. The fair also featured the annual Women Leaders in Hospitality breakfast, held in conjunction with NEWH (Network of Executive Women in Hospitality), where female executives representing all facets of the industry shared their journeys, today’s challenges and opportunities, and lessons learned.
BDNY featured four Designed Spaces, which partners leading design and brand teams with manufacturers to create one-of-a-kind lounges and stages on the show floor. These included brands such as Rockwell Group who used theatrical inspiration and subtly placed lighting from Lusive to highlight iridescent fabric panels in darker, jewel tones to emulate a luxury supper club in the ChromaClub. The spaces also featured pop-up talks and food and drink throughout the two days.
The BDNY Meet, a networking platform between exhibitors and attendees, also met an increase of 17% compared to 2022 with more than 3,700 attendees and exhibitors engaged in the event. This continued to serve as an important matchmaking tool both prior to and onsite at the trade fair.
The Best of BDNY 2023 Product Design Competition and BDNY Best Exhibit Competition winners were announced during the show. Chosen by two panels of industry experts, product winners and finalists were chosen across 14 categories for their aesthetic progress, functionality, and innovation; while best exhibit honorees in four categories earned nods for visual impact, effective and efficient use of materials, and use of space, colour, texture, lighting, and graphics. Best of BDNY Product Design Competition winners were split between décor and accessory winners, and the winners of the lighting category was Up Pro Cordless Lamp by Zafferano America.
Closing out the week of events, BDNY hosted the sold-out Gold Key Awards celebration on Monday, November 13 at Cipriani 42nd Street. 550 guests gathered to hear who took home top honours in 22 project categories, as well as the coveted Judges’ So Cool award, and fête the Design Firm and Hotelier of the Year.
Keisha Byrd, Brand Leader at BDNY, said: “The energy at BDNY this year was electric. Starting with an impressive turnout of more than 400 industry leaders at the Platinum Circle Gala, followed by a who’s who of the industry on the trade fair floor, and ending with a sold-out Gold Key Awards, BDNY proved to be the premier destination for inspiration. It continues to be the pivotal platform that honours and elevates the products, projects, and personalities shaping the hospitality industry.”
Kevin Gaffney, Group Vice President, Emerald Design Group says: "Following the success of another year and the positive response we received from exhibitors, attendees, and our design partners, we eagerly look forward to planning for 2024 and are committed to bringing the best of boutique design to New York.”
The next edition of BDNY will be held at Javits Center, November 10-11, 2024 www.bdny.com
New London office for Lutron’s European headquarters
https://youtu.be/EyIKd5aQFMM?si=Y7Z-ts3PfPjA-VqL
Lutron invested in a new London office to support their UK growth. They said: “This place is crafted for our people’s success, and to maximise their comfort and wellbeing. We wanted our office to be a shining example of what a modern workplace should be, and we’re proud of the space we created.”
This expansion gave Lutron the perfect opportunity to install their latest lighting control platform, so the staff can enjoy its benefit the same way their customers do today.
They now have dynamic lighting in the office, adjusting both colour intensity and temperature throughout the day. The lighting control works in combination with Lutron’s automated blinds, to optimise energy savings while providing a productive and comfortable environment for everyone.
3 weeks until [d]arc awards entries close
(UK) - Do you want to join the likes of recent LiGHT 23 exhibitors Phos, Curiousa, Flos, Jonathan Coles, and Radiant Lighting, and join the [d]arc awards hall of fame?
The [d]arc awards annual competition will close for submissions on 19 December, leaving less than 3 weeks to enter this unique opportunity.
Brought to you by, [d]arc media the awards offers a unique opportunity that brings lighting designers, architects, interior designers, and manufacturers together.
The [d]arc awards is an opportunity to showcase your latest lighting achievements, whether that’s through working on a project, or launching a new product. All eligible submissions are shortlisted by our expert panel of lighting designers, with the ultimate winners chosen by the wider design community.
All entries benefit from being published on the [d]arc awards website and a free company profile in our comprehensive online design directory - a resource that can be used by designers and clients for inspiration.
