Renowned Dubai-based design firm Bishop Design, with Paul Bishop at the helm, designed SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences, located at the heart of Dubai’s Downtown Burj Khalifa District. The sleek 75-storey tower, developed in partnership with Mehmet NazifGunal, Founder and Chairman of World of Wonders Real Estate Development, and his incredible team, to work with Bishop Design to envision the interiors, from the hotel rooms, residences and the lobby to the famed SLS-branded venues and restaurants such as Ciel Spa, Dario Cecchini’s contemporary steakhouse Carna, the female-led dining establishment Fi’lia and nightlife spot, Privilege.
Drawing design inspiration from the module of an ‘oriel’, a common feature, and a distinct aspect of mid-century classic architecture, SLS’s overall facade texture creates a very dynamic mass and a unique character that evokes the image of a ‘honeycomb’. London-based and award-winning architecture firm, Aedas, were the lead designers of the structure – ultimately creating four zones – of residential in the lower part, hotel-apartments in the middle, the hotel zone on the upper side and finally, the public floors that are referred to as ‘The Crown’.
The driving sentiments and design ideology for the property primarily revolved in creating a Middle Eastern evolution of SLS as a brand, coupling the approach of a sophisticated and contemporary urban paradise along with Dubai’s culture and aesthetics. SLS Dubai’s hotel rooms, suites and residences feature a calming palette of soft lavender, pale grey and rose gold and metallic accents with structured modern furnishings. Bishop Design’s daring side is on full display in the Sky Lobby, on the 71st floor, where the myth of King Midas, his golden touch and that of Greek goddesses, serve as influences for the prominent gold-embellished and white-studded interiors. Keeping true to its namesake, the “Gallery of the Goddesses” look down over abstract, ethereal planet styled graphics that have a streak of gold running through them. Both the intriguing carpet illustrations and “Gallery of Goddesses” were conceptualized by Rogue by Bishop Design’s own in-house artist, Bishop’s creative subdivision. Dakota Development, a subsidiary of sbe, provided technical support for the entire development process including partnership with Bishop Design on SLS’s public spaces and food and beverage venues.
The Bishop Design team made sure to incorporate SLS choice pieces, like its iconic multi-coloured duck located poolside on the 75th floor, the whimsical chair meets hippo and avant-garde art, spread throughout the hotel, that is completely tongue-in-cheek yet a marvel to look at. The carnival of visual texture is also evident in Carna, showcasing modern design elements paired with bold, earthy tones and colours. Housing velvet-green banquets, a vibrant red theatrical bar, and rich jade-green bricks, Carna further provides a perfectly scenic backdrop with rustic brass finishes and suspended linear, geometric chandeliers.
Fi’liacelebrates femininity through the combination of raw elements from rose gold, blond wood furniture and bohemian-style tokens to an integration of nature and greenery. The main nightlife space is Privilege whose walls are covered with various gold-framed mirrors, gold-wrapped chairs, and an elevated DJ deck. Privilege’s main key element and focal point is the exclusively designed lighting fixture that changes colour depending on the beats, promising a completely immersive party experience.
“This venture has been a collaboration of a lifetime, and a real honor for Bishop Design,” said Paul Bishop. “SLS Dubai has now set an unprecedented standard for our region’s hospitality scene, driven by like minded creatives who aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo. I truly urge everyone to go and experience what is on offer”.
Paul Bishop stated that, “the launch owes its success to the strong alliance between the client, operator, suppliers and contractors, for without them this monumental achievement would not have been possible,” Bishop Design and I would like to deeply thank everyone involved and I have no doubt that SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences will continue going from strength to strength under the management of Spencer Wadama and his devoted team”.
Furthermore, “hailing from Miami and Beverly Hills respectively, the project perfectly coincides with our company expansion to The US as part of our mission to continue developing global hospitality with unique experiences”. Following the insignia found at the SLS entrance, according to Paul Bishop, the saying of ‘fortune favours the bold’ is a “philosophy that awaits you as you embark upon your journey”.
SLS Dubai has undoubtedly delivered an imaginative lifestyle hospitality experience with unmatched glamour, playfulness, leisure, and wit. Drawing on Bishop Design’s inimitable design for the brand’s first regional property, SLS Dubai is the ultimate luxury destination that fuses playful allure with elegant innovation.
