Origami Jumeirah was the first and only Origami in the UAE which opened on 2014 located at the Souq Mall Fishing Harbor. The Food District Company whom we have done for another 2 Origami branches had commissioned us to completely redesign their first flagship store in Jumeirah to embody the brand and the success it has achieved. The design concept centers around a sense of thoughtful renovation, allowing the space to feel as though it has been preserved and enhanced over time. Every detail, from the textures to the finishes, connects with the Souq’s rich heritage.

In a city like Dubai where almost everything is relatively new, it was very important for us to honor the past and embrace it by giving respect to the original structure and the materials within while incorporating contemporary elements to the design which pay tribute to the calmness, simplicity and the traditional Japanese concept of wabi sabi. Accordingly, we made sure through a detailed design to maintain the walls and the floor of the restaurant offering a unique ambiance that modern constructions often lack. With this in mind, we complemented the old materials with reclaimed wood, recycled metals accented with cork in certain areas and Cotto flooring.

We also collaborated with designers and sculptors who push boundaries and experiment with unconventional materials, bringing a distinct depth and intrigue to our work. A paper installation by Hyunjee Jung runs through the dining space, focusing on the interaction between light, texture, and geometry. Hanging artwork by Giovanni de Francesco showcases his unique approach—blending sculpture, photography, and graphics to engage the viewer on both a tactile and emotional level.

While natural light is a luxury, it can still pose a challenge in project as such where the ambience should reflect the authentic feel of Japanese underground restaurants. Moreover, in an all-year-round sunny city like Dubai, there was ample light going into the restaurant, and accordingly we had to test different types of openings  to reach the perfect amount of natural light going into the place while preserving the beauty of light shadows reflecting on the textures and materials used.