Close

The id Design Awards 2018 shortlist: Hospitality Interior – Café

Congratulations to the architects and designers who've elevated cafe culture.

Aesthetically astute and designed with a nod to the imagination, these local cafes are infused with the spirit and energy of the region.  Created to accommodate the need for top-tier culinary offerings as well as the production and sale of special objects, these versatile cafes capture the essence of the new guest experience.

Al Rawi

roar a . k . a Pallavi Dean Interiors

Far from being a thing of the past, the need to produce and consume great literature – and its surrounding culture- is more desirable that ever. Al Rawi was designed to celebrate this love of books. The brief was to create far more than just a cafe. The client wanted a space to reflect Sharjah’s literary heritage (the Sharjah International Book Fair began in 1982) – and to be a hub for its creative community of booklovers, writers and publishers. The brief called for a multi-function space, incorporating a cafe, restaurant, event space and children’s creative zone – as well as a retail space selling books.


Drop Coffee Shop

L.S. Design

Born from a desire from those in the UAE craving specialty coffee, Drop is one of the first specialty coffee brands to be developed and born  the region. Because of its rootedness in the region, the design needed a locally developed concept that would integrate both the social aspects of enjoying coffee as well as brewing and roasting on-site.

The result: Drop takes its direction and inspiration from the fact that specialty coffee is enjoyed simply without complication. The design uses simple materials that have been integrated seamlessly; raw wood, concrete and white walls. From the shadow grooves to the hidden lights, it all fits into the ethos of both their ‘Less is more’ philosophy and that of specialty coffee.


Parlour Boutique

Nakkash Design Studio

Presented with the freedom of a carte blanche design plan by the client, Omar Nakkash was able to introducet he essence of Parisian cafés and bistros to Dubai with a modern and elegant touch- and that speaks to the client’s overall desire to offer of  ‘French Food without attitude’.

Nakkash selected every detail of the space, from the layout and materials to the colours- and even the music that would be played in the restaurant. His plan was to  ensure that every customer would be have all five senses engaged  as they dined and experienced the different elements of the cafe.


Two at Symphony

H2R Design

TWO café is the evolution of the Symphony brand, its high-end fashion retail sister. Located along the luxurious Fashion Avenue Extension of The Dubai Mall, TWO offers diners a beautiful place to eat and relax.

The design team was tasked to create a sophisticated and timeless dining experience, fusing the inspiration of TWO sisters to life and to seamlessly bridge the fashion concept to the café experience.

View the complete list of this year’s shortlisted projects here.

The Latest

The language of weave

Nodo Italia at Casamia brings poetry to life

The Art of the Outdoors

The Edra Standard Outdoor sofa redefines outdoor living through design that feels, connects and endures

The Art of Wellness

Technogym collaborates with Assouline to release a book that celebrates the brand’s 30-year contribution to the fitness industry

The Destination for Inspired Living – Modora Home

Five reasons why you need to visit the latest homegrown addition to the UAE’s interiors landscape

Clayark

Elemental Balance — A Story Told Through Surfaces

This year at Downtown Design 2025, ClayArk invites visitors to step into a world where design finds its rhythm in nature’s quiet harmony.

The identity Insider’s Guide to Downtown Design 2025

With the fair around the corner, here’s an exciting guide for the debuts and exhibits that you shouldn’t miss

Oikos Synua

A Striking Entrance

The Oikos Synua door with its backlit onyx finish makes a great impression at this home in Kuwait.

Marvel T – The latest launch by Atlas Concorde

Atlas Concorde launches Marvel T, a new interpretation of travertine in collaboration with HBA.

Read ‘Regional Excellence’ – Note from the editor

Read the magazine on issuu or grab it off newsstands now.

Chatai: Where Tradition Meets Contemporary Calm

Inspired by Japanese tea rooms and street stalls, the space invites pause, dialogue, and cultural reflection in the heart of Dubai Design District

A Floating Vision: Dubai Museum of Art Rises from the Creek

Inspired by the sea and pearls, the Dubai Museum of Art becomes a floating ode to the city’s heritage and its boundless artistic ambition.

Heritage Reimagined

Designlab Experience turns iconic spaces into living narratives of Emirati culture, luxury, and craftsmanship.