Uma Nota Manila is a unique dining destination that seamlessly blends the rich culinary traditions of Brazil with the elegance of Japanese cuisine. The restaurant’s atmosphere, crafted through a collaborative effort between our studio and The Odd Duck Design, amplifies the vibrant energy of the space. The key goal for our lighting design team was to create a versatile environment that could transform from a restaurant to a club-like setting with ease. Our lighting designers tackled this challenge by developing a dynamic, theatrical, and sensual lighting scheme that could adapt to the diverse needs of the space.
As Uma Nota is located underground, with no windows and no direct exits to the ground floor, we were able to manage light levels very precisely and use less lighting overall. We created a highly tailored lighting environment without having to account for fluctuating sunlight conditions. Our team also had to design distinctive lighting scenes to cater to the varying moods and activities throughout the day – from the lunchtime ambience to the energetic cocktail hours and the captivating club-like atmosphere that takes over in the evenings.
To maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of the lighting, we integrated the audio-visual (AV) and architectural lighting systems. By using the AV lighting fixtures to provide ambient illumination when not in use for the clubbing, we were able to avoid the need to install duplicate lighting fixtures. This integrated approach allowed for more seamless and tailored lighting scenes, enhancing visual comfort and experience. The use of a hybrid DMX and DALI system allowed us to seamlessly integrate the architectural and decorative lighting with the club-focused lighting that interfaces with the DJ and event programming.
This harmony of lighting systems brings the space to life, with colourful illumination dancing in perfect synchronisation with the rhythmic melodies that fill the air. The centrepiece of the room is the hanging tree, which, combined with the daytime lighting scenes, creates a sense of the exterior, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor. The club lighting, consisting of an array of moving heads and RGBW projectors, doubles as the sun and moon, casting captivating shadows throughout the main dining area. The result is a mesmerising environment where every detail has been carefully curated to enhance the overall sensory experience for guests.
The Interior Design of Uma Nota, created by Asmaa Said, principal at The Odd Duck Design, uniquely blends elements from Brazilian and Japanese cultures, creating a compelling and innovative approach to contemporary restaurant design in the Asia-Pacific region. Asmaa Said has skilfully woven together distinct design influences from these two disparate culinary traditions. Rather than relying on overt or stereotypical references, the interior seamlessly integrates more nuanced and unexpected interpretations of Brazilian and Japanese aesthetics. Complementing The Odd Duck’s thoughtful spatial and material choices, our custom lighting design plays a crucial role in accentuating and shifting the ambiance throughout the day. Calibrated to complement the interiors, the adaptive lighting scenes help to create a dynamic, experiential quality that responds to the changing needs of the space. This elaborated lighting design is needed to create unique atmospheres for guests to enjoy.
