The highly-anticipated Dubai EDITION has now opened, complete with architectural and interior design by LW Design in collaboration with Ian Schrager Company, New York.
Set in the heart of Dubai, the hotel is housed within an impressive 100m high tower, atop a podium rotated 45 degrees off-axis to maximise views of the nearby Burj Khalifa. The exquisitely crafted façade has been designed by Cristina Wakamatsu, Design Director & Partner at LW, in a blend of bronze screens, subtly textured grey cladding, natural stone and timber.
Dubai EDITION marks the first hotel for which LW Design has completed both the architecture and interiors and, having started on the project almost five years ago, Pooja Shah-Mulani, design director at LW Design, describes the journey as the most intense but rewarding experience, making its completion the pinnacle of her career to date. “The fusion of working with an international brand such as The EDITION, in one of the most prestigious locations in Dubai, and for a client that trusted us to deliver an exceptional product, meant that expectations were only ever going to push creative boundaries into delivering something very special,” she says.
“It was more complicated than we thought to create something effortless while still creating something that would have the biggest impact in the market by being completely different. Having maintained our philosophy of designing to current trends through organic simplicity, the result has exceeded expectations, and we are incredibly thrilled with the outcome.”
When guests arrive, they enter into a vast triple-height space, complete with a breathtaking chandelier and central spiral staircase connecting the lobby to other public spaces and dining destinations.
Matching the EDITION’s vision about design, the brief was to ensure that the spaces never look ‘designed’ but feel appropriately comfortable with effortless and elegant luxury. The furnishings chosen are not lent to a particular era; they are timeless, classic and comfortable and flatter the understated luxury synonymous with the brand.
Duomo Restaurant
When designing the Dubai EDITION, LW Design made a conscious effort to respect local regulations, yet create a layered experience for guests to discover in keeping with the EDITION philosophy. This led to Duomo, the theatrical Italian restaurant within the lobby that centres on “the buzz of people connecting”.
The design seamlessly continues from the lobby but with a vibrant pop of yellow to accentuate the change. The clever seating layout affords each diner uninhibited views of the dramatic arched ceiling and the immersive artwork that enhances the delightful dining experience. Iconic central booths provide breathtaking views of the Burj Khalifa.
Jolie Restaurant
The signature restaurant is filled with natural, earthy colours from the bronze finishes, tan hide chairs, and raised olive and gold bar chairs lining the ‘U’-shaped bar. The restaurant has a slight ‘orangery’ feel with rattan and teak chairs interspersed with olive-green banquettes.
Parlour palms and other tropical plants give a sense of privacy, whilst the seamless Terrazzo flooring is the statement design element throughout the restaurant.
Leon Bar
Leon is a cosy speakeasy-inspired bar just off the main lobby. It’s an exciting juxtaposition to the rest of the hotel with its punchy accents against a dark background. Clever lighting further enhances the vibrant colour blocking throughout the space.
Guest accommodation
Although the new Dubai EDITION hotel has 275 rooms and six different room categories, including an impressive penthouse suite, they are all designed in a uniform design language using the same high-quality materials throughout the bedroom and bathroom.
The material palette is minimal; LW Design has selected a limited collection of finishes following the brand’s stipulations on simplicity and comfortable luxury. The light oak wood and stone accents flow from one room to the other.
The monochromatic colour scheme and contemporary minimalism make each room feel fresh and light and complement the elegant lines of the custom-made furniture, textured upholstery, wooden-lined walls and the scenery.
Each of the hotel’s suites occupies the primary corner of each floor and commands views of Downtown and the spectacular sunset that bathes the Old Town with golden light.
Dubai EDITION spa
The signature Dubai EDITION spa is small, with just two treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room and outdoor swimming pool. LW Design has used soft-coloured materials such as travertine and timber throughout.
