Client: Stanford Hotels

Overview

Ortzi Restaurant is located within the LUMA Hotel in Times Square, NYC, a new boutique brand by Stanford Hotels. The hotel is located a stone’s throw from the nodes of Bryant Park, busy Sixth Avenue, and just slightly further from Times Square. These nodes of busy urbanism were the inspiration to create a place of counterpoint for guests and patrons to enjoy a sense of reprieve, relaxation, and natural materials. The design verges on a calm composed space mingling with the sophistication of stone and steel, of glass and wood.

Goals

The goal was to create a custom backlit artwork installation evoking the unique qualities of the property while being sensitive to the functional requirements of the setting. The client wanted something unique, that would add to the mood of the restaurant, which evolved into the idea of backlit artwork. The custom installation can adjust the level of the light from bright to dim, depending on the time of day and service, to compliment the space.

Process

The client hired DM Art, a custom artwork company in NYC, to create the installation. The restaurant offers guests an intimate culinary experience inspired by the Basque region as interpreted by renowned chef José Garces. DM Art used those influences from symbols of Basque culture and created a modern art installation of geometric and organic forms. The art was produced in laser-cut aluminum and steel, powder-coated and hand finished for artisanal detail. The integration of warm backlighting enhances the contemporary feel of the artwork, making for a vibrant, cozy atmosphere. CCS Architecture worked closely with the client and DM Art to integrate this vision into the overall design of the space.

Additional Information

Ortzi’s kitchen and main dining room are located within the rear of the ground floor space. A sleek blackened steel and brass facade separate the hotel lounge from the restaurant dining room. Wood coffers with concealed acoustic properties softly glow above a custom blackened-steel beam spanning the space. Its thin brass accent light exposing its luminous traits. As many a loft in NYC, large pieces of art draw attention to the extents of the space. The backlit panels collaborate with a refined steel mesh recalling the Basque origins of the cuisine.