Serene
Exploring the idea of the desert as a place of cultural interaction and dialogue, we came up with the concept of an organic space, absorbing the motifs of nature, tradition, and craftsmanship. The smooth oval contours of the rooms resemble the structures that people have been carving in desert lands with hot climates since ancient times. The fluidity of architectural elements and structures refers to natural forms carved by wind and time itself. The light sliding over them gathers whimsical shadows that recede into the depth of space.
Hplace Cafeteria
Location: Downtown, Dubai
Total area: 451 sq.m.
Photography: Lizaveta Kulenenok
Year: 2024
Not only the intriguing view opening to the peak of Burj Khalifa, but also the location of the new project, which is in a niche of the building, as if in an alcove, suggested the idea of how the internal structure should be created. Its tiered division dominates as one moves inward from the panoramic glazing, where the main entrance is located. The space of the first level is functionally divided by stone blocks of different types of travertine, the free visual arrangement of which organizes the hospitality zone and the area of two bars. The stone forms are created in smooth and rough processing, the latter mimicking the natural uneven surface of the stone, which gives the objects a pleasant self-finished appearance, like a thread reflecting human craftsmanship.
Observing the lunar landscape among the dunes is one of the most impressive sights to see. If you listen closely, you can hear the time flowing in the moving grains of endless waves and feel its breath. The HPlace space has borrowed much from the desert, combining the expressiveness of the local language of nature, culture, and architectural plasticity.
During the day, the terrace in front of the entrance refers to an oasis filled with greenery, which creates a desired shade curtain to protect the guests from the scorching sun. Nightfall makes the panoramic glazing gradually dissolve, while the interior and terrace unite into one single space, and now a sculptural landscape structure in a natural green environment opens up before us.
