Custom, laser-cut blackened steel in floral shapes links together to form a lattice screen.
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Japanese traditions flirt with Arabian accents in Dubai’s very own Nobu restaurant.
The LA-based Nobu Matsuhisa Group of Japanese restaurants, co-owned by Robert de Niro, made its Dubai debut in an 11,500ft² eatery within the much-publicised Atlantis Hotel.
The task of converting the cavernous space into a setting worthy of one of the world’s biggest names in Japanese dining fell to the New York-headquartered Rockwell Group.
“To begin with, this restaurant was an extremely large white box, probably the largest one level space we have worked with for a Nobu restaurant. The challenge was transforming this space into a series of experiences and environments that create a coherent whole, and also capture the energy of Nobu and Dubai,” said David Rockwell, founder and designer, Rockwell Group.
Nobu Dubai represents an evolution of the design concepts developed for the chain’s other restaurants around the world, with an emphasis on craftsmanship, natural materials and storytelling. “We have collaborated with Nobu on its restaurants since the opening of the original Nobu restaurant in New York.
This design is an evolution of many of the concepts that the firm developed for the flagship Nobu Fifty Seven,” said Rockwell.
“With each additional location, the idea was to continue to use the handcrafted, textural elements reflecting Nobu’s roots in rural Japan, while incorporating elements of the specific context and location.
“So, for Dubai, we wanted to blend the now iconic Nobu features and materials we have used since the beginning, with those that reflect the landscape, history and over-the-top nature of Dubai,” he added.
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Aquatic echoes
To inject some local flavour into the Dubai restaurant, the design brief incorporated traditional Arabian elements, as well as echoes of the beachfront.
“This particular restaurant reflects the Dubai beachfront context, with large-scale hand-woven abaca panels made of abaca rope and steel surrounding the restaurant walls and ceiling, evoking an aquatic environment. Accents of traditional Middle Eastern vernacular architecture, such as hand-wrought iron columns of flowers, leaves and buds, are also prominent,” Rockwell detailed.
The woven abaca panels represent a signature element of the restaurant interior. “Elliptical-shaped translucent panels surround the bar lounge, and are covered with large-scale cherry blossom. These three-dimensional, computer-generated woven abaca panels surround the walls and ceiling of the main dining room, creating an experience akin to being immersed under an ocean wave,” he added.
Moving through the restaurant, a fresh mixture of wood and steel reinforces the natural feel. “For all the selected materials, our goal was to use the crafted, textural, natural materials, and marry them with accents and homages to the Dubai location, making this restaurant truly unique and fresh.”
Fine finishings
The space also incorporates a mixture of three different flooring styles. Floors through the main bar area, sushi bar and restrooms are paved with simple slate, sourced from a local supplier. Meanwhile, black and white terrazzo, embedded with pebbles by Fribel, runs along the floor near the lounge, and wood end grains sourced locally cover the floors of the main dining area.
For the walls, the same nature inspired theme applies. “Custom, laser-cut blackened steel in floral shapes links together to form a lattice screen surrounding the bar, and curved translucent panels with large-scale cherry blossom photography sourced from 3-Form and Michael Palladino line the bar,” Rockwell said.
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