Kilele
Objective:
We were tasked at designing a dining experience like no other seen in Tanzania before. Positioned in the highest building in Arusha overlooking the vast planes of the Serengeti spread over two floors is a Bar, Dining & Lounge on the 16th floor and a Dining, show kitchen, Bar on the 17th floor. On the 16th floor a large show bar with a lounge, a usable stage & a dining experience needed to be considered being visible from the 17th floor through a large double volume space. On the 17th floor it was crucial for guest to be able to see the stage below while also including various dining seating and experiences including booth seating, bistro dining, lounge dining & general dining. We also had to include a feature wine display that only focused on speciality wine. As a nod to the local craftsman client requested that we include a feature light made by a local crafts group Shanga glass.
With this an Afro Indian fusion Food & Beverage concept had to kept in mind and considered as an underlying inspirational thread.
Results:
Starting with the 16th floor the space organically grew into a space that had bold and rich patterns, embodied on columns as a plaid tiling that seem to weave itself up from the base of the column. The architectural curve of the front glazing is enhance on the interior of the space, firstly by armchair lounging curve along the edge seemingly spewing out from the building, while the bar front directly mimics the curved glazing. The stage at the front of the room double in function of a lounge that can be removed from and allowed to have live performances. Throughout the space is strategically planned and placed dining tables that would cater to guests who may want to dine while having a direct view of the stage.
Through the double volume space pierces, the brass chandelier with glowing coloured glass orbs made by the Shanga group this draws your eye up to the 17th floor. On the 17th floor you are met with beautifully crafted timber furniture and shopfitting accented with natural green Verde Guatemala stone, a show kitchen is overlooked by a clustered of lounge sofa seating while the open dining area is sectioned by hand grafted woven screens with glass beads.
Operational guidance
Operationally we conceptualised the flow from reception and a welcoming station for both 16th and 17th floor. 16th being the main welcoming experience deciding the guest to bar or dining depending on the experience they were looking for. On the 17th floor guest were welcomed by a smaller Matre’d station that would be ready to receive guest with tables ready for their pax count. Serving methods and table displays were workshopped with client to create a wholistic presentation and guest experience down to the small oil and salt bowls on the tables. Staff attire was conceptualised to align with the overall concept: functional green leather aprons with contrasting masaai cloths for handling hot plates and serving guests, with soft background of neutrals linen shirt and beige chino pants.
Art and styling
Client requested that art & sculptures from local creatives and craftsmen be implemented throughout the interior to activate and liven up the entire environment. This would be done by creating niches and platforms for sculptures or local trinkets, while gallery style walls with picture lights were allowed for. The style of art would be highly dictated as stylised and African inspired with contemporary artist creating curated art for the space on a consultation basis to align with the desired overall mood & feel.
