Prize(s) Winners in Hospitality Lighting Design
Lighting Design/Product Company Ark Lighting
Lead Designers Adam Johnson & Daisy Metcalfe
Other Designer's names COOOP.Co Design Agency - Callie van der Merwe & Roberto Zambri
Architecture Company COOOP.Co Design Agency
Interior Design Company COOOP.Co Design Agency
Client Meat & Wine Co., Seagrass Boutique Hospitality Group
Photo Credits Kera Wong
Other Credits Franchise Fitout Group
Completion Date 20 August 2024 (opening)
Project Location Circular Quay, Sydney, Australia
Entry DescriptionIn the heart of Sydney Australia’s CBD, Meat & Wine Co., Safari brings the spirit of the African bush to diners. Designed by COOOP.Co, the Boma-style restaurant creates a space that is transportive and unique —a hospitality experience like no other in Australia.
Well beyond illumination, light was woven into every element of the space –helping bring to life the storytelling, highlighting the incredible work of specialist craftspeople, and guiding behaviour. From the statement lit bespoke fire pit to the custom-built acacia trees animated by uplighting that casts dappled shadows across the ceiling, to the sculptural lighting of the 4.2m Boma structures —every corner of the space tells a story, and lighting plays a key role in weaving those narratives. Pools of warm light over each table were achieved with custom designed 6 deg. Snoop attachments. Fixtures were embedded into tree, booth seating and joinery so that the technology remained hidden. Dali controlled scene controls and zones provide dynamic flexibility, shifting from vibrant dining to late-night intimacy, and to cleaning and reset modes.
Lighting was treated with the highest level of respect from design through to execution. It doesn’t sit on top of the design; it feels part of it. Accent lighting draws attention to crafted details, while ambient layers (2100K) create warmth reminiscent of the glow of Africa at dusk.
Sustainability ApproachMeat & Wine Co., Safari’s lighting scheme embodies a sustainability-first ethos.
As one of Australia’s first B Corp™ Certified lighting companies, the Ark Lighting design team is committed to leading change in an industry still dominated by short-term, high-waste practices.
Sustainability was embedded into every stage of design and delivery. From fixture selection to installation detail, to plastic-free packaging - each choice was underpinned by efficiency, longevity, and lifecycle responsibility.
Highlights: The scheme is fully LED-based, chosen for high efficacy and low power consumption. Tuneable LED module scene controls optimise energy use. Fixtures were specified for quality and durability. Modular construction allowing LED boards and drivers to be replaced independently. Our Ark Lighting Refurbishment & Reuse Program is in place, to take back fittings for repair or re-use.
Company DescriptionArk Lighting are lighting designers and suppliers, dedicated to showing brands in the best light. We’ve been illuminating spaces for over 30 years. The understand the power lighting can have on an experience, space, human behaviour and health. They get excited about the technical, finding the latest innovation and bringing to life a design brief and vision through lighting. Importantly, at the heart of our reason for being, is to have a positive impact on the world through sustainable design and ways of working - Ark Lighting are a proud B Corp.
