We take 4 typical mechanisms of Arab architecture, this heritage is reinterpreted from a contemporary and avant-garde point of view, as a starting point for creation. Generating fictitious archeologies. There is no space here for nostalgia, quite the opposite.
1_disconnect / interior-exterior contrast
The interior-exterior separation appears in many cultural and architectural styles, in the Arab architecture is characterized by the strong contrast between the humbler exterior and the richness of the interior, in other words, seeing the exterior we could never intuit or imagine the beauty of the inside.
Noor operates in a similar way, the exterior is a ceramic skin with sharp geometries, in this case arrows generating gradients marking the entrance. That contrasts with the most friendly and colorful geometries and patterns of the interior.
2_Sequence of spaces
Arab palaces and building complexes are clearly organized in the sequence of spaces, order and rhythm are very important in the spatial experience, analogously in noor the spatial sequence is essential to build the gastronomic experience, from the street to the facade , the entrance, the living room, kitchen and creative space, everything is united but clearly differentiated, in a continuous spatial sequence where each space has a different character, generating a sense of depth and fluidity
3_articulation light and shadow
Light and shadow, its articulation is used in noor to enhance the interior-exterior contrast and the sequence of spaces, at this point where the small hall has a key importance, articulates and serves as a filter, by bringing light from outside , we go through the darkness of the entrance, to return again to the light of the room, but this is a zenithal and nuanced light, with more density than outside, in the kitchen and the creative space we find again side light, to return to the shadows in the lobby of the bathrooms
4_Patterns
The patterns and geometry is key in the Arab art, in noor they are our vehicle to communicate and add layers of meaning, generating effects and energizing the space. The patterns appear in the façade, floors, dome and interior walls, materialized in different ways, but in all the occasions we have generated parametric digital tools that allowed us to manipulate and generate variations with the patterns, dynamizing them and being able to adapt them to the environment, increasing their effect .
These 4 mechanisms are articulated and accentuated through the use of technology, in two areas:
A_ parametric design tools
B_ Construction technology
In this sense, the collaboration with Levantina has been key to carry out this project. On the one hand, ceramics serve as a point of cultural, historical union, it is the perfect vehicle to generate our archeology-fictitious, allowing us to materialize the patterns on the facade and pavements.
On the other hand, thanks to its ceramic printing technology in large format pieces we have been able to develop unique pieces, totally customized, produced on average.
Noor is much more than a restaurant, it is a cultural project where everything is directed to live a complete gastronomic experience.
