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Luminous Luster at Anto Steakhouse

Prize(s) Winners in Bar and Restaurant Lighting Design
Company Studio Illumine
Lead Designers Azlan Nazam
Other Designer's names Azlan Nazam - Founding Director / Eric Zhang - Associate Director / Yvonne Li - Lighting Designer
Architecture Company DESFA Group
Interior Design Company DESFA Group
Client DESFA Group
Photo Credits David Mitchell
Completion Date May 1, 2024
Project Location 21 W 35 Street, New York City, United States
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Entry Description

Anto 35 is a high-end Korean steakhouse in the heart of New York City, merging Eastern tradition and Western modernity. A curved bar counter, highlighted by recessed spotlights, establishes a striking focal point. Concealed fixtures trace its curves, while ceiling cove lighting guides guests through the space.

The Omakase bar invites diners into a Korean landscape with a blend of rustic and delicate materials. Translucent rice paper panels featuring oriental mountainscapes are softly illuminated by grazers. A chiseled stone bar’s textures are enhanced by integrated fixtures, while a wave-inspired lighting centerpiece with dimmable LEDs adds movement.

An immersive elevator journey with a Hibiscus flower installation and infinity mirror leads to the second floor. Ambient lighting runs along banquette seating, with track lights providing focused illumination. A brass Hibiscus flower feature is highlighted with zoomable spotlights.

The third-floor bar, offering a view of the Empire State Building, exudes luxury with its marble and brass elements. Warm LEDs and side-mounted spotlights provide illumination, adapting to the retractable ceiling. The design subtly enhances details, ensuring a sophisticated yet comfortable visual experience for diners.
Sustainability Approach

By seamlessly integrating technology and design, the lighting design for Anto 35 prioritizes sustainability without compromising on the elegance and functionality in a high-end dining environment. All lighting fixtures are LED, chosen for their energy efficiency and long lifespan. The design approach minimizes the number of lights used, strategically focusing illumination only on key architectural areas to create the desired moody ambiance and visual drama with minimal energy consumption. An advanced lighting control system optimizes energy use throughout the day, with tailored settings for different scenes: daytime service, early evening dining, bar and cocktail hours, and late-night ambiance. Presence sensors in less-utilized areas further contribute to energy conservation by ensuring lights are only active when needed.
Company Description

Studio Illumine is an international team of lighting designers with a passion for light, architecture and art. The design practice was founded in 2012 and is based in Shanghai. The highly-skilled team come from a variety of design backgrounds and specialise in architectural lighting design solution for high-end corporate, retail, commercial, healthcare and education projects. Its independent and professional status ensures that its services are unaffiliated with manufacturers. Studio Illumine is design focused, crafting holistic designs through close coordination with other design thinkers.