Operating in Istanbul since 1987, Dragon is an acclaimed Chinese restaurant newly opened at their new location in Bebek, İstanbul. Serving exquisite cuisine with distinctive Cantonese and Szechwan accents, this premium dining venue has been enjoying local and international admiration for its authentic, mouth-watering dishes, and the main idea behind interior design was to preserve the time-honoured ambiance in a contemporary and mystical way.
Project information
Name: Dragon Restaurant
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Construction Area: 200 sqm
Project Year: 2019
Year of Completion: 2019
Program: Restaurant
Client: Depot Konaklama
Design team information
Design: GEO_ID + Mahmut Anlar
Branding: GEO_ID
Implementation: GEOMETRE
Collaborators: Lighting- Papirus, Furniture- Yilmazlar Mobilya & Soyut, Carpentry- Ozen Mobilya
Photo Credits: Emre Dörter
Since the clients included the second generation of the brand’s founders, the brief was to refresh and modernise the interiors. On the other hand, Chinese culture and its exotic feeling was of highest importance for the selection of pearls, lighting of varying colours, artworks and patterns. The concept design also referenced Chinese Art-Deco since the restaurant is located in Bebek Hotel by The Stay designed also by Mahmut Anlar + Geo-ID in art deco style.
The qualities of space played a decisive role in design; plan scheme, low ceilings and the view. Light colours are chosen revealing an identity of an authentic Chinese restaurant, since darker colours are typical selection in most examples. A palette of beige tones lines the restaurant interiors and compensates the flatness caused by the low ceiling while benefiting the view since the space is located only meters distance to Bosphorus waters…
Arriving guests are transported down to the restaurant through the hotel’s original wooden vertical staircase. The entrance captures a glimpse of what is to come: dark grey surfaces covered with textile wall panel with a bronze dragon ornamented in colourful stones and pearls immediately isolate the guests from the daily life and bring together with a mystical atmosphere.
Custom designed tables and chairs are spread across the space and are overlooking Bosphorus through restaurant’s generously glazed facade. Main seating area features both square and circular tables to accommodate groups with different numbers. Lodge seating are greeted by metal and silk pendants illuminating space through glass tubes which includes different colours in each one. An enclosed dining area hidden behind the folding cane with slightly darker colours sits on the far side and provides intimacy and exclusivity.
Intimacy and exclusivity are also highlighted by wooden dragons carved and coated with pearls on the wicker separators between lodges in the main dining area. All three lodges are facing a buddha sculpture before the view to bring positive energy and serene ambiance as a calm element. While lighting of the seperators and sculptures had warm LED colours, lodge seating are greeted by metal and silk pendants illuminating space through glass tubes.
A geometric pattern design leads the eye upwards; wooden suspended ceiling is an abstract interpretation of China’s art-deco era movement merged with traditional Chinese motifs. Custom graphics were developed and weaved on textile wall panels; visitorsan enjoy reading the Four Seasons (Li Bai; Ballad of Four Seasons) in the bar, or poems on Dragon in the private dining area.
Although has a long history in craftmanship, Turkey does not have much variety in furniture design; yet, every fixture is custom designed from scratch to the smallest detail for the project and manufactured in Turkey.
GEO_ID
Founded in 2013 in partnership with renowned design firm GeoMIM, Geo_ID is an innovative multifaceted studio providing an all-encompassing approach to interior design.
With a team of young creatives from varying design fields, Geo_ID develops unique narratives focusing on revolutionizing all aspects of design, from the brand identity to visually and spatially harmonious interiors. Fitted accordingly to the specific needs and requests of their clients, Geo_ID covers all creative levels that are necessary to bring identity and soul to each design.
Starting off with a clear understanding of the context and determining the values that define the project, Geo_ID devices space settings by putting human experience in the center of design. Always in search for the new, and well-connected to the current changes in everyday lifestyles, the studio offers sophisticated space creations with young spirit and essence that is true to their culture and innovative–modern day design approach.
Based in Istanbul, young studio boasts a fresh luxury portfolio from Turkey and the Middle East. Ranging from high-end hotels to boutiques and restaurants, few examples are W Hotel Istanbul, Turkey’s first “Grand Boutique Resort” Maxx Royal Kemer, Bebek Hotel by The Stay, Petra Cafe, Paragastroteka, Huqqa and The Market Dubai.