Winners of the 2023 [d]arc awards will be announced and celebrated in March 2024, at one of London’s most iconic nightclubs, Fabric. Check out some of our previous winning projects and products and learn more about entering, at www.darcawards.com
LiGHT 23 Sets Attendance Record
(UK) - LiGHT Expo London, the UK’s only trade show dedicated to lighting specification, saw a 43% increase in attendees from its launch event last year - closing its doors to a buzz of positivity.
Held over two days at the Business Design Centre, London with 4776 attendees passing through the doors to see the latest offerings from more than 150 high-end international lighting brands and engage with 22 talks and presentations from design experts working with light.
Attendees at the show included designers working in architecture, interiors, lighting, and product design, as well as engineers, end-users, and specifiers.
LiGHT 23 saw several new features introduced this year which included the new darc space decorative lighting area, which saw high-end lighting brands for the interiors market exhibit for the first time – names such as Empty State, Marset, Nexia, Artemide, Ebb & Flow, Lodes, and Quasar to name but a few. The brands presented their latest decorative and bespoke lighting collections to designers keen to find inspiration for their next projects.
One of the new addition to the show included the Associations Lounge, designed, and furnished by leading Danish brand Muuto, providing a comfortable space for designers to meet with colleagues. The International Association of Lighting Design (IALD) and the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) invited existing members, along with potential new ones, to enjoy the space and make the most of the complementary refreshments.
The [d]arc thoughts talks programme, in collaboration with lighting control specialist Lutron, again attracted a steady stream of guests across the two days, keen to learn hot topics in lighting. The programme included a variety of presentations and panel discussions covering topics such as sustainability and circular design; designing for global brands, healthy office spaces, and restaurant / bar design. As well as a project Q&A from interior design studio SpaceInvader and a special look at the bespoke lighting piece from Quasar, featured in the Netflix hit Glass Onion, the programme was topped by a keynote presentation from Peruvian New York-based light artist Grimanesa Amoros.
LiGHT 23 also provided a platform for the latest instalment of the ILP’s ‘How to be Brilliant’ talks, with Light Bureau’s Paul Traynor taking to the stage, while the very first Lighting Police walking workshop also took place on the final evening.
LiGHT WORK made a return, with show visitors making good use of the dedicated workspace area. Illuminated by table lamps from British lighting brand Tala, creating a relaxing space allowing show attendees to complete office tasks. The area also offered dedicated wi-fi, free coffee, and charging points.
Paul James, [d]arc media Managing Director said: “We are thrilled with the overwhelming response to the show. The massive increase in exhibitor and visitor numbers confirms that London, and the UK, has been craving a trade show that serves the lighting specification market. We have seen a 40% increase in attendees this year and it’s only year two.”
James adds: “With an almost 100% rebook rate from exhibitors during the show itself, this is just the beginning for LiGHT Expo in London, and we’re excited to see what the 2024 edition will bring, as we expand further into the Business Design Centre. We have had nothing but positive feedback from exhibiting brands and visitors alike.”
Dates for next year’s show are now confirmed as 20 & 21 November 2024 and will be free to visitors.
Home & Lifestyle Show registration is open
(UK) – The inaugural Home & Lifestyle Show has now opened its registration.
Co-located at the January Furniture show on 21 – 24 January 2024 at the NEC Birmingham, the H&L Show offers visitors the opportunity to explore lighting, furniture, homewares, upholstery, and lifestyle.
H&L Show is marketplace for interior designers and retailers to seek the new season product offering as well as see the latest launches and designs hitting the market. The show will include an array of lighting brands including: Dannells, Gallery Direct, Mindy Brownes Interiors/Genesis Fine Arts Limited, Paulmann Licht, Premier Housewares, and more.
The show also offers facilitated networking opportunities with the industry via new additions to the show including a Champagne Bar, a Show Party featuring the Furniture awards, and a Women in Furniture ‘Speed Networking’ event.
Click here to register and find out more at www.thefurnitureshows.com
Maison&Objet presents Tech Eden January 2024 Theme
(France) – Maison&Objet has announced the theme of its January 2024 show will be Tech Eden.
In conjunction with its 30th anniversary, Maison&Objet will be exploring the theme of Tech Eden following last year’s theme ‘Enjoy!”, Tech Eden conveys an optimism through shape and colour, focusing on futuristic biophilia and a new world of well-being.
