FUSION OF CULTURES

H2R Design refreshes the design of the Indian restaurant Ushna located in Madinat Jumeirah infusing heritage and charm into the F&B establishment.

Photography by Alex Jeffries Photography Group

“To uplift the overall experience, we used traditional timbers and panelling influenced by the colonial era, harmonised with the flavours of the Indian culture, through bold colours and patterns. We’ve also taken into consideration the exotic opulence found in Indian interiors such as layers of texture to provide a captivating atmosphere across both of the restaurants.” - Hasan and Husain Roomi, H2R Design’s co-founders

Hand carved wooden panels and stencils on the walls present a striking entry leading into the restaurant, transporting the diner from the outside world into a lush haven.

2R Design’s inspiration for this project can be summarized as colonial design meets traditional Indian cuisine blending classical Indian gastronomy and its history with contemporary design. Stemming from the dining experience, the reinvention of the concept reflects passion, warmth and vigour, synonymous with Indian styles. The remaining details of the colonial era and the exotic charm were a source of inspiration for this project. Those themes were incorporated in Ushna's interiors with unique applications. Diners will feel the similar ambiance, textures, colors and shapes offering familiarity to the restaurant. Palpable colors and rich fabrics were used throughout the restaurant. To set the mood of the heritage, culture, tastes and aromas, the design combined the use of lavish jewel toned hues of blues and greens mixed with earth tones to convey the contrasts. Tones and textures were skillfully used to arouse the senses, such as the deep red silky draping, mustard yellow and turquoise and emerald green seat coverings to stimulate the appetite while the accents of orange in the fabrics and accessories create warmth. Indian art permeating spiritual representation and ancient traditions can be found throughout the spaces and have become part of the architectural structure. Symbolic imagery such as the Mandala and Hamsa were painted onto the walls to decorate creating colourful portals, reflecting Ushna’s energy and passion. H

The bar is the heart and soul of the dining concept in the restaurant and the design had to be amplified by its centralized placement and luxurious characteristics to create the enchanting vibes. To further tie in the culture, Calacatta Sponda marble was used on top of the bars adding to the opulence. Soft surfaces and woody elements were joined with metallics to establish balance while still heightening the dining experience. The paisley pattern debossing detail on the bar outlines the beauty of Indian artistry. Transparency of the bar gantry with the orange glass created beautiful reflections and refractions, and the bar foot rails, and stool bases are painted in copper to display splendour.

India is home to some of the most beautiful geometric patterns and

H2R Design felt that it needed to be emphasized as a key feature across the restaurant. Prominence was given to a distinctive design pattern and established it as fundamental character of the space by applying it to the flooring around the bar which is the central focal space. The feature tile is locally made with colours and pattern inspired by a mix of the colonial style and the cultural context.

Creating a vibrant buzz with the central bar, the open kitchen with the counters accentuated through colours, frame the above gantries with glazing & decoration. Warmth is added throughout the space with the use of different types of woods including the furniture constructed with a walnut stain to give off a colonial feel, the sanded-down ceiling beams which were stained, the bar was made with medium-density fiberboard and teak wood on the floor for durability. The contrast of the colours and textures of the furniture against the timber flooring were perfected with warm wallpaper on the ceiling creating an inviting space.

It was important to develop the interior lighting that was flattering to both people and food, and to induce this comfortable atmosphere, small Indian candle lanterns were used as tabletop accents to create an intimate atmosphere. This was extended to the exterior dining space with the use of low-key lighting with wood and rattan offering a holiday feel.

The terrace, which overlooks the beautiful Madinat Jumeirah has wooden furniture that compliments the natural surroundings. Bench seating are available for guests to unwind while enjoying authentic Indian contemporary dishes.

The overall harmonised styles between traditional colonial and vibrant Indian accent pieces filling the restaurant adds just the right touch of cultural flair. To create nostalgia, oldfashioned props were used including a gramophone and rotary phones as decoration pieces throughout the venue. Address: Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Shop No 21, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St –Dubai (UAE)