LEO is one of the most iconic restaurants in Colombia and is included in the 50 best restaurants in the world. Its dining concept blends the narrative of Colombia cuisine, contemporary art, fieldwork, anthropological perspectives, and geographic immersion from different regions across the country.
The architecture of the new restaurant reflects the philosophy of its cuisine: a contemporary and open interior with materials of indigenous, warm and high-quality details. The restaurant's façade features textured brick walls on the ground floor, while the floating glass block façade on the second floor subtly reveals its internal structure.
Spread over two floors, the project integrates a bar, dining room, kitchen, wine cellar, private tasting room, living room, research office, restrooms and other service areas, which are connected by open or semi-open areas under a large timbered double-pitched roof.
The challenge for the lighting design concept was to develop a project that would both complement the architectural design and highlight the presentation of colorful dishes and beverages. Getting the numerous visual connections, different ceiling heights and geometries right requires a coherent overall concept that provides visual harmony to the entire space without competing with the protagonist – the dish.
For the bar and lounge areas, we used a more even and soft lighting environment to provide a more intimate and suggestive atmosphere.
The goal of maintaining the same language between lighting and architecture requires very close communication with the architect, and in some cases requires custom luminaires to respond to design needs.
In order to highlight the high quality of the materials and architectural details, and to enhance the texture, color and gloss of the dishes, a color temperature of 2700K was used in each area, as well as luminaires with a high color rendering index IRC>90.
Finally, automation via DALI systems provides a flexible lighting solution that can be adapted to different lighting needs, which may be determined by the design concept, the type of activity, the characteristics of the space or the impact of natural light in the project.
Project Name: LEO Restaurant
Project address: Colombia
灯光设计：ClaroOscuro Lighting Desing