Tech Eden was created with strategy agency Peclers Paris, who have said to see it as an opportunity to “highlight the profound evolution in the relationship between science and nature, and project it into a sustainable and desirable future.”
Peclers offers a narrative, on a futuristic utopia with new realities, will feed into the show’s activities, encompassing all sectors of interior decoration and design, arts and crafts, retail, decor, and hospitality. Through immersive experiences, Tech eden invites professionals to rethink spatial design and layout, augmented by technological innovation, and employing innovative aesthetic and environmental approaches.
Tech Eden will take place in several different locations, giving expression to its futuristic aesthetics and technological advances, as well as its gentle approach and appetite for a return to biophilia due to venues becoming hybridised.
The ‘What’s New? In Retail?’ space has become a think-tank for the now omni-channel distribution sector, offering a selection of new products, a programme of workshops and conferences, a café, and a wealth of merchandising ideas. François Delclaux will present a space for sourcing, inspiration, and exchange, in collaboration with the global design agency BETC.
The scenography of the venue has been given the softest of designs, where “tech” makes a discreet appearance, expressed by enveloping materials, natural forms, and gentle colours. This will serve as a showcase for three major trends: sustainable minimalism, responsible brutalism (re-use and recycling of materials), and organic fluidity.
In a post-lockdown context, the home is being transformed by remote working. Homes are getting comfy yet flexible, with living rooms becoming offices and bathrooms becoming living rooms for well-being; Elisabeth Leriche’s "What's New? In Decor" trend space will focus on this fresh approach to interior decoration. While in hospitality, “the Hospitality Lab” Has three chill pods – awakening, active, regenerative – mixing well-being in cafes, luxury spas in hotels, and high-tech sports hall in waiting areas.
Maison&Objet has also announced that Mathieu Lehanneur has been named ‘Designer of the Year 2024’. Each year, this award honours a key figure in the international design industry. During the January show, the designer will craft a dedicated space that reflects his research and career path, titled ‘Outonomy’.
Melanie Leroy, Managing Director of Maison&Objet, said. “This anniversary edition will mark a significant development in Maison&Objet’s ability to support its customers while also celebrating 30 years of inspiration, creativity and closeness to its community.”
Maison&Objet will be taking place in Paris between the 18-22 of January, go to www.maison&objet.com to plan your visit now.
darc @ LDF 2023 'Does varied experience and diverse backgrounds positively impact design?'
"Does varied experience and diverse backgrounds positively impact design?" darc's editor Sarah is joined by a panel of industry experts, including Anuj Gala, Dara Huang and Tola Ojuolape in exploring why gathering design influences, skills, and experience from different industries, countries, and cultures can make you a better designer.
Entry is Open for Design Guild Mark Awards 2024
(UK) - The Design Guild Mark has opened their entries for the 2024 award show, inviting designers and companies to submit entries.
Established in 2008, by the Furniture Marker’s company, the non-profit programme was created to raise the profile of British Industrial design and to recognise it’s excellence. The award is open to designers working in Britain or abroad and must submit to one of three categories: furniture, lighting, and interior design.
Submissions can be for an individual product or a collection of products that are currently in production, that were designed for, and are manufactured by, an industrial design process. The designs can be intended for domestic, office, hospitality, educational or corporate use, and for both interior and exterior environments, with no restriction on when the design was launched.
The competition process works by applicants presenting their submission in person in front of a panel of independent expert judges. Instead of a ranking system, the award is given to all designs that demonstrate to the judges that they represent the highest standards of originality and innovation in industrial design. Entries are measured by a selection of criteria such as innovation, function, form, brand, and environmental responsibility.
Winners of the Mark will be celebrated at the award ceremony on the 23 May. This year’s judges for the lighting category include Simon Alderson from twentytwentyone; Gitta Gschwendtner of Gschwendtner; Risa Sano from Mensten; Simon Terry from Anglepoise, John Tree from Jasper Morrison; and Sebastian Wrong from Established & Sons.
Past winners in the Lighting category include David Irwin from Luum for his Oslin Collection, Tala for the ‘The Muse in solid brass and Terrence Woodgate for Case Furniture for his Solid Rechargeable Light.
