Gold Interior Space and Exhibition Design · 2024
Amar Beirut Restaurant
- A' Design Award 2024 Gold Winner in Interior Space and Exhibition Design
- Awarded April 15, 2024
- CLIENT: Marina Khalil
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 451,143
- Verification code E50C6A5DC3 · Verify this award
About Amar Beirut Restaurant
The Norblin Factory, a 2-hectare site in Warsaw's Wola district, holds a unique history. Formerly neglected, it's now a bustling city hub featuring offices, shops, restaurants, cafes, Food Town, an eco-bazaar, a boutique cinema, and an open-air museum. This museum commemorates the history of one of the largest industrial enterprises in the former Kingdom of Poland. Notably, the factory's main production area, once dedicated to cutlery, has been transformed into a distinctive restaurant, seamlessly blending the industrial past with modern spaces.
This distinguished hospitality interior, recognized with a Golden A' Design Award in Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design, exemplifies the contemporary synthesis of geometric precision and sensory opulence that characterizes the most accomplished restaurant environments of our era. MARINA KHALIL has orchestrated a spatial experience that negotiates between the mathematical rigor of the illuminated ceiling grid and the organic warmth of botanical installations, velvet upholstery, and intimate table lamp pools, achieving a balance that invites both wonder and comfort. The ceiling treatment emerges as the compositional protagonist, its concentric rectangular LED configurations upon warm acoustic panels creating a luminous canopy that simultaneously defines scale, establishes rhythm, and provides acoustic refinement, demonstrating how functional elements may transcend utility to become aesthetic centerpieces. The chromatic strategy reveals sophisticated understanding of atmospheric psychology, deploying the violet-to-magenta spectrum as a theatrical backdrop while grounding the primary dining experience in earth tones and dusty rose that foster convivial intimacy. One observes careful attention to material hierarchy, where the tactile richness of velvet seating, the crystalline delicacy of stemware, and the industrial elegance of metal fixtures create a sensory tapestry that rewards prolonged inhabitation. The designer appears to reference both Eastern decorative traditions, visible in the floor tile arabesques and arched alcoves, and Western contemporary hospitality aesthetics, suggesting a cultural dialogue appropriate to spaces welcoming diverse patronage. The cascading floral installation at left introduces movement and organic asymmetry that prevents the geometric ceiling from dominating too severely, while glass block elements filter ambient light with ethereal softness. Viewers might contemplate how the layered lighting scheme, moving from celestial ceiling glow through mid-level accent illumination to intimate table-top warmth, creates a journey of discovery that mirrors the progressive revelation of a memorable dining experience.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Norblin Factory is a 2hectare site in Warsaws Wola district filled with unique history. The area, which has been a neglected pearl of post-industrial architecture for years, is now a new part of the city with offices, shops, restaurants, cafes, Food Town, an eco-bazaar, a boutique cinema and an open-air museum commemorating the history of one of the largest industrial enterprises of the former Kingdom of Poland.
The main production part of the factory producing cutlery was transformed to this. - Dimensions & Packaging
- The area of project is 550 sqm including the rooftop.
- Tags
- Restaurant, museum, interior design, Amar Beirut, Lebanese Restaurant
- Production Technology
- Our design was meticulously crafted using a combination of materials and technologies. Ceramic tiles were chosen for their durability and aesthetic appeal, creating intricate patterns throughout the space. The pixel light new technology incorporated in our ceiling panels , were integrated to provide dynamic lighting effects. Wooden stripes were employed for their versatility, adding warmth and texture to the environment. Custom made furniture was designed to seamlessly blend with the overall concept. Advanced production methods and 3D modeling were employed to ensure precision and cohesion in the final design.
- Design Challenge
- The most challenging aspect was harmonizing traditional museum aesthetics with a dining atmosphere. Creatively, we struggled to strike the right balance, ensuring cultural elements were celebrated without overwhelming the dining experience. External factors like available materials and technology influenced our design choices, while maintaining compliance with regulations added complexity. Socially, aligning with visitor expectations was crucial, considering their diverse backgrounds and preferences. Our research and iterative design process helped us navigate these challenges successfully.
- Project Duration
- This project started in July 2022 and finished in June 2023 in Warsaw, Poland
- Operation Flow
- Interaction happens naturally as visitors explore and experience the fusion of art and culture. There are no specific key frames; it is a fluid and immersive experience. The result is better because it creates a unique and memorable atmosphere that brings together the old and the new, making it a richer cultural experience for visitors.
