The Lightwell Dumbo exemplifies contemporary interior design that embraces the industrial heritage of Dumbo and Vinegar Hill while offering a refined, forward-looking urban living experience. The scope for Durukan Design is to complete the interior planning and design for this seven-story, 218-unit residential building, carefully shaping an environment where light, materiality, and spatial flow come together with purpose.
Taking full advantage of the architecture’s storefront and central lightwell, the interiors are designed to feel luminous and expansive throughout the day. Strategic material selections—such as soft-toned hard surfaces, industry elements, and warm wood finishes—amplify natural light and bring a soft glow to shared and private spaces. This approach reduces the need for artificial lighting and creates an uplifting atmosphere that evolves with the daylight.

The interior layout emphasizes comfort, usability, and intuitive movement. The lobby, seamlessly connected to Café Revive — an open-plan communal area — fosters a sense of community and connectivity, providing a serene space for residents and/or visitors to enjoy specialty coffee and conversional atmosphere. With the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows from the architecture of the building, we placed seating groups at the front, blurring the boundary between interior and exterior, framing views of the surrounding landscape and allowing nature to become part of the experience.

The material and color palette selection for the project is a testament to craftsmanship and intentionality. Stone, bronze accent, and wood are thoughtfully combined to create a tactile and visually rich environment. A sculptural marble reception desk anchors entry, while curated artwork and expressive lighting elements add moments of surprise and visual interest. Earthy hues—greys, greens, rusts, and terracotta—infuse the space with warmth, complementing the tactile elements and enhancing the sense of welcome.

With a focus on lasting quality and environmental mindfulness, the design supports wellness and sustainability through material integrity and light-centric planning. Community-oriented amenity spaces reflect a human-centered design philosophy, creating opportunities for social engagement while maintaining a peaceful and restorative ambiance.
The Lightwell Dumbo is a study in balance—between innovation and warmth, efficiency and beauty, public and personal—offering residents a thoughtfully elevated experience of modern urban living.