Alderson of twentytwentyone, says: “This year’s DGM Lighting award offered a diversity in approach, materials and applications. The designers presented their work extremely well, and it is this distinct component of the Design Guild Mark that makes the review of British-based creativity so special. The award acknowledges many criteria, though functionality, sustainability, price, and personality are celebrated as key components in this year’s winning designs.”
Previous winner Irwin adds: “I’m delighted to receive a Design Guild Mark, it’s a great honour to be granted this prestigious award and a privilege to be part of a community that values and celebrates excellence in design. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in bringing these designs to life, from the initial concept to the final product. Thank you to the judges for acknowledging our efforts, and to our clients for entrusting us with this project.”
Designers and companies have until 24 of November 2023 to submit an entry to meet the early bird deadline and until the 19 January 2024 for the final deadline.
Bathrooms with Sarah Speck
Lighting a bathroom should strike a balance between functionality and creating a calming space with high aesthetic value. A bathroom can be strictly practical – or it can be a jewel box that pleasantly surprises guests. The type of lighting needed depends on whether you are lighting a powder room, or a true bathroom where grooming and makeup application will occur.
My advice below can be used as a foundation, but ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer. Bathroom lighting is largely at the discretion of the designer or homeowner, so don’t be afraid to follow your instincts.
Key Bathroom Trends
Bathroom trends right now centre around promoting indulgence and relaxation, two things that we can all use a bit more of. While we don’t always follow trends, they are a great starting point to spark ideas when lighting your space.
• Statement-Making Fixtures: As maximalism rises in popularity, we’ve seen more statement sinks and freestanding tubs made from natural stone, like marble or granite, with heavy, unique veining. The stone adds a sense of drama and luxury, which can be complemented by ornate light fixtures or contrasted by sleek, contemporary ones.
• Warm Wood: The use of wood in the bathroom is another growing trend, with bleached, blonde, and mid-tones creating a cozy, spa-like atmosphere.
• Handmade Tile: Incorporating comforting, handmade design elements like naturally textured tile on the floor or walls is another way to create a soothing atmosphere in your bathroom. Consider using ambient lighting fixtures to accentuate the warm glow.
• Moody Hues: As we shift away from stark, neutral paint colours, moody hues are taking over. Colours and paint techniques (or wallpaper) with depth and richness are designer favourites at the moment – perfect for your cocoon-like space.
• Finishes: Light fixtures in brass and chrome or nickel tones add a bright, contemporary touch of style. Or for customers seeking a darker metal finish, industrial black are downtrending, with warm, modern bronze emerging.
Layering Lighting
A single ceiling flush-mount might be functional in a small bathroom, but it doesn’t exactly create a space that helps you unwind after a long day. Instead, most bathrooms benefit from layered lighting, which is a combination of multiple light sources – recessed, sconces, pendant lights, and more. Two to three light sources are ideal in a master bathroom to provide enough illumination for grooming purposes as well as ambient lighting options. We also recommend adding a dimmer switch to your recessed lighting. It will put you in control of the amount of overhead light needed, plus it can help you conserve energy usage in your home.
Best Placement for Lighting
If you have a spacious bathroom, consider lighting each section separately. For example, treat the shower as one section and the sink as another. Then, light each according to its purpose. Over the shower and vanity, task lighting is best to provide maximum illumination for applying makeup. However, we recommend ambient lighting for the bathtub area where you don’t need intense light. A romantic chandelier or a pair of soft sconces will do the trick. If you are displaying artwork, consider accent lighting that specifically illuminates the piece, making it a focal point.
Pay Attention to Moisture
Due to the high humidity levels in bathrooms, there are several things to avoid. Fabric shades have the potential to mildew, so they are not recommended for bathrooms. As a workaround, you can find some that are pre-treated or made of performance blend fibers that are moisture-resistant. Unlacquered brass may also be a material to avoid due to the potential to patina over time. When brass is exposed to high levels of moisture, it will naturally change hues, resulting in a green discoloration. While many appreciate the vintage charm of patinated brass, it’s less commonly seen in bathrooms as it doesn’t have a fresh, clean look. Of course, always check with an electrician before installing lighting in a place with a lot of humidity. For a shower, you’ll need special wet rated lights.
Even in small rooms, I’d urge homeowners not to underestimate the power of lighting. Paying attention to the nuances of your lighting decisions can make or break the atmosphere in the room, which is why it’s so important to consider functionality and have options to suit your needs. Lighting makes all the difference – turning a highly utilitarian room into one that feels like a personal sanctuary.
