The lighting design of NOBU embodies luxury dining, transforming the 18,034 square feet restaurant into an immersive masterpiece that harmonizes Japanese-inspired elegance with Canadian craftsmanship. Spanning two levels, the restaurant features a chic bar and lounge, a sake bar, two private dining rooms, a sushi bar, a scenic terrace and a grand main dining space. Thoughtfully layered lighting elevates each space, enhancing architectural details, iconic art, and natural textures while creating a warm and inviting ambiance.
Light serves as a medium of artistic expression, evoking a sense of sophistication and luxury throughout the dining spaces. The 28-foot bronze chainmail chandelier cascades from the mezzanine like a shimmering kimono, its intricate illumination creating dynamic shadows and depth. Handcrafted Kawara roof tile pillars, warmly lighted with accent lighting, frame the two-story bar, adding depth and intrigue to the dimly lit ambiance. This interplay of light and shadow sets a mood of mystery and elegance, seamlessly connecting both levels and inviting guests into an unparalleled sensory journey.
Ascending to the second level is a spacious sake bar, where lighting brings life to an iconic Japanese artwork that inspires the layered, curved plaster ceiling and wall tunnel. Subtle LED strips illuminate the contours of the ceiling and wall, creating a harmonious interplay of light and shadow while preserving the artwork’s integrity. Adjacent to the bar, the terrace evokes an urban Japanese garden, with discreet vertical lighting highlighting greenery and architectural details, ensuring an intimate atmosphere for evening dining.
The courtyard dining room is the centerpiece of the main level including a private tasting room. Above, circular timber beams featuring intricate Japanese joinery ripple outward, accompanied by adjustable mono-point heads that illuminate each table. These beams frame a suspended porcelain art installation by a Canadian artist, representing a Japanese ginkgo tree. The installation glows under strategically placed uplights and integrated LED lamps, casting delicate shadows that evoke the natural beauty of the piece.
The lighting design emphasizes artistry and modern innovation, creating a cohesive narrative that brings each space to life. Sustainability is integral to the design, incorporating energy-efficient LED fixtures and the advanced control system, Athena from Lutron, to balance ambiance while remaining eco-friendly.
Every element is thoughtfully considered, from the layered lighting that highlights iconic artwork and rich textures to the precise placement of fixtures that balance intimacy with functionality, creating a high-contrast design. By using light as a form of art, the design of Luxury Hospitality Restaurant transcends functionality, telling a story of elegance and creativity. Every illuminated detail contributes to a sensory journey that captivates guests and celebrates the fusion of Japanese and Canadian aesthetics.
