Summary: Where sustainability and style come together. Brief: Emerging from the ME by Melia Hotel, as part of the Opus Building created by the late and honorable Zaha Hadid, resides Deseo. Bishop Design were urgently brought in by the hotel team and General Manager to reinvent their pool deck just days before the rapidly upcoming opening date. Upon our initial encounter with the site, we were faced with a concrete slab of a 1140sqm deck (including pool) which was void of any identity – a pool accompanied by a finite number of undressed seating arrangements, a couple of cabanas, and a few stranded planters. Put simply, this wasn’t something that was worthy of being associated with an establishment as monumental as the Opus Tower. Whilst surrounded by an incredibly memorizing landscape of Dubai’s Business Bay, the lack of soul and utter anti-climax meant that the pool deck sadly had no relationship with its habitat. Predominately taking our inspirations from Tulum in Mexico; fabrics, texture and colour became paramount in our conceptualization, much like the way that the space would morph throughout the day. This was not just a matter of creating a pool deck, moreover a sense of place that would be a desirable destination and something that would complement the legacy left behind by the great Hadid. This project therefore represents two great design minds and is a rare treat for the region. Sustainability & Innovation: Given the time crunch at hand, this project challenged our team to intelligently activate what the Client already had in stock, as well as bring our own finesse to the table to achieve the desired result. We set out by extending an existing small seating podium to encompass an entire decking platform, establishing a wider built-up area and converting a rectangular planter into a fully-fledged double-sided bar so one can achieve equal sight lines from each side. This innovative methodology enabled us to replace the previously dysfunctional elements with operational aesthetic delights. A removable deck has also been incorporated along a section of the pool to bring a VIP area experience to the venue. The DJ platform floats above the water feature and allows for a double-sided view from both the pool and lounge, balancing each area as one harmonious pumping venue. We utilized Gandia Blasco furniture from the previous inherited design however evolved and re-purposed the pieces to satisfy everything that the venue aspired to be. Additional items have been sourced from regionally acclaimed Interior 360. Large pots that were acquired from site have been stamped with striking art details as well as further enhanced with additional heavy vegetation to create a layering of exotic greenery. Extending these ideologies to include the façade, a thicker skin of foliage contributes to the lush green blanket that wraps around the entire environment; creating an oasis within an urban context that starts a discourse with the buildings that surround it. Set against a glorious backdrop, our intervention with greenery, layers and sublime details has given this previously obsolete area a purpose; bringing a burst of energy and emphasis to the overall space. Creativity: Lighting of the space was thoughtfully considered to harmonize and balance the myriad of colors and tones within. Aztec and floral patterns adorn the assembly of rugs, cushions and fabrics that take center stage within the venue. Effortlessly captivating passers-by, the bar parades exquisite artisanal tiling and graceful shading. The swing adds to the playful attributes of the space, inviting guests to sit back, relax and allow themselves to be submissive to the breathtaking oasis that surrounds them. Suspended fabric features adorn the pergola structure which encompasses the raised seating platform, creating an intriguing play of shade on the deck during the day whilst still allowing guests to look up to the open sky. Functionality: It was our job to create a versatile spatial dynamic which could operate as both a day and night time setting. Ultimately what has been achieved is a glamorous deck and now one of the most vibrant hotel pools in the city, which unfolds into a lively evening setting as the sun sets and the nearby buildings go to sleep. Introducing a Latin affair and a new definition of ultra-lounge, this setting is a perfect embodiment of Tulum where people can feel at their most relaxed whilst enjoying their electrifying surroundings. We have successful instituted a jaw-dropping destination that allures guests into an immersive viridescent retreat which looks through a soft lit environment and spirited atmosphere. It is a great response to the brief in an intelligent orchestration of varying elements to create something unique and authentic for this Downtown Dubai location.