Imagine being able to spend a peaceful evening with your loved ones in the middle of Dhaka’s hectic city life, where indoor and outdoor areas flow together to form a kid-friendly environment. And now, in O’play, it’s all come to life.
O’Play A playful combination of colours and spaces
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Thai Emerald Dhaka A Myriad Of Browns And Blended Greens
It’s a cosy Thai restaurant that transports one into the cultures and feels of Thailand through its rustic approach and earthy colour palette. So, be prepared to feel the vibes of Thailand and enjoy the warm atmosphere with a great dining experience. Most people know Thai Emerald as a go-to place to enjoy good Thai cuisine. Since its inception in 2012, Thai Emerald has strived to bring the flavours of Thailand to Dhaka – from Uttara to Gulshan to Dhanmondi – through its design and food. It has progressed over the years. Architect Rafia said their goal was to reflect the food served and the geographical setting of the restaurant while making the design. During the design of this restaurant, she used furniture and earthy tones similar to what she did with other restaurants to connect the brand and have a sense of reconciliation with the other two restaurants in town. A few of the dining chairs and the reception table and cash counter with the lotus motifs were elements that she had replicated to harmonise it with its predecessors. The wooden blocks situated on the backdrop of the cash counter pay homage to the second branch of Thai Emerald situated in Gulshan. The space was designed with efforts to keep the restaurant spacious to better accommodate large groups of people that frequent the restaurant. This was further highlighted by creating soft visual partitions through perforated separators or more solid partitions that allow big groups to co-exist with individuals or small groups while dining simultaneously. The architect wanted the diners to have elements to explore while dining at the restaurant – large cluster of doors separating private rooms, mirrored backdrops, or lamps hanging from the walls. The diners would have unique visual characteristics to ponder. She envisioned that people should be able to properly enjoy their time there. Thus, her goal was to create a warm, inviting ambiance with a play of dimmed, hand-crafted lights and splashes of earthy tones to create a soothing, delightful atmosphere for the customers. A focal element for this particular restaurant would be the doors, enclosing the private rooms, designed to be a point of attraction. “The reflection of Thailand is brought in through elements; for example, the lotus motifs in the door handles are a direct reflection. If you see Thai design, you’ll notice the use of softer lines rather than harsh straight lines, which have been reflected in the use of curved lines in the door details with softer, rounded edges,” the architect explains. Designing the small doors and playing around with the depth and lines was an interesting element that she loved when working on the restaurant. The architect wanted the doors to intrigue onlookers instead of having a dead space with boring partitions. In keeping with modern, contemporary design, the perforated partitions are made of sleek frames and thin lines to have a stylish outlook. A lantern of ‘Beth and Chatai’ was carefully designed and crafted in the escalator zone near the entry to give passersby and incoming guests a taste of what unfolds inside. The lantern, which was a focal point, was an experimental design by the architect to challenge the bounds of what could be made with flowy waves instead of the traditional circular design. The architect also worked with multiple local artisans to create custom-designed hand-crafted lights and chandeliers made of local materials like cane, wood, bamboo, and beech. The service corridor is lined with basket-shaped hand-woven lamps that lead people into the restaurant. A mix and match of kerosene wood, gorjon wood, and plywood were used to form the wooden elements displayed in the restaurant. An essential portion of the design was focused on creating a curated colour palette of browns and greens with a touch of grey to avoid having any harsh colours and instead opt for a homogenous, complimentary, soothing colour palette. The earthy tones are further accentuated by using browns that have grey undertones so that the overall output looks well-groomed. Grey texture paint was used to highlight a wall; it includes a chamfered rectangular punch that allows a visual connection with the service corridor. “We decided, deliberately, not to use any blinds on the windows; I want the existing floor-to-ceiling windows to let in ample daylight during the day so that customers can enjoy the sun, and it also gives a spectacular view of the city during the night, “the architect said when asked about keeping the floor-to-ceiling glass windows open. She added that they have not yet had any problems regarding heat gain from the facade. A signature personal style that the architect incorporated into the design was variation in designs of the door knobs used extensively throughout the space. Starting from the door handles of the private rooms, they feature lotus halves, so when closed, they form