Tako
Tako is a brand-new sushi restaurant and cocktail bar situated in the heart of Ostiense in Rome, Italy. The neighbourhood is known for its strong industrial identity, which was once dominated by an electrical power start, river port and gasometer. Today, the area is lively with a strong street art scene, underground culture, and gourmet dining experiences.
Tako’s eclectic and playful interiors scheme was created by Rome-based architecture and interior design studio Collidanielarchitetto. Taking inspiration from Alice in Wonderland, the restaurant that opened in the Chinese year of the rabbit creates a strong emotional impact for diners.
The scheme, as described by the studio, is: “Charismatic and carefree; multifaceted and dreamlike, it is a colourful dream played out in macro-proportions. Butterflies, flowers, lollipops, and rabbits populate an environment where food and design blend together to bring to life an emotional, timeless, and ageless experience that remains imprinted in the memory of its guests.”
The project is spread over two floors, with the ground floor housing 160 seats, the kitchen and cocktail bar. A fluid movement is created with mirrored surfaces and metal coverings above a fragmented black and white floor.
The cocktail bar that welcomes guests is dominated by a monolithic cylinder and L-shaped counter in solid black marble. Press-bent metal magenta panels dominates the bar frontage while a macro circular bottle holder with polished steel details stands out against a background of iridescent pink glass, enhancing the dream-like atmosphere.
Luminous pearl pendants from Sikrea float from the ceiling like clusters of bubbles, creating a suspended, light atmosphere, which is enhanced by the multiplication of reflections on the mirrored surfaces and metal finishes.
“In Tako’s project, the circle serves as the foundation for the dynamic design elements, from the macro elements to the decorative patterns on surfaces and decorative lighting fixtures. Both decorative light pieces used have a spherical shape. We chose the Bilia by Sikrea for the broader restaurant area, installing a cascade of luminous beads with multiple combinations to create a suspended and light atmosphere, accentuated by the reflections on mirrored surfaces and metallic coverings. In contrast, for the narrower and elongated section, we used the smaller metallic spheres of Mr. Jack to achieve a more intimate atmosphere.
A bold, pink lacquered arch marks the passage between the two floors used for various functions; a staircase leads to the basement that houses the customer services and technical areas,” explains Daniela Colli.
A kaleidoscopic tunnel of coloured arches is illuminated with lines of light using iGuzzini’s Laser, which multiply to infinity creating the illusion of being chased down towards the magical world of Alice in Wonderland. “Walls are wrapped in pink and white wallpaper with dynamic geometry, while macro decor elements such as butterflies, flowers, rabbits and lollipops define a pop identity, in a careful and calibrated staging of colours and shapes,” describes the studio.
Colli adds: “Each space should have lighting that complements its function, materials, and colours. I enjoy contrasting light and shadow, which is an essential feature in my projects. Decorative lighting plays a significant role in my interior design projects, serving as an iconic and central element in the space.
“Generally, I employ lighting with small LED recessed spotlights controlled by a home automation system that allows me to adjust the light intensity. Depending on the presence of daylight and the desired atmosphere, I create different lighting scenarios. I use decorative lamps to establish the right evening ambiance, especially where the light should be soft and have a lower colour temperature compared to daylight.”
The only challenge Colli faced during this project’s journey was getting the decorative lighting to communicate with the home automation control system, which did not recognise the correct IP addresses of the various lights. “After several unsuccessful attempts, we decided to separate the control of decorative lighting from the architectural lighting,” she explains. “Unfortunately, this is a problem we have encountered in the past because decorative lamp manufacturers often prioritise design over the technical aspects.”
Overall, Colli deems the project a success that fully met her client’s brief. “I am very satisfied with the project’s outcome, and we undoubtedly exceeded both our own and their expectations. Tako is an immersive space where customers can freely express themselves, entering a fairy tale - a magical and whimsical environment for imaginative journeys.
“I dreamed to create a place where you can feel free to express yourself, to detach yourself from the concreteness of everyday life, to enter a fairy tale, a magical and extravagant environment in which people of all ages can travel with their imagination. When you enter Tako you are captivated by the colours, the lights, the details, everything is emotion and amazement.”
