Kanto – Senses and Sensibilities: Uma Nota Manila by The Odd Duck Design
Kanto – Senses and Sensibilities: Uma Nota Manila by The Odd Duck Design
We are delighted to be mentioned in Kanto’s latest interview with The Odd Duck Studio about Uma Nota in Manila.
Patrick Kasingsing, Interviewer: What were the key requirements and non-negotiables from the client for Uma Nota’s interior design? How did you address these within the project’s constraints?
Asmaa Said, principal for the Odd Duck Design: ‘Intimate, moody, and personable’ were some of the key aspects reinforced by the client to ensure the design was impressive but not alienating. Expanding across 570 sqm, the restaurant was zoned into three areas: ‘The Living Room & Bar,’ ‘Tropicalia (Brazilian room),’ and ‘Meiji (Japanese room).’ This ensured that every room had its own distinct personality and story, showcasing the multifaceted nature of Uma Nota.
Uma Nota showcases innovation by seamlessly transforming from a sophisticated dining space into a vibrant nightlife destination. This transformation is achieved through the strategic use of lighting, sound, and high-quality materials, coupled with a unique cultural fusion in its design.
The central challenge was to design a space that maintained its elegance during the day while becoming an energetic and exclusive venue at night. Custom-designed lighting and an advanced sound system were integral to achieving this.
We collaborated closely with lighting specialists from Baseline Hong Kong to meticulously program the lighting to shift in intensity and color throughout the evening. This creates a dynamic ambiance that transitions the space from a serene dining area to a lively lounge. This transformative lighting system, paired with strategically placed speakers, enhances the overall sensory experience, making Uma Nota an immersive environment.
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Uma Nota features an eclectic mix of materials. Can you explain the criteria and thought process behind selecting materials like patterned fabrics, jewel tones, brass, wood, and marble?
Firstly, to understand the material selections, we needed to fully grasp and immerse ourselves in the concept and brand DNA. Uma Nota’s concept is an homage to the Japanese-Brazilian interwoven identities in Sao Paolo. Seeking opportunities, thousands of Japanese immigrants set sail for the fertile lands of São Paulo in the 1920s, finding a home in the vibrant neighborhood of Liberdade. Facing the challenges of adapting to a new culture, Liberdade became a cultural hub where the Japanese community interwove with the vibrant tapestry of Brazilian society. The client brief was to create a design that captures the essence of this marriage of cultures and effortlessly transforms from a sophisticated dining space to a vibrant nightlife venue.
The Living Room expands across the double-height space and is more neutral in its palette. The suspended tree feature is set against the plaster-adorned walls and curved arches, allowing dramatic lighting and silhouettes to fill the room. The flooring is lined with hardwood parquet in a basketweave pattern, complemented by the locally sourced sisal rugs to soften the space. The Bar features contrasting industrial materials such as polished copper and mirrored ceilings against soft, tactile finishes such as pink-hued velvets and leathers. A bespoke wall covering acts as the backdrop of the bottle gantry with tropical prints celebrating the indigenous flora and fauna of Brazil.
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In relation to materiality, texture plays a crucial role in a space’s sensory experience. How did you choose and integrate various textures within Uma Nota’s design to enhance the tactile experience?
I think ‘Tropicalia’ is a great example to refer to here. Every material, color, and furniture piece was selected with a very distinct concept in mind.
‘Tropicalia’ was inspired by the similarly named Brazilian movement that redefined the 70s counterculture; it was an artistic and musical revolution that unleashed a generation of rebels. Since the Tropicalia movement was heavily influenced and expressed through music, it was only fair to dedicate a corner for music enthusiasts to appreciate original vinyl on display. Music is an integral part of Uma Nota’s culture, and it is catered to with the central DJ station and top-notch speaker system to enjoy those deep bass beats.
What defines the 1970s better than curvaceous lines and gradient tones? The infamous paving at Copacabana Beach (by Roberto Burle Marx) inspires the curved wall paneling and tonal carpeted flooring. Lush greenery and layered lighting complement the room’s pink hues.
Flirtatious tasseled lounge seats, sculptural lounge chairs, gradient-colored banquette, and playful, emotive lighting set the scene to an entirely different experience to The Living Room. Functionally, the room can be easily closed off from the main dining area using the foldable shutters, allowing for a perfectly private event with its own DJ and small cocktail bar.
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