Intentional design for exceptional dining destinations
Mark Gurney, the Director of our Concept Studio Europe in Paris, shares the design principles that drive him and his team, as well as examples of how they have brought their ideas for dining destinations into reality.
Here’s how the Concept Studio works to create the best dining experiences for our guests.
Building an immersive experience
Our visitors seek moments they can’t have at home. When they arrive at URW destinations, they are invited to immerse themselves in a unique experience. At Westfield Mall of the Netherlands, metal curtains flow from the ceiling, picking up natural light and allowing for strategic lighting effects at night: a one-of-a-kind dynamic, moving installation that offers a great change of scenery for visitors.
Fostering a healthy environment
Beyond the sanitary precautions surrounding COVID-19, our teams have long focused on the well-being of visitors. This includes planning more landscaped areas and considering where to bring in more trees and natural light.
Using sustainable materials
The materials URW uses have a low impact on the environment. In Westfield Vélizy 2 in France, for example, the ceilings are made with timber, which absorbs sound, removing the need for sound-absorbing material.
Imagining destinations for events
Dining plazas are designed around an event or show. Every detail is planned to create a space for people to come together and enjoy each other’s company, whether there’s an event on or not.
Creating a backdrop for memories
URW’s destinations have iconic components that make lasting impressions, such as Westfield La Part-Dieu’s ceiling that plays with light and colours. Guests are also drawn in by artistic vignettes in the spaces.
Empowering each tenant’s creativity
The design teams use architectural statements to bring added ambience to the food offers of our tenants. In Westfield La Maquinista in Barcelona, for instance, the design of street food units is made to resemble trailers or trucks. High-end units have a certain design quality or character that we consider, as well.