The design for the Global Management Consultancy Firm was inspired by the varied landscape of the United Arab Emirates. The conceptual design narrative uses colour-coded areas based on the sea, coral, mangroves, valleys, and dunes.
Organic design inspired by nature
Colour-driven storytelling is complemented by an integrated lighting system. Employed to improve the flow between different zones, the lighting amplifies the playfulness of every area. Tropical trees of mangroves served as an inspiration for the reception. The organic depth of the green shades is underlined by lighting. Embedded into the vertical surfaces, light fixtures subtly illuminate the reception area. By focusing on indirect lighting, the lead designer, Lama Arouri from Studio N, managed to reduce the reflection in the ceiling mirror, allowing a set of ornamental luminaires to create an attention-grabbing light pattern. Finished in 2024, Roar Design studio brought the vision to life.
Improving the working atmosphere with light
Moving past reception, visitors will encounter several informal working areas, meeting rooms, and phone booths characterised by the graphic expression of light. Arranged in a linear order, the energising lines span into a series of circular areas, softening the links between different spaces. The light is used to set the mood best suited for every zone.
While communal spaces emanate a sense of cosiness and warmth, the work zones are equipped with calming, focusing light, helping employees to achieve maximum productivity. The circulation area carries a note of energy and movement. The cafe is illuminated with discreet, indirect lines of light and spotlight, thus creating the illusion of depth in soft pink areas. The blue zone lighting aims to ease the atmosphere. Wavy acoustic ceiling incorporates rectilinear lighting, which results in a calming interaction of light and sound floating above the work areas.
Illuminating the starcaise
The light designers strategically located lighting layers in the town hall to improve the visual aesthetic of the place. Soft cove lighting and illuminated step details serve an important role in illuminating the floating bronze and glass staircase by providing it with a three-dimensional sculptural form. The company’s sustainability approach includes the introduction of high-quality LED lights, which minimise energy consumption. The building is equipped with a top-notch control system that adapts light levels (through balancing and dimming) according to the time of day and occupancy level. The purposeful, sustainable design of a Global Management Consultancy Firm in Dubai has brought Studio N a LIT Lighting Design Award in the Workplace Lighting Design category. The design was also shortlisted by the MENA Commercial Interior Design Awards, one of the most prestigious awards in Dubai.
Studio N’s purposeful design
With offices in Dubai and London, the architectural lighting company offers expertise with purpose and momentum. The studio aims to connect people to space by creating atmosphere and emotion with light. Every detail and every beam is meant to create beautiful and meaningful experiences. Studio N’s portfolio includes the illumination of private and public spaces, such as the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Tourism, Global Investment Bank, Revolver, Mausam restaurants, and The Mosque of Light.
Photo Credits: Yasser Ibrahim
