Dezeen Magazine

Switch Restaurant by Karim Rashid

Switch Restaurant by Karim Rashid

Designer Karim Rashid has completed the interior of a restaurant in Dubai, UAE.

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Called Switch, the restaurant is arranged along undulating walls that change colour continuously.

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The ceiling is decorated with Arabic writing, lit from behind.

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“The wall is inspired by the Arabic letter S turned on its side. 'Shin,' like the Greek Sigma, a play on the word Switch," explains Rashid.

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"Shin as a prefix even means “which,” going along with the name of the restaurant, Switch," he continues. But switch is also something like a change of direction, a transformation. The space actually transforms, and takes one on a journey. It is a truly unique environment.”

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More about Karim Rashid on Dezeen:

Fluxus by Karim Rashid and Michela Vianello
Doride lamp by Karim Rashid
Snap chair

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Here's some more information from Rashid:

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SWITCH Restaurant

I wanted Switch to be a strong, symmetrical vision composed of a continuous, undulating wall that wraps around the space. The design creates an interesting texture for light and shadow, evoking the sand dunes in the desert. It is a unique environment of symmetry and balance that completely envelops the guests.

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Every experience is composed of views, smells, tastes and sounds; here, the senses create individual backgrounds for a truly amazing global dining experience. The backlit ceiling artwork consists of stylized inspirational Arabic phrases. The continuous wave seating provides an efficient and dynamic operating system.

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I wanted to create a powerful, clean space that offers a beautiful perspective. I wanted to create an oasis free from chaos. My intention was to create a truly unique space for the Dubai Mall that will become an iconic reference, not only in Dubai, but also in the rest of the world.

CLIENT: ALBASSAM GROUP
CATEGORY: RESTAURANT
LOCATION: DUBAI MALL, DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
FACILITIES: 97 SEAT RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE
AREA: 200 SQM / 2150 SQF