a full lotus. The door handles were placed much lower than the standard height to create a varied look when all the doors are closed together. The door handles of the restaurant doors have linear wooden handles on glass doors, and the toilet door handles are curved inward to create a unique motif. The restaurant of Dhanmondi, too, has two entrances to cater to both lifts on opposite sides leading to the restaurant floor, a fact unique to this restaurant. The ceiling is left open to have a modern industrial feel and is painted grey to match the vibe of the restaurant, with only a thin red line of the sprinkler system showing up on the ceiling as a touch of colour in accordance with the building safety regulations. A large painting of an elephant is hung on one of the feature walls as an homage to not only the heritage of the restaurant but also to tie bits of Thai cultural elements into the atmosphere. As you enjoy dinner with a loved one in this bustling restaurant, it is possible to have an immersive Thai food experience with plenty of laughs and
Pursuing Prestige: The Radisson blu water garden
We rarely find a person acquainted with Dhaka who has not heard the name Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden or has not seen the iconic pitched roof building on the airport road. For years the name has carried the essence of luxury, exclusivity, and prominence to mass people. Just paying a visit to Radisson is enough to make someone feel special. Since 2006, Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden has been a prominent name in the luxury hotel market. The luxury and exclusivity with a touch of nature make it the perfect blend for people who want to experience proper five-star hospitality in Dhaka. Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden is between the city center and the airport area, making it easy to locate and access, especially for international travelers, including most of the target group. Being situated away from the urban chaos gives it a spacious room to breathe, making it worth battling through the Dhaka traffic to spend quality time with the city dwellers. The building stands as an icon of a five-star hotel in Dhaka city amidst water bodies and green landscapes. The whole area comprises 7-acre of land, but the building stands only on 2.5 acres, leaving the rest to embrace the natural landscape. It becomes hard to miss due to the fusion of Modernist architecture with the nostalgia of our traditional pitched roof. The project is a partnership between the property owner, Sena Hotel Developments Limited, and the multinational corporation, Radisson Hotel Chains, which provides quality management. International and local consultants worked together to develop the building by the brand criteria. Every element, from service, food, room amenities, comfort, building materials, and local experience to security and safety, is carefully designed to provide guests with a meaningful and unforgettable experience. The grand ramped driveway is one of its kind in this hotel. It is rare to find such a spacious approach in Dhaka due to the congestion and scarcity of land. One can see the unhindered view of the cityscape of Dhaka from the drop-off area, overlooking the wide airport road. After a careful security check, the ceiling height change to the lounge is awestriking. This open salon is visible from all floors above. Its height has been scaled down to human proportions by chandeliers of various sizes and height levels, which creates a more inviting atmosphere. The visual drama of the lounge and its modernist design, circular shape, and strategically placed features give the space an impressive appearance. It provides an interactive space for both the visitors and the occupants. The main entrance is from the first floor, and all the public functions comprise the ground floor and first floor, making it easily accessible without any contact with lift buttons or door handles- which proved to be highly useful during the Covid-19 situation. Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden, is one of the prominent names in arranging national and international high official Government and private events, particularly in terms of its security and hospitality. They offer versatile conference rooms that can accommodate up to 1,100 attendees, ensuring the success of events of all sizes covering approximately 3,000 square meters. The Grand Ballroom’s 990 square meters can accommodate a memorable wedding celebration or buffet. The Utshab Banquet Hall is available for product-launching-style events. Several boardrooms are also accessible for personal meetings, training courses, breakout sessions, and other smaller events. Healthy food over taste is a primary priority at Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden. The four restaurants and one bar named Blaze Entertainment Lounge & Bar, try to maintain the international standard in every dish. One can enjoy fresh, wholesome Bangladeshi cuisine at ‘Sublime’- a restaurant perfect for a romantic evening or an important client meeting. ‘The Water Garden Brasserie’ can be a perfect option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and choose from the international buffet and cook-to-order stations. ‘Spice & Rice’ offers a contemporary twist on Asian food, and ‘Chit Chat’, a deli café, can satisfy the cravings for savory snacks and sweet treats. They also have a dedicated space for smoking called ‘the Cigar bar’. The hotel business is going through a period of transition. The market has been divided into subsets to cater to a wide range of potential clients. Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden strives to appeal to locals and tourists by incorporating local cultural elements into its decor and the standard they promise. Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden offers accommodation services with its 200 five-star standard hotel rooms and suites. All the rooms have a balcony that offers stunning views of the hotel’s pool, rich landscape, and bustling city streets. In addition, they offer non-smoking floor services for the convenience of their customers. A significant feature of this hotel is the abundance of positive natural light seen throughout. At different times of the day, the play of light and shadow produces contrasting yet complementary effects. The garden, pool, and pond create sublime atmospheric peace. The pond area’s natural splendor lies in the fact that it has been preserved in its original setting, thus enhancing the genuineness and significance of the overall experience. The significance of this pond is enhanced by the jogging path that circles it. The open lounge area next to the pool, surrounded by organized nature, is a beautiful spot to spend some quiet time in the fresh air. The entire garden is planned such that there are always blooms to be seen, no matter the time of year. Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden, tries to encourage energy conservation and an eco-friendly environment. They reduce water waste by rainwater harvesting. The hotel promotes low and efficient water and electricity use by creating awareness whenever possible. They utilize as much natural light as possible indoors, given that most of the space is outdoors. The day light-sensitive technology used in light fixtures ensures minimal or no waste of energy. Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden promises to provide the best when it comes to service. However, finding skilled human resources who can meet the
Freshly Baked Paris In The Heart Of Dhaka- Delifrance
Almost everyone who watched Western movies felt compelled to sample the aroma and atmosphere of a Frenchstyle bakery. Del france in Dhaka is the right place to get tapped on that subconscious note. Abid Mansur, Managing Director, Les Bleus Ltd., and the conveyor of Delifrance in Bangladesh, has been enticed by the healthcare and wellness sector as a squash enthusiast, but by the influence of memories, filling the gap of a perfect French bakery in town happened. The basic rule of the house is to make room for a improvements every day. The previous airline business of the family was a good help with the catering services taken as experience. Yet restaurant is not just about food but the experience of service and ambiance. Athula Priyankara, the CEO, leads a team that provides promised services. The ultimate happiness of customers is what their motto has been; that is what brings them back. Delifrance’s baked items are made with flour from the Grands Moulins de Paris, a major French milling company operating since 1919. The recipes served follow the franchise standards, and the new recipes also get approved by Paris. Hence, the international-quality chefs bring to the table a range of savoury dishes alongside croissants and other finger foods. The requirements and interior designing instructions came from a European interior design company, followed and designed by a local architectural consulting company, Chinton Architects Ltd. Starting from the colcur codes to the variation of sitting arrangements, the company has been under international protocols of the franchise. The play of experiences within the space has been the main focus and desire. Neeman Karim and Md. Ishak Mia and their team had previous experience designing for international companies, which eventually helped them implement the work gracefully. A very chic yet welcoming environment, defined by the themed colour palette consisting of bright orange and shades of blue, looks prominent. The basic layout provided by the European company had been well fitted and adjusted within the space. The materials are sourced locally and customised to the desired details, making the process sustainable. The segmentation and zoning of the restaurant are very noticeable and organised with the variation of chairs, lighting and flooring. “Our lifestyle is mostly oriented around fast food and visiting” The walls have intricate details, different textures, paneling, and branding posters. Ceramic tiles were cut and customised on the floor to achieve the desired effect. The ambient light has also been curated with a variation of pendant lighting and contemporary chandelier styles. The lingering aroma of the buttery delights, the buzz of the youthful city crowd, and the everlasting French discernment combine to create a packaged affair that anyone walking past Gulshan Avenue would relish. Authored by Rehnuma Tasnim Sheefa
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