AL MAMLAKA FOOD HALL

Agency: Lighting Design International
Client: Al Mamlaka

Al Mamlaka Social Dining is a new multi-cuisine food experience in the Saudi Arabian capital. It is located inside the Kingdom Tower and forms part of the shopping mall housed within the striking skyscraper.

The Al Mamlaka is the first restaurant in Riyadh where diners can experience high-quality food from all over the world, under the same roof – and it is open for nearly 24 hours each day. This new offering is a sophisticated space, and the lighting needed to mirror this with scenes controlled ambience adapting the lighting intensity, drama and intimacy to suit the time of the day or into the late evening for a balanced and welcoming space. Lighting Design International was chosen to deliver the lighting scheme for the new dining hall for our experience of lighting for luxury and control of contrast, drama and ambiance. The first dramatic focal point in the establishment is the coffee and cocktails station. This was a significant architectural and lighting feature as it is the first sight guests see when they first enter the restaurant, it had to look incredible; drawing people into the space and delivering an ultimate first impression. LDI has used warm indirect linear lighting around the canopy of the coffee counter, which offers a continuous ray of light, creating an impressive and stunning scene. LDI also introduced plinth-level lighting alongside lighting at the front of the panelling to the counter. Warm and dimmed decorative Pendants provide an accent on the backstone, while task lights have been added at either side of the counter for baristas to safely carry out their work. Taking all of the elements together, LDI has created a multi-layered canopy. Each counter has a similar approach in terms of design so there are decorative lights around the signages, concealed linear lighting to uplight the menus. Ceramic pendants also drop around the counters, and in between these sit mini downlights. While the pendants give a glow, LDI wanted to add a pool of light onto the countertops, so the downlights have been used to provide an additional accent. The same approach has been reflected in the dining area, with the decorative lights made of fabric, partnered with rattan pendants. Two different variations have been used. Narrow beam track lights pin spot the tables, which was an important part of the lighting design. A notable, ambient and indirect detail is the glowing light under the banquette and counter, radiating into the floor. All of the linear lighting was 2400K, which adds a warm depth. The architectural lighting is 2700K, and the lamps inside the pendants are 2200K. It was important for LDI to create warmth from the pendant, coupled with the accent lighting on the tables. Illuminating the plants was also key – as a very green, leafy restaurant, these plants needed to be showcased.