Designing the Senses
On 11th July 2024, we undertook a unique exploration of design, light, and emotions at the Revery Bar, London Hilton On Park Lane, London, UK.
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Set in a controlled environment, Restaurant & Bar Design Awards in collaboration with KKDC, FPOV, Stir Creative Collective and Hilton, invited eleven of the world’s best hospitality designers to investigate how changing sensory elements - taste, sound, smell, and touch - affect our emotions. Three very different scenarios were created for the guests to experience.
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Scene 01 / Morning
Our journey began with a crisp, cool white ‘sunlight’ of a morning scene, paired with bird songs and a coastal soundscape. The accompanying dish, resembling a traditional fried breakfast, was a clever illusion made from goat’s cheese, mango, watermelon, and rice, crafted to look like bacon, egg, and black pudding. This was complemented by a refreshing blossom tea.
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Scene 02 / New York
Next, we transitioned to the vibrant atmosphere of a New York rooftop, complete with an intense urban soundtrack, animated lighting, and bite-sized finger food. By removing cutlery, we heightened the sense of touch, creating a direct connection between the guests and their food. This experience was enhanced by a Whiskey Sour, further immersing guests in the New York vibe.
Scene 03 / Sakura
Finally, we placed our guests in a late-night bonfire scene, accompanied by a traditional Japanese soundtrack and far Eastern-infused desserts. At this point, we requested guests to keep the blindfolds on throughout; this scene was unique as it deprived guests of sight and required them to use chopsticks, intensifying the sensory experience.
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We kept the specific themes of each scene a secret, and only afterwards, we discussed the scenes and the emotions they evoked, exploring whether these sensory experiences triggered personal memories.
Videography by Raquel Sutherland Media
AvroKO, AvroKO Hospitality Group, Afs Mehrai, Mehrai Design, Time Out Market, Bruno Veninga, Alex Reed, Corinna Galdies, G.A Group, Dan Higgott, CADA Design, Karen Taylor, Mathilde LE VILLAIN, Melissa Chavarro, Canola Studio, Neil Knowles, Jonathan j Clarke, Gensler, Tom Hall, Peter Veale, Hannah Davies (nee Bass), Nigel Tindall, Amber Pfau, Lisa Mendelson, Georgia Christley, Grace K. CORE
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