Kevin Chung, Design Director at AB Concept, discusses the importance of decorative lighting in an F&B environment, highlighting the considerations to the architecture and referencing recent projects case studies.

Decorative lighting is the soul of a space; without it, the environment can feel lifeless and uninspired. In nearly every project, especially in restaurant and bar designs, we would want to collaborate with a highly skilled and capable lighting designer.

Today, restaurants and bars are more than just places to eat and drink—they are immersive experiences where lighting significantly shapes the overall atmosphere. Consider the effort and creativity a chef invests in crafting a dish that is both visually stunning and delicious. The role of the lighting designer is to enhance and showcase this artistry. Poor lighting would not only fail to do justice to the chef’s work but also detract from the intended dining experience.

In many of our projects, decorative lighting serves as the primary light source throughout the interior. We believe that decorative lighting is a critical component of the overall design, both visually and aesthetically. As a result, we would custom design every piece of lighting within the restaurant to ensure it complements and enhances the space.

In projects involving heritage buildings or those meant to convey a classic narrative, the role of decorative lighting is particularly significant. These spaces demand a lighting approach that both honours the architectural integrity and aligns with the historical context. We are always very careful to avoid the use or hiding of visible architectural lighting, such as downlights, that do not correspond to the architectural era. We believe it is essential to maintain the authenticity of the design by adhering to the lighting conventions of the period.

We deliberately limit the use of architectural downlights, using them only when absolutely necessary for function. This approach often ends up requiring custom design of almost every light fixture in the space, allowing us to create a cohesive narrative that not only respects the building’s history but also enhances its aesthetic integrity. With the sole purpose that the lighting design not only complements but also elevates the overall experience, preserving the character and essence of the original architecture.

One of our recent projects, the all-day dining restaurant, Yun He, at the Four Seasons Hotel Suzhou, is nothing short of an architectural gem. The space is designed with soaring ceilings and expansive window glazing, allowing an abundance of natural light to flood in. This design choice brightens the interior and provides guests with breathtaking views of the hotel’s meticulously landscaped gardens, creating a tranquil and picturesque setting that elevates every dining experience.

The restaurant’s interior lighting has been carefully crafted to adapt to the natural rhythm of the day, ensuring that the ambiance remains inviting and harmonious, whether guests are enjoying breakfast at dawn or dinner at dusk. Lighting transitions are designed to seamlessly shift from one hour to the next, offering a gentle, warm glow that complements the restaurant’s sophisticated décor. The decorative lighting elements are custom designed to subtly weave into the experience, telling a story of timeless elegance, crafting a unique and memorable atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression for visitors.

In another of our projects, the Mei Li, which is an award-winning restaurant within the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Kuwait, we pushed the boundaries of interior design to create a space that is both visually stunning and culturally resonant. Drawing inspiration from the rich traditions of the Peking Opera, the restaurant features intricate designs and towering ceilings that evoke a sense of grandeur. Central to the experience is the dramatic decorative lighting, which plays a crucial role in highlighting the exquisite details of the space. The lighting casts a captivating glow, accentuating the artistry and craftsmanship that define Mei Li. The abundance of decorative lighting not only enhances the presentation of the Asian culinary delights but also immerses guests in a sensory journey, where each meal is transformed into an unforgettable experience of taste, culture, and artistry.

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