Preciosa at Atlantis, The Palm Dubai

Posted in Products on 6 April, 2020

Atlantis, The Palm is one of the icons of Dubai’s hotel scene. Ideally located on the Arabian Gulf and with views to the Dubai skyline, guests also enjoy exclusive guest rooms, world-class dining and an adventure aqua park. The hotel underwent a refurbishment under the creative eye of HBA Dubai and Allen Architecture Interiors Design. Preciosa Lighting was closely involved; creating lighting for seven different spaces throughout the large property.

Definitely the most unmissable installation is the spiralling shell located in Plato’s Coffee & Tea Lounge. Inspiration came from the sea for this installation, designed by Preciosa designer Petr Kořínek in collaboration with HBA Dubai.

“The biggest challenge for me was to find a technical solution which would work in this case,” said Mr. Kořínek. “My intent was to show the pure beauty of a shell which everyone recognises from nature. Our team was able to solve the most crucial aspect so the metal frame is almost invisible, which was important to the client.”

The chandelier is comprised of approximately 35,000 cut beads in three shades of blue. To create the illusion of being underwater, about 4500 almond trimmings on 180 hanging points float around the shell.

Manufacturing Magic

Preciosa took a number of unexpected design decisions when creating this light. The skeleton of the chandelier was shaped manually, making it a true original. The shell itself is atypical; due to its internal spiral created to make the body as thick as possible. When producing the shell, the inside layer of beads was done first, followed by the second outer layer.

“Such a design is much more complicated for production than the typical chandelier we are asked to design,” said Mr. Kořínek. “We are really lucky to have so many skilled workers here in Preciosa–not every company would be able to create and build such a 3D shaped shell fixture.”

In the Ossiano Underwater Bar & Restaurant, a variety of original Preciosa creations enlighten the space. Welcoming diners is a sparkling violet and crystal Stardust wall that is more than seven metres tall. With a nod to unique underwater sea creatures, the main chandelier is two metres across and consists of crystal glass tubes in shades ranging from honey to clear. The installation is brought together with a gold and bronze metal finish and was designed by Preciosa designer Anežka Závadová. She collaborated with Allen Architecture Interiors Design.

“I wanted to create a visually memorable and strong design, which would be minimal and substantial with a dynamic shape,” she said. “An installation that would be a statement and embellish the space.”

The light features a spine which loops in an infinity shape. The elemental form offers many interpretations.

“I can see there an untied knot or an ancient underwater creature spinning in the deep ocean,” said Ms. Závadová. “The spine holds three blades created by the tubes, which twist along the spine. Each tube hides an LED module and they have an amber gradient which helps create the space’s warm, welcoming atmosphere.”

Sea Life

Another space where one of Ms. Závadová’s creations presents a warm vibe is in the Ossiano’s reception area.

“The inspiration for this installation came from underwater flowers and their movement in the ocean,” she said. “It is a celebration of the crystal heritage in Crystal Valley because we are working with large-scale hand-blown pieces.”

The light is formed using a cluster of closed bowls within a bell shape which attracts attention inside the space. Also hidden inside the cluster are Preciosa’s Muutos solitaires.

“The combination of light amber and clear pieces with the significant Muutos texture mimics undersea life,” said Ms. Závadová.

Ms. Závadová also created three large installations for a public corridor from hand-blown crystal leaves.

“The leaves installation is distributed in a wave-like composition to direct people through the long hall. The dynamic installation brings movement into an otherwise functional space,” she explained. “The installation is made from amber and clear ribbed leaves. The ribbed surface finish brings a more optical and sparkling light effect to the installation.”

Setting the right first impression was important to designers when guests enter the Imperial Club & Bar. The lighting installation features a mix of optical glass and cracked glass in shades of champagne and amber. The gold and bronze metal finish adds to the warmth of the light.

Ms. Závadová’s final design for this project is also found in the Imperial. She was inspired by the shape of the manta ray.

“In the design, the wings of the body roll over the light tubes,” she said. “This visual moment creates a dramatic and inspiring feeling within the light.”

www.preciosalighting.com