020 | PROJECT | THE ALCHEMIST SPINNINGFIELDS
With the brand’s strong reputation for its unique offering across the country, it provided DesignLSM with an excellent opportunity to push the boundaries on curating a compelling and unique concept that would reflect the evolution of the brand’s DNA and transitioning narrative, drawing inspiration from the origins of the universe and cosmic alchemy. “Strategically considering the overall guest experience, curating hero features that would define the space, the back bar – playing upon astronomical dynamism - has now become a striking focal point, accentuating the relationship between light and dark with beautifully framed circular lights that emit a soft glow during the day that enhances and becomes richer in hue and bolder in strength as the evening progresses – marking the solar/lunar progression.” As mentioned, the space the team were working with featured very high ceilings, and lighting played a key role in managing these comfortably. “Lighting was one of the main elements of this project and nearly all features were bespoke except two wall lights,” explains Taylor. “All of the lighting formed part of the compelling concept - every piece was carefully chosen to enhance the cosmic alchemy narrative and represent orbital pathways of planets and supernovas. “Specifically though, is the large bar feature, which dominates the space and reflects the transition from day to night. The large glowing
orbs that transition from warm white to amber to red represent the sun and its dominating/illuminating presence – as the day progresses, these orbs softly start to glow until darkness falls when they burn bright creating a striking and dominant golden glow. “We used several manufacturers to produce our different light features, which were all carefully selected or designed to enhance the cosmic concept. With 80% of the lighting bespoke, we worked with Illumination to manufacture all the custom features including the main restaurant lights, comprising of approximately 125 led suspended Perspex rods, which were created to represent the swirling gasses in space, the suspended lights in and the PDR emulating planets. “The glass wall lights (sourced from Chelsom) were strategically positioned on the columns representing the sun and the moon, whilst the mesh lights from Moooi created dramatic sculptural statements at the entrance of the venue.” Lighting was an important element in the curation and designation of different zones throughout the space. The pieces aided in creating intimate spaces whilst in the main restaurant and bar, it was important to the team to deliver dramatic focal points to fill and illuminate the open areas. The sculptural aspects also enhance the changing ambience of the day as it transitions to night. “For the private dining room, we created The Alchemist’s version of space, with seven planet-inspired lights, helping to create a welcoming