New York, NY ONELUX studio has created custom lighting for La Chine, the new Chinese cuisine in the Waldorf Astoria, replacing the former Oscar’s American Brassiere.
ONELUX studio worked with architect, Studio Gaia, in the reimagining of the space, providing lighting customized to create the upscale restaurant’s chic and serene atmosphere. The design focuses on creating understated elements of classic Chinese motifs with sophistication and elegance. Nearly half of the fixtures in the restaurant were custom-made based on the owner’s design input. The space displays circular rim lighting installations that linger above some restaurant tables, while cylindrical fixtures hang above others. The centerpiece is a massive three-tier enclosed chandelier, captivating the entire restaurant.
After being purchased by a Chinese insurance firