A copper-coated box hangs from the ceiling above the live ingredient marketplace that is said to reflect the natural hues produced by the ingredients.
Troubling economic times in Russia have not prevented one of the country’s renowned nightlife attractions — Novikov — setting up shop in Dubai. Entrepreneur Arkady Novikov’s restaurant concept is located at the Sheraton Grand Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road and launched late September 2015.
Speaking about the design, Novikov Dubai general manager Yann Chevris says: “The design brief was to keep it as organic as possible, leaving the essence of Moscow and London (where its other outlet is located) present throughout the venue. The use of natural materials provides a calming influence to offset the fast paced, manic lifestyle Dubai has become used to.”
In the pursuit of authenticity, Russian-based Geometry Design was hired to design and execute the project that spans 13,000m2.
| Advertisement |
A development of its size did not come without its share of delays. “Glitches in procurement led to delays in completing the project, which took roughly two years from conceptualising to completion. One of the key design elements at Novikov is its purple transparent concrete wall from Litracon Classic,” says Chevris.
“The transparent structure is a combination of optical fibres and fine concrete, which can be produced as prefabricated building blocks. The resulting by-product is much more than an outcome of fusing two materials —glass in concrete, but a third, new material, which is homogeneous in its inner structure and on its main surfaces as well,” he adds.
Three design elements that Chevris is particularly pleased with are: “the creative lights — dinosaur eggs — that set the ambience of the venue. The simplistic wine and cigar cellar with the traditional sake barrels, and lastly, the lobby area that features deep red velvet sofas and a marble chandelier.”
Restaurants are increasingly exploring the ‘open market’ kitchen concept, and Novikov offers fresh fish or crustacean, organic fruit and vegetables. “Guests don’t only have the option to pick their ingredients and watch it being prepared in the live kitchen, they are welcome to buy the produce as well,” Chevris concludes.
Search our database of more than 2,700 industry companies