The Kitin
Hong Kong-based M.R. Studio collaborated with Cundall to create a Chinese French-inspired dining experience for The Kitin restaurant located in Hong Kong’s tallest skyscraper. darc chats with both to discover more about their approach to the lighting design.
The Kitin is a luxurious Chinese restaurant located within the International Commerce Centre (ICC), the tallest skyscraper in Hong Kong. M.R. Studio was brought on to the project by the client, who’s brief was to create a dining experience that had a contemporary oriental atmosphere yet blended with western elements. The overarching concept for the restaurant was Chinese French fusion.
Cundall was responsible for implementing the lighting scheme in the restaurant. darc spoke with Pete Shing Lighting Design Principal at the firm, along with M.R. Studio’s founder Myron Kwan to find out more about their approaches to bringing the interior scheme to life through the lighting.
“I have developed a strong relationship with the founder of M.R Studio, Myron Kwan through collaborating on several hospitality projects in recent years,” reflects Shing. “He mentioned an opportunity to work on the lighting for a high-end, fine dining restaurant in the ICC, Hong Kong’s tallest building. For us, this was a chance to showcase our creativity in decorative lighting design for a restaurant in a magnificent skyscraper. Having worked with Myron previously, there was a level of trust and confidence in our lighting expertise that he and the client had in us. Therefore, we were given enormous latitude to express our creativity in meeting the client’s desire that the outcome be ‘Instagram-worthy’. Of course, there are many ways to interpret this, so our emphasis was on utilising decorative lighting in a unique manner and exploring unconventional approaches to ensuring the aesthetic experience would also deliver on practical necessities. We commenced design work in July 2022 and the project was completed within six months.”
As with any project, the team faced a handful of challenges when developing their schemes for the dining space. Notably for Kwan it was budget constraints, which impacted material choices and forced strategical decisions to work around existing structures.
Shing adds: “One of the key challenges that arose in this project was around the lighting control system. The client wished to re-use the lighting control system from their previous restaurant (which is now closed) as they found that system worked particularly well. More importantly, re-using the previous lighting control system reduced waste. We needed to carefully ensure every new luminaire we specified was compatible with the legacy lighting control system. This meant we had to gain a thorough understanding of it and allocate considerable time investigating which luminaires would be suitable.
“Another challenge arose from resolving interaction between the lights around the chandelier in the private dining hall and the feature light itself. The supplementary lights were trimless dim lights, which look much nicer, but are generally more difficult to install. To achieve the desired sleek effect, the ceilings are ideally painted with the same colour as the fixtures that the luminaires were attached to. Furthermore, the ceiling must be designed and completed with incredible precision to ensure the lights do not protrude or become skewed in the process of installing them. This required considerable collaboration also with the contractor who painted the ceilings and, as a result, we ultimately achieved the desired sleek finish.”
For Cundall, the brief and vision for the lighting design remained the same throughout the project. The aim to create an “aesthetic dining venue with a premium look and feel” was achievable. “The client envisioned the space as an integral part of the dining experience. Similarly, with the lighting design, we wanted to take people on a journey – from the entry corridor to the main dining area and the private dining room. To create this journey, we had to consider what elements in the space required subtlety, and which would be highlighted. Ultimately, the lighting design aims to work in unison with the interiors to complement them,” says Shing.
On the other hand, Kwan’s design had to be a little more adaptable because of a Feng Shui master who recommended changes to the layout. “This impacted the overall design by ensuring a harmonious flow and energy throughout the space,” says Kwan.
Decorative lighting was key to achieving Kitin’s luxurious design. “The client specifically requested unique and visually captivating lighting designs. For us, it was crucial to create bespoke lighting fixtures that became focal points within each area of the restaurant. This helped to compensate for the simplicity of the wall and floor finishes,” says Kwan. Shing adds: “The focus is often on ensuring the lamp source brightness is appropriate for the design intent. However, since the decorative lighting in Kitin played a significantly important role within the space, alongside lamp source brightness, we also carefully considered the light orientation, where the light was installed and the mounting height. Our team also used layering of light in this project to create a specific mood and ambience in the restaurant. This added depth in the design and enhances the overall sensory experience of the restaurant for diners. A lot of designers shy away from light layering as it is extremely nuanced and requires considerable thought, care, and precision to achieve successfully. The outcome at Kitin shows this effort was entirely worthwhile.
“The client was inspired in part by their own memories of an opulent hospitality experience that left a lasting impression. This sense of the luxurious lifestyle and unique ambience infused the whole approach for Kitin as they wanted it to have a similar feel. We then had to devise the best way to integrate those key decorative lighting features throughout the restaurant, as it is not sufficient to simply place decorative lighting in areas with little consideration. For example, the chandelier in the main dining room is positioned in that specific ceiling space to ensure there is no light that spills over – achieving a sublime lighting aesthetic for the space.”
All the decorative fixtures were supplied by Ricardo Lighting, while architectural pieces were specified from Vis Lighting, Effect Meji Corp., and controls from Lutron. “The bespoke decorative lighting elements were all inspired by traditional Chinese lantern designs,” explains Kwan. “We primarily utilised bronze materials paired with wavy glass to achieve a simple yet luxurious effect.
“Given the ceiling height limitations, we strategically placed the decorative lighting elements in the highest part of the ceiling to maximise their impact and create a stunning visual effect.
“The decorative lighting elements act as the primary focus, while the architectural lighting supports and enhances the overall mood of the space. The architectural lighting is designed to highlight the tables and create a backdrop that allows the decorative lighting to shine.
“The lighting design brings different atmospheres and settings to the space throughout the day. It transitions from a tea drinking mode during daylight hours (12am to 3pm) to a dinner mode from 6pm to 9pm, and finally a lounge mode from 9pm to 12am. The lighting plays a crucial role in establishing these varying moods and enhances the overall interior design concept.”
Shing continues: “Considering the overall interior is incredibly richly detailed, we tried to minimise any intrusiveness of architectural lighting whilst ensuring the light will create emphasis on elements within the interiors which should be highlighted. Alongside this, illumination levels needed to be strong enough to make the whole space visible. This is another instance where layering of light worked well – as opposed to using strong and bright lights, we deployed multiple, more subtle decorative lights.
“Another special feature of the project was our consideration of spatial lighting, which is not a standard approach. This is a way of considering light and how it can be strategically designed to draw the occupant’s eye to specific features while subtly backgrounding elements of the space, which are less aesthetically strong. This approach helped the restaurant achieve the ambience and aesthetic the client was after.”
The finished project was deemed an all-round success by both parties involved. “Overall, we are extremely satisfied with the final design and how it aligns with our initial plan and ideas,” reflects Kwan. “The positive feedback from both guests and the client confirms that our focus on simplicity and comfort, while highlighting the stunning view, was successful in creating an exceptional dining experience.
“I would like to highlight my favourite aspect of the restaurant, which is the stunning main entrance designed with inspiration from Chinese stone bridges. Imagine guests passing through a tunnel-like bridge to enter the restaurant creates a unique and memorable experience. The strategic placement of wall sconces throughout the entrance illuminates the entire interior, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing and Instagram-worthy area that captivates visitors.”
Shing adds: “This was a smooth project to work on mainly due to high levels of collaboration and effective communication with the client and the interior designers. The level of trust endowed in us as lighting designers meant this was very much a “get on board and start working on it” kind of project.
“What the client was aiming for was also very different given it was a high-end restaurant. Working with workplace clients there is more of a focus on functionality in lighting whereas, here, decorative lighting was at the heart of the project. I think the client appreciated that we focused on making the lighting in the space deliver a seamless integration between aesthetics and pragmatic considerations, as opposed to just finding the best-looking lights to install.
“While Kitin has already been a great opportunity to express our creativity, I do believe there was further scope to think outside the box and be more daring in our design. When we were given expansive leeway in design decisions, it opens up so much possibility for unique ideas that elevate the role of lighting to its full creative potential for enhancing both interior spaces and the experiences of those who spend time in them.
“When I saw the project completed, I was incredibly satisfied with what we had achieved as lighting designers. The decorative lighting integrates itself into the interiors incredibly well while also complimenting the space’s interior design. Another thing that stood out in the entire design experience was the collaboration with M.R. Studio, something which played a key role in delivering this project successfully,” he concludes.
www.cundall.com | www.mrstudio.hk
