Looking for a vibrant space that melds modernity and playfulness with a touch of sophistication, where adults can indulge in beverages and bites while catching up on their favorite sports events? The newly opened Rove Bar at the Rove at the Park Hotel, within Dubai Parks and Resorts, is just the answer. H2R Design has built on its own design to extend the hotel’s quirky charm into the context of a nightlife venue, while retaining the funk and pop culture style that is inherent within the hotel.
The Brief
A classy and stylish space tempered by sophistication, Rove Bar presents older guests with an exclusive retreat to unwind, socialize and enjoy the assorted offerings from the bar. In creating this getaway, H2R Design has taken care to retain the hotel’s ethos to cater to the thrill-seeking adventurers and ‘rovers,’ while translating the playfulness and youthful, excitement-filled atmosphere that permeates the family-focused hotel into a mood-elevating, exclusive bar to suit the targeted customers.
As the original interior designers of the entire property including the rooms, facilities, lounges and outdoor spaces, H2R Design was tasked to develop the bar concept, keeping in mind the signature theme at the hotel. The design concept for the bar then includes a variety of elements like a central focus point and a variety of seating styles, from semi-private areas to chill lounge seating, all in keeping with the overarching thematic styles to maintain harmony with the complete hospitality experience.
The Inspiration
The ideation of the design included the use of mixed-media art, multi-coloured, prismatic motifs, and the application of a variety of textures. This has resulted in a design that exudes modernity and vivaciousness, while staying casual and fun.
Methodology
The main direction came from the overall property design methods and character. However, given that Rove Bar was designed and developed months after the hotel's opening, H2R Design had the opportunity to expand on the frivolity of the space and add more quirkiness.
The methodology was to continue to build on the original design but with the addition of objects to add merriment and make it more suitable and befitting for the intended guests.
Key Design Features
Jubilant colourways and conspicuous corners make up the design of the Rove Bar. The vibrancy instantly attracts onlookers and allures them into the venue. What was initially supposed to be a secluded hideaway has turned into a special attraction in the entertainment-themed hotel.
The overall space is open and welcoming with several nooks and corners to seat the guests. There are lounging areas for a more relaxed feel, while restaurant style tables, banquettes and seats sprawl across the floor.
The focal point of the venue is the large bar with its towering effect amidst the colours, walkways and seats, and the checkered style ceiling design above the bar creates a sporty feel. The rich turquoise glass mosaic tiles across the bar add sophistication while the countertop made of epoxy resin terrazzo finishes solidify the build. Stainless steel skirting has been added to the base of the bar while there is a brass metal termination on the counter's edge.
Another key space is the semi-private dining area anecdotally called the Red Room in deference to its fiery crimson walls and mix of glossy and matte red tiles. This room is designed with a powder-coated metal to mesh the framework. Additionally, red pendant lighting fixtures have been added to the ceiling to further enforce the power of the colour in the room.
Artistic Elements The use of art has been instrumental in creating a wildly contained space. Whether it is the pop art portrait of an 17th century general, melting into monochromatic stripes, the dancing matador, the stencil silhouettes in motion or the persuasive messaging on the walls, the playful theme gets so much more amplified with these unforgettable pieces. Furniture The coffee tables in the lounge area are custom made with epoxy resin terrazzo finishes.
The furniture is current, modern and lightweight in an array of recreation park hues with soft and comfortable textile skins. The joinery of the banquettes are done with leather and are placed in front of timber cladding. Walls and Ceilings Colourful linear columns contrast with the black and white patterns in the background of the lounge area. Rove Bar contains a Lego wall, inspired by the adjacent Legoland park tying in the theme to the space. Some walls within the venue have paint finishes and wood cladding, while some of the other walls have imaginative wallpaper with artistic undertones.
The ceiling of the main area is exposed while atop the bar, the ceiling is adorned with a checkered drop made of wood. Flooring While the majority of the floor is covered in large grey porcelain rectangular tiles, black wood covers the flooring in the banquette area. Lighting With considerable focus on the diverse optical experience, the use of lighting required strategy and delicacy. H2R Design worked with a lighting scheme that enables the various disparate design elements to meld and fuse into a unique and unifying whole. Brass pendant lights have been used above the bar counter, while a very unique set of floor lamps designed by Artemide have been placed in Rove Bar. Broken down in each ring, the design emits projected lights. Each ring releases light rays that come to life in a "scenic dance, made of shadows that circulate around its central heart". Décor and Accents A custom carpet with solid colours and a drip effect merged with linear black lines covers the lounge areas. A large screen TV is mounted on green creepers and loose plants over a black metal mesh and cladding wall. Colourful acrylic shelving displays with a backlit wall behind the bar have been placed to present the beverage offerings.
Material Used:
1. Furniture supplier: Pedrali, Sancal
2. Lighting: Brand for floor lamp: Artemide
