Business & Money | Thursday 20 October, 2016 1:15 pm |

INTERSECT BY LEXUS, the standout concept space at the heart of DIFC, has won the “Interior Design of the Year: Food & Beverage Venue in the Middle East” Award at the Commercial Interior Design Awards 2016, held earlier this week.

 

Based on the successful formula created for the very first INTERSECT BY LEXUS in Tokyo, the two-storey INTERSECT BY LEXUS was launched in Dubai in December 2015 and features some local touches that evoke the essence of the UAE.

 

INTERSECT BY LEXUS is distinguished by an intricate bamboo facade that filters natural light through miniature spindle grille motifs, the same spindle grille that carries the design direction of Lexus cars.

 

The first floor, an open space of about 1850 sq. ft  features an Eatery serving ‘feel good cuisine’, that offers authentic and progressive culinary journey with a focus on pure, handcrafted dishes.  Also on the first floor is the curated Library which features English, Arabic and Japanese literature specializing in design, art, architecture, film, and travel, complementing the overall theme of the space. The beautifully curated books are shelved in six columns that also showcase select minimalistic and modern ornaments in line with the Lexus design philosophy.

The first floor also hosts the CRAFTED FOR LEXUS boutique showcasing a collection of handmade contemporary lifestyle items born out of a series of collaborations between traditional Japanese artisans and young designers.

The lower floor features a 500 sq. ft. Garage and event space,  uniquely designed with over 150 hand-painted Lexus car parts covered with reinforced glass that periodically holds one of Lexus’ newest concept cars, giving guests the ability to understand Lexus through a never before seen artistic lens.  Leading towards the restrooms also on the lower floor is a playful feature not to be missed, a wall of miniature cars made of 1452 cars, expressing a microcosm of the automotive industry through toy cars from various generations and models.

“Dubai is the second venue globally for INTERSECT BY LEXUS, and features unique styling cues that are representative of the region, making this space one that is as close to the brand as the city that it represents,” said Christopher Buxton, Junior Managing Director of Lexus at Al-Futtaim Motors. “Winning this award is a point of pride for the INTERSECT BY LEXUS team that worked hard to bring our vision into a reality, creating a warm and welcoming space that allows our guests to live the brand without having to be behind the wheel of one of our cars.”

 

Masamichi Katayama, world-renowned interior designer and founder of the interior design firm Wonderwall, is the man behind the development of the design concept.

“INTERSECT BY LEXUS is based on the concept of a clubhouse, where people with shared values can come together and interact in a relaxed salon-like space, while enjoying privacy, comfort and inspiring design elements,” he said. “Creating INTERSECT BY LEXUS was not just about designing a restaurant, but rather an environment. Consider it like an incubation platform that generates new innovative ideas and concepts.”

 

Located in DIFC, Village Gage 7 INTERSECT BY LEXUS welcomes its guests from 8 am to 12 am, Sunday through Friday. For more information, please visit www.lexus.ae