Lighting in Design Q2 2023

such as bars and seating areas. “Lighting creates moods, and should be considered in the design process, along with its use or function, and general aesthetic appeal within the whole design concept. Why not make it impactful?,” asks Train. “With the lighting design, it was important to get the lumens and lux levels right, because if they are too high, you can really overpower a space. Installing a dimmable switch helped counter this, allowing the restaurant to adjust the lighting within the space to create a variety of moods,” he concludes.

of his birth. Says Tracy Lynch, one of Clout/SA’s managing executives, ‘Train is a young, talented designer with a strong connection to his South African heritage and roots, which made him a great collaborating interior designer for the project.’ Train brought to life his concept, which was partly inspired by the surrounds of the restaurant’s dockside location, with the help and guidance of Clout/SA, which facilitates opportunities for companies to support and collaborate with South African designers. The result is a space that features the work of local designers and makers, fabrics and materials. 2020 Nando’s Hot Young Designer (HYD) finalist and 2022 Decorex Cape Town Best New Talent award winner Siviwe Jali’s ‘NoKhanya’ light, which was made in collaboration with Ashanti Design, hangs alongside 2016 Nando’s HYD winner Thabisa Mjo’s ‘Tutu 2.0’ lights. Meanwhile, chairs and tables from designers such as Houtlander, David Krynauw and Kent & Lane fill the space. Using lighting In the new-look Emazulwini, Molefe’s take on traditional food now has a setting that echoes its deeply South African roots with a modern global twist. Train notes that the brief was oriented around a local chef who would be occupying a new restaurant. “We were required to incorporate Clout/SA’s list of designers from the Nando’s portal, a great initiative for providing a platform for only local designers to feature their pieces. The project’s art and creative direction was led by Tracy Lee Lynch, who was a great mentor throughout the process of designing a very impactful space. The chosen direction was a vibrant and bold design that resonated with the environment – the harbour.” Although there wasn’t a lighting brief as such, Train says that they needed to provide adequate lighting for the space. “We wanted the lighting to be functional, and also highlight display shelves and certain key design elements. The feature lights, which are beautiful Etosha Sika wall-mounted lamps from Ashanti Design, also function as a stunning wall display. We used the Nok’khanya pendant light designed by Siviwe Jali of uMugqa Studio above the bar, with unique patterning that shows the creative expression of the women who weave at Ashanti Design,” he says. “The famous Tutu pendant lights by Mash T Design Studio were placed to form part of the artistic composition of shape, forms and colours – the profile of this light is gorgeous and relatable to many local people, something to remind us of our heritage.” Spaces with working surfaces, such as the kitchen, needed a lot of light, as well as the shelving where things are displayed. Pendants were used as visual key points and also highlight certain areas,

www.clout-sadesign.co.za Photographs: Paris Brummer

17

LiD Q2 - 2023