MO Bar, a luxurious and multi-functional bar and lounge located within the five-star Mandarin Oriental in the heart of Singapore’s Marina Bay. MO Bar offers high tea in the afternoon and cocktails in the evening with one of the best views of Marina Bay and is a prime viewing point for the annual Formula One (overseeing the Marina Bay Street Circuit) and New Year fireworks.
Wilson Associates drew its design inspiration from Malaysian tribal culture, in particular from “orang laut,” which in Malay means “sea nomads.” Infusing Malaysian tribal culture into the space, the team explored ways to showcase the sea nomads’ way of life, featuring the relationship with the water, as well as local tales of the ocean, moon, and stars. The interiors are a modern interpretation of culture and style inspired by the nomadic sea people. The designers brought in natural materials and fauna-like plants, which are embedded into the resin of the coffee tabletops to create a rustic, yet refined feel. The defining highlight of MO Bar is the bar’s marble countertop, achieved from the latest breakthrough technology. Slabs of marble were cut and bent to form one piece, creating one continuous bar countertop. Wilson Associates was further inspired by the visual language of the nomadic tattoos which were imprinted on the ceiling and sliding panel as well as the staff uniforms.
