Time to go off menu
To ensure our ideas would have the cut through required, our consultancy team first conducted extensive market research, leaving no stone or napkin uncovered. Global trends were identified, local markets investigated, in addition to a detailed success study being carried out on the latest restaurants and bars to open in the area. After extensive research (and more than a few taste tests), a gastronomic gap was discovered – authentic South East Asian cuisine.
Not only would the flavours of Singapore and Malaysia be a first in JLT, they’d be largely new to Dubai as a whole. On top of this, the versatile South Asian-inspired theme would also overcome one of the project’s key design challenges: how do you cater for both a day and night service?
TRANSITIONAL MOOD SHIFTS
Fusion creativity
Workshopping closely with the client, our creatives cooked up a strategic design concept that combined traditional ornamental elements with a contemporary twist, vibrant hues and bold talking points that sensitively captured the spirit of Peranakan culture. The name Nonya was born from the same authentic roots - 'Baba-Nyonya' is how the Peranakan Chinese people referred to themselves.
Next, came colour. And lots of it. Plum and teal combined beautifully to subtly tie spaces together, featuring on everything from ceramics and fabrics to menus and textured wall panelling.
Less subtle, but no less stunning, was the use of neon lighting, which flows throughout the venue adding another layer of vibrancy.
Eye-catching metal detailing also features heavily throughout Nonya, with an intricate mixture of lattices, chevrons and scalloped features all combining to bring a deeper level of Peranakan storytelling to the forefront of the venue.
PERANAKAN VIBES
Adaptability is served
Subtle motif detailing further connected the spaces while the clever use of lighting enabled the natural shift from day to night, organically changing the vibe and energy of the spaces as the day goes on.
An intelligent glass system was also installed that offered protection against the wind on the terrace while allowing diners to drink in Nonya’s ambience throughout both summer and winter.