- Research
- The research was exploratory design research aimed at transforming the museum experience into a dining one. We used surveys, interviews, and observation, supported by questionnaires, 3D modeling, and ethnographic research. Visitors and experts participated. The results showed strong interest in merging dining with museums, leading to deeper cultural appreciation. This research has the potential to boost cultural tourism, create unique dining experiences, and influence future museum and restaurant design trends, benefiting businesses, society, and design itself.
- Inspiration
- The inspiration for this project stemmed from a desire to blend the ambiance of a museum with elements of traditional culture with a new culinary experience that was missing in Warsaw . Our motives were to create a distinguished atmosphere for visitors one of a a kind dining inside the factory museum We drew inspiration from the rich heritage of Lebanon cuisine incorporating elements such as decorative ceilings, walls adorned with traditional jugs, suspended cutlery decorations, and live music scenes. Our technical and research background involved extensive study of museum design and cultural integration
- Image Credits
- Main Image is Image #1: Photographer, Konrad Jędraszczak, Amar Beirut, 2023, Optional Image #1 is Image #2, Optional Image #2 is Image #3, Optional Image #3 is Image #4, Optional Image #4 is Image #5
- Patents
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Colors of Amar Beirut Restaurant
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Design Interview about Amar Beirut Restaurant
The main principle behind the design of the Amar Beirut project is to honor the historical and cultural heritage of the site while seamlessly blending it with contemporary aesthetics. The idea was to transform the space into a distinctive restaurant that pays homage to its industrial past, particularly its former role in cutlery production, while introducing modern design elements that create a captivating and immersive atmosphere.
In designing the Amar Beirut project, my main focus was to create a space that seamlessly integrates the historical significance of the Norblin Factory with modern design elements, ensuring a harmonious blend of past and present. The goal was to achieve a distinctive and immersive environment where guests can appreciate the rich industrial heritage while enjoying contemporary aesthetics and comfort.
My future plans for the Amar Beirut project are multifaceted. Firstly, I aim to expand the concept by adapting the design principles to other historic industrial sites, creating unique spaces that celebrate both local heritage and modern aesthetics. Additionally, I plan to enhance the visitor experience by incorporating advanced technologies and interactive elements, such as augmented reality and smart lighting, to create an even more immersive environment.
Sustainability is also a key focus. I intend to integrate more sustainable practices and materials, striving for energy efficiency and environmental responsibility in future projects. Furthermore, I want to engage more with local communities by collaborating with local artists, historians, and residents to ensure each project reflects the unique cultural narrative of its location.
In summary, my goal is to expand the reach of this design philosophy, enhance the immersive experience, promote sustainability, and involve the community more deeply in the design process.
Sustainability is also a key focus. I intend to integrate more sustainable practices and materials, striving for energy efficiency and environmental responsibility in future projects. Furthermore, I want to engage more with local communities by collaborating with local artists, historians, and residents to ensure each project reflects the unique cultural narrative of its location.
In summary, my goal is to expand the reach of this design philosophy, enhance the immersive experience, promote sustainability, and involve the community more deeply in the design process.
Around 1 month
The design for Amar Beirut was inspired by a combination of factors. While the project was commissioned, the concept itself emerged from a deep appreciation for the site's historical significance and a desire to creatively blend it with modern design elements.
The Norblin Factory's rich industrial heritage, particularly its cutlery production history, served as a profound source of inspiration. I wanted to create a space that not only preserves this heritage but also reimagines it in a way that resonates with contemporary audiences. The artistic elements, such as ceiling sculptures depicting cutlery and walls adorned with decorative jugs, were designed to honor this legacy while adding a unique and modern touch.
In essence, the design concept was a response to both the commission's requirements and a personal inspiration to celebrate and innovate upon the historical narrative of the site.
The Norblin Factory's rich industrial heritage, particularly its cutlery production history, served as a profound source of inspiration. I wanted to create a space that not only preserves this heritage but also reimagines it in a way that resonates with contemporary audiences. The artistic elements, such as ceiling sculptures depicting cutlery and walls adorned with decorative jugs, were designed to honor this legacy while adding a unique and modern touch.
In essence, the design concept was a response to both the commission's requirements and a personal inspiration to celebrate and innovate upon the historical narrative of the site.
Yes, it is used by our client
I wanted to design a venue that tells a story, where every detail serves as a connection to the site's history while offering a modern, eclectic atmosphere. The challenge of blending these elements to create an immersive and engaging experience for visitors was a significant motivator. My goal was to honor the industrial legacy while making it relevant and appealing to contemporary audiences, resulting in a space that is both historically rich and visually captivating.
The design of the Amar Beirut project was a collaborative effort of beg team, drawing inspiration from various sources such as the site's history, contemporary design trends, and client preferences. We were inspired by a collective appreciation for historical preservation and innovative design concepts. Our goal was to create a space that seamlessly integrates the past with the present, resulting in a unique and compelling final product.
The target customer for the design of Amar Beirut is diverse and inclusive. We aim to attract individuals who appreciate both historical heritage and modern aesthetics. This includes locals interested in exploring their city's history, tourists seeking unique cultural experiences, as well as patrons looking for a vibrant and immersive dining or entertainment venue. By catering to a broad audience, we hope to create a welcoming and engaging environment that appeals to a wide range of tastes and interests.
The meticulous attention to detail, from the ceiling sculptures depicting cutlery to the walls adorned with decorative jugs, creates an immersive journey through history and innovation. Additionally, the incorporation of interactive elements and advanced technologies enhances the visitor experience, setting it apart from more traditional approaches.
Furthermore, the design's adaptability and scalability allow it to be applied to various historical sites and cultural contexts while maintaining its distinct character. Overall, it is this combination of historical reverence, contemporary flair, and versatility that sets the design of Amar Beirut apart from others in its class.
Furthermore, the design's adaptability and scalability allow it to be applied to various historical sites and cultural contexts while maintaining its distinct character. Overall, it is this combination of historical reverence, contemporary flair, and versatility that sets the design of Amar Beirut apart from others in its class.
The name "Amar Beirut" was chosen collaboratively with the client. "Amar" means "moon" in Arabic, symbolizing elegance, while "Beirut" represents the vibrant soul of the Lebanese capital, reflecting the restaurant's Arabic cuisine and cultural inspiration. Together, the name embodies a fusion of elegance and cultural richness, inviting patrons to experience the luminous charm of Beirut under the moonlight.
During the development of the Amar Beirut project, our design team used a variety of tools including CAD software for floor plans and 3D models, graphic design software for renderings and presentations, project management tools for organization, VR technology for virtual tours, and hand sketches for initial concepts. These tools helped us streamline the design process and deliver a compelling final product.
it is this balance between historical reverence and contemporary innovation that makes our design for Amar Beirut truly unique.
yes, we worked with big team
In the design of Amar Beirut, technology plays a crucial role in enhancing the guest experience. Interactive displays offer insights into the site's history, smart lighting adapts the ambiance, and virtual reality tours provide immersive previews. We prioritize sustainability with energy-efficient solutions and utilize digital platforms for effective communication and reservations. Overall, technology enriches every aspect of our design, enhancing functionality, ambiance, and sustainability while engaging our guests.
Yes, our design for Amar Beirut is heavily influenced by data and analytical research. We conducted market research to understand current trends and customer preferences in restaurant design. Historical research into the Norblin Factory's industrial heritage informed our design decisions, while user experience research guided layout and circulation patterns. Additionally, environmental analysis helped optimize lighting and sustainability measures. Regular client consultations ensured alignment with their vision and goals. Overall, our design integrates insights from various research avenues to create a compelling and functional space.
During the design and realization of our concept for Amar Beirut, we encountered various challenges. Balancing historical preservation with modern design, integrating technology seamlessly, and meeting sustainability goals were some key hurdles. Additionally, managing client expectations and logistical constraints required careful navigation. However, through teamwork and creativity, we overcame these challenges to deliver a captivating and functional space that exceeds expectations.
The decision to submit our design for Amar Beirut to an international design competition was driven by a desire to showcase our work on a global stage and gain recognition within the design community. After completing the project, we recognized its unique blend of historical homage, contemporary innovation, and sustainability as qualities that set it apart and made it worthy of recognition.
Submitting to an international competition provided an opportunity to receive valuable feedback from industry experts, benchmark our design against other innovative projects, and potentially gain exposure to new clients and collaborators. Additionally, winning or being recognized in such a prestigious competition would validate our efforts and elevate our reputation within the design community.
Ultimately, the decision to submit was a strategic one, driven by our confidence in the quality of our work and a desire to showcase our talents and capabilities to a broader audience.
Submitting to an international competition provided an opportunity to receive valuable feedback from industry experts, benchmark our design against other innovative projects, and potentially gain exposure to new clients and collaborators. Additionally, winning or being recognized in such a prestigious competition would validate our efforts and elevate our reputation within the design community.
Ultimately, the decision to submit was a strategic one, driven by our confidence in the quality of our work and a desire to showcase our talents and capabilities to a broader audience.
Designing Amar Beirut was not only a testament to my design skills but also a journey of personal and professional growth. I emerged from the process with a deeper understanding of historical preservation, sustainable design, and client collaboration, positioning myself as a more versatile and accomplished designer.
I'd like to express my gratitude for the opportunity to discuss the Amar Beirut project. In addition to the points covered, I want to highlight the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, cultural appreciation, and ongoing learning in design. Working with diverse teams enriched the project, and celebrating cultural influences was integral to its success. Moving forward, I'm committed to continual innovation and pushing the boundaries of design excellence. Thank you again for the opportunity to share my insights on this project.
Grand Interview about Amar Beirut Restaurant
The creative journey behind transforming the Norblin Factory’s main production area into Amar Beirut was rooted in the idea of honoring the site’s industrial legacy while introducing the warmth and sensory richness of Lebanese culture. For us, it was essential not to erase the past, but to reinterpret it — to allow the spirit of Warsaw’s industrial heritage to coexist with the vibrant soul of Beirut.We approached the design as a dialogue between two worlds: the raw, historic structure with its exposed brick, steel, and patina, and the refined elegance of contemporary Middle Eastern hospitality. Every design decision reflected this balance — from the preserved textures of the original factory walls to the modern interventions, such as floating flooring systems, warm lighting, and sculptural details that echo the rhythm of the old machinery lines.This fusion aimed to create an immersive journey where guests feel the layered history of the space while enjoying the sensual, emotional experience of Lebanese dining. It’s not just a restaurant — it’s a story of transformation, where Warsaw’s industrial strength meets Beirut’s poetic soul, creating a space that feels both familiar and inspiringly new.
The pixel light technology at Amar Beirut was conceived as a bridge between history and innovation — a way to reinterpret Lebanese decorative tradition through a contemporary lens. In Lebanese culture, geometric patterns and ornamental motifs play a strong symbolic role, often found in architecture, metalwork, and textiles. We wanted to preserve that essence, but in a modern, experiential way.So, we reimagined these traditional patterns as illuminated pixel modules integrated into the ceiling panels. Each LED element was programmed to create a dynamic yet refined play of light, transforming the space throughout the day — from a soft, intimate glow during dining hours to a vibrant rhythm that energizes the evening atmosphere. This approach allowed us to merge cultural authenticity with advanced technology, turning the ceiling into both a sculptural feature and a storytelling canvas that honors heritage while embracing modernity.
The suspended cutlery installation was directly inspired by the Norblin Factory’s remarkable past as one of the most prominent cutlery producers in Europe during the 1800s, crafting exquisite pieces from silver and copper. We wanted to pay tribute to this heritage in a poetic, contemporary way — not by displaying old artifacts, but by transforming the essence of the factory’s craft into an artful, floating sculpture.Each suspended element symbolizes both the precision of industrial production and the elegance of fine dining. The installation creates a visual dialogue between the building’s original purpose and its new identity as a Lebanese restaurant. It’s a gesture of respect to the craftsmen of the past, while also connecting guests emotionally to the story of transformation — from manufacturing silverware to serving culinary artistry.
From the very beginning, our research for Amar Beirut went far beyond restaurant design — we approached it with the mindset of curating an experience, much like designing a contemporary museum. We studied how museums choreograph movement, use lighting to guide emotion, and celebrate cultural artifacts without overwhelming the viewer. This influenced our entire spatial strategy for the 550-square-meter venue.We treated each zone — from the entrance to the dining halls and bar — as a sequence of “exhibits,” each telling part of the story of Beirut’s culture and craftsmanship. The materials were chosen with the same curatorial precision: raw concrete and preserved steel to honor the industrial shell, balanced with warm woods, brass, and textured stone to reflect Lebanese authenticity. This duality — industrial and artisanal — allowed us to achieve a timeless composition where every surface, pathway, and object contributes to the narrative of heritage meeting modern sophistication.
The ceramic tile patterns were one of the most meaningful design layers in Amar Beirut, as they carry deep roots in Middle Eastern architecture and storytelling. Our goal was to reinterpret these traditional motifs without creating visual conflict with the industrial character of the Norblin Factory. The challenge was to let both worlds — the crafted and the raw — coexist in harmony.We selected tiles with subtle geometric rhythms inspired by Lebanese heritage but executed them in a muted, earthy palette that complements the factory’s aged brick and steel. Instead of covering large surfaces, we used them as curated highlights — framing specific areas such as the bar, floor inlays, and feature walls — almost like fragments of cultural memory within a modern industrial frame. This approach allowed the tiles to become moments of warmth and identity amid the robust structure, celebrating the dialogue between craftsmanship and history, rather than letting one overpower the other.
Designing the custom furniture for Amar Beirut was an exercise in balance — between function, comfort, and the curatorial aesthetic that defines the space. Since the overall concept carries a museum-like atmosphere, every piece of furniture had to feel intentional, almost like an exhibit in itself, yet remain inviting and comfortable for long dining experiences.We achieved this by designing bespoke pieces that merge sculptural form with ergonomic logic. The materials — a mix of solid wood, brass, and fine upholstery — were chosen for their tactile richness and timeless appeal, echoing both the warmth of Lebanese hospitality and the industrial refinement of the Norblin Factory. Each chair, table, and banquette was proportioned to respect spatial flow and visual rhythm, ensuring the furniture enhances, rather than interrupts, the architectural story. In this way, functionality became part of the narrative — discreet, elegant, and deeply human.
Transforming Amar Beirut within the historic structure of the Norblin Factory was both inspiring and technically demanding. The building’s age and industrial complexity brought many unexpected challenges — from preserving the original structural elements and ensuring proper heating, ventilation, and acoustic performance, to integrating the existing machinery into a fully functional hospitality layout.One of the greatest difficulties was adapting a space never intended for a restaurant into one that could support modern kitchen operations while maintaining the architectural integrity of the site. Every intervention required precision and respect for the original fabric — we couldn’t simply conceal the past; we had to build around it. Balancing engineering constraints with the poetic narrative of the design became a true collaboration between creativity and technical discipline. In the end, these limitations shaped the project’s character, making the final result even more authentic and deeply rooted in the building’s story.
Integrating live music into Amar Beirut was essential to capturing the spirit of Lebanese culture — vibrant, emotional, and deeply communal. However, doing so within a former industrial factory posed a major acoustic challenge. The original structure had high ceilings, hard surfaces, and metallic echoes, all of which could easily overpower the warmth we wanted to achieve.We approached the sound design with the same care as the visual composition. Acoustic panels were discreetly integrated into the ceiling and wall claddings, while soft furnishings, layered draperies, and textured materials helped absorb and diffuse sound. The performance area was positioned strategically to create a natural flow of music through the dining zones without overwhelming conversation. In the end, the acoustics became part of the design language — balancing the energy of live performance with the intimacy of fine dining, and turning the industrial space into a stage for cultural storytelling.
The rooftop of Amar Beirut was conceived as a natural continuation of the story told inside the restaurant — a place where the energy of Beirut meets the skyline of Warsaw. We wanted the experience to evolve vertically: guests ascend from the historical, industrial narrative of the main hall into a lighter, more contemporary atmosphere that still speaks the same cultural language.To achieve this, we used materials and tones that echo the interior palette — warm metals, natural stone, and soft ambient lighting — but introduced more open, breathable compositions to connect with the surrounding city. Subtle Arabic geometric patterns appear in the furniture detailing and railing designs, linking back to the Lebanese identity without overpowering the industrial context. The result is a rooftop that feels both urban and soulful, maintaining continuity with the heritage below while offering guests a new sensory chapter — one of openness, light, and cultural reflection.
Receiving the Gold A’ Design Award for Amar Beirut is both an honor and a responsibility. For me, this project represents more than a successful design — it’s a statement about how we can approach cultural preservation in a modern, relevant way. Amar Beirut shows that heritage and innovation don’t have to compete; they can coexist beautifully when treated with respect and intention.I hope this project encourages future designers to see adaptive reuse not as a constraint, but as an opportunity to tell new stories within old walls. By blending authentic cultural expression with contemporary functionality, we can create spaces that feel timeless — places where people connect emotionally with history while enjoying the comfort and creativity of modern design. My vision is that projects like Amar Beirut will inspire a new wave of design thinking — one that values identity, sustainability, and the poetry of transformation.