Layered lighting for round the clock restaurant

Project: Al Mamlaka Food Hall
Award: Bronze, Individual Project Interiors, Lighting Projects, 2024
Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Design Practice: Lighting Design International
Client: Al Mamlaka

Lighting Design International’s (LDI) lighting scheme for Al Mamlaka Social Dining mirrors the sophisticated setting of this multi-cuisine food experience which forms part of a shopping mall housed within the striking Kingdom Tower skyscraper in Riyadh.

The judges described the project as featuring "well lit, warm lighting that creates intimate moments". 

The lighting intensity, drama and intimacy can be adapted to suit the time of the day or into the late evening for a balanced and welcoming space at the 24-hour restaurant. The first dramatic focal point is the coffee and cocktails station. LDI has used warm indirect linear lighting around the canopy of the coffee counter, which offers a continuous ray of light. It also introduced plinth-level lighting alongside lighting at the front of the panelling to the counter. Warm and dimmed decorative pendants provide an accent on the backstone, while task lights have been added at either side of the counter. 

Each counter has a similar approach in terms of design so there are decorative lights around signage and concealed linear lighting to uplight the menus. Ceramic pendants also drop around the counters, with mini downlights sitting in between to provide an additional accent.

The same approach has been reflected in the dining area, with the decorative lights made of fabric, partnered with rattan pendants, while narrow beam track lights pin spot the tables.

Design highlights

All of the linear lighting is 2400K, which adds a warm depth. The architectural lighting is 2700K, and the lamps inside the pendants are 2200K. It was important for LDI to create warmth from the pendant lighting, coupled with the accent lighting on the tables. Lighting has also been used to ensure the plants are showcased in this green, leafy restaurant.

Photo credit: Gavriil Papadiotis