ROOMS WITHIN ROOMS

RECENTLY AWARDED A ‘BEST OF BEST’ TROPHY FOR ITS INTERIOR DESIGN IN THE PERSPECTIVE A&D TROPHY AWARDS, PARADIS RESTAURANT AND COCKTAIL BAR BY HONG KONG AND PARIS-BASED MULTIDISCIPLINARY BRANDING AND INTERIOR DESIGN AGENCY SUBSTANCE BRINGS SOMETHING OF A MYTHICAL NARRATIVE INTO ITS ‘ROOMS WITHIN ROOMS.’ 

Could you introduce Substance, who you are and what you do?
Substance is an award-winning multidisciplinary branding and interior design  agency with offices in Hong Kong and Paris. We are  a collective of people with imaginations so far reaching, that if we were a single hybrid person you would  probably be afraid to be our friend. Our productivity is not purely achieved by sitting at the desk; napping for the explicit reason of conjuring surreal ideas is completely justifiable.  Our  services include strategy, brand identity, product design, campaign activation, interior design and digital developments. We also offer production and construction management services with an in-house design and multidisciplinary management team.

The Paradis interior project recently awarded in the A&D Trophy Awards references the Haitian goddess of the moon: mawu, could you introduce the project and the narrative you’ve established within the space?
Inspired by the Haitian moon goddess; Mawu, Paradis connects specifically to our inner nocturnal being. Inspiration was derived from French Colonial artistry and African craftsmanship. The interiors embrace a natural palette invigorated by ornate lighting throughout, offering a hospitable oasis amidst the urban jungle.

The challenge was to create an intimate environment within an open space. With thoughtful circulation, guests are immediately swept into the vibrate heart of the space between the bar and the DJ booth. Subtle design details emanate from the influence of Mawu. The path to the restaurant is lined with pendant lights reminiscent of moon-like forms that cast an imminent glow across the low ceiling. The rattan canopy encasing the bar and furniture resonates the French Colonial inspiration. Plants envelop the restaurant while wooden louver screens and tan leather banquettes create intimate dining nooks, each lit by their own lunar lamps.

 

Lighting is also an integral element of the design – could you describe how the lighting design references the notion of ‘time’? 
The custom made, brass pendant light fixtures hanging from the ceiling and bar were designed to invoke the waning and waxing  cycles of the moon. 

 

I understand that hand painted murals are incorporated into the design as well?
Indeed, the aim of the exotic hand painted mural on the surrounding walls echoes the moody magic of an island paradise, hence to magnify the sensory experience. 

Were there any particular materials you called upon to realize your objective for the project?
We constructed ‘rooms within rooms’ using timber louver partition screens that act as a backdrop to each area. The combination of corten steel, black marble and brass details bring a touch of theatrical glamour. Rattan furniture brings these elements of glamour back down to earth. This combined with injections of vegetation and the hand painted mural bring the outdoors in, generating a true feeling of escape from the city outside. The bamboo ceiling and exposed concrete carry a strong connection to  African craft.

 

What are you working on currently? What’s next for Substance?
In general, our client portfolio and projects are reaching to a more regional level with increasing collaborations with hoteliers. 

 

www.perspectiveglobal.com
www.aworkofsubstance.com