When designing The Lana, Gilles & Boissier sought to create visually striking interiors for the Dorchester Collection’s first hotel opening in the Middle East. As such, the large-scale project took six years to complete, taking meticulous care to design the lobby, restaurants, guest rooms and spa. Taking inspiration from Dubai’s staggering desert landscape, and rich tapestry of cultural influences, Gilles & Boissier brought these elements to life, creating a fusion of traditions that reflect the multiculturalism of the city.

Featuring a beautiful mix of raw and polished materials, locally sourced where possible, are used throughout the spaces in the hotel; a variety of marbles in pink and beige, feature alongside grey and black tonalities, resulting in a captivating, layered effect. In particular, the lobby area possesses two distinctive wings in pink alabaster, acting as focal points within the space; elsewhere, details such as cornices, arches and curves are prominent throughout, adding depth and character to The Lana. In particular, Gilles & Boissier’s sensitive layering of materials is evident in the lobby, as an elegant showcase of integrated marble types to create a kaleidoscope-like floor.

Meanwhile, the guest rooms and suites blend traditional and contemporary design elements to create a refined atmosphere that is deliberately uncomplicated. Designed to ensure an instant feel of calm and comfort, the palette incorporates Volakas and Calcatta Oro marbles as well as walnut and smoked oak wood, creating a blend of light and dark that is supported by ambient lighting. Demonstrating how materials can be transformed, Gilles & Boissier underscored how wood can be fluted, brushed or shiny, as the dialogue between materials creates a dynamic interplay. Meanwhile, in the bathrooms, captivating views and natural light are thoughtfully combined to create a sensory experience, while English mouldings are extended from adjacent spaces into the bathroom to ensure a cohesive feel, as one moves between the areas.

To further enhance the ambiance, Gilles & Bossier worked with The Lana to commission local and global artists, with each piece strategically positioned in the space to align with their unique visions. A glass installation by French-Lebanese artist, Flavie Audi captures the futuristic approach of Dubai and the city’s energy and light, while Franco-American sculptor, Sergio Ruffato, has designed a monumental vertical wall installation formed by thousands of brass balls, whose length and height acts a metaphor for Dubai and its architectural mastery. More widely, classical European influences are notably woven throughout the space. Gilles & Boissier commissioned Atelier Prométhée to craft a bespoke, ornate vase for The Lana, echoing the model engraved by the renowned Giovanni Battista Piranesi in the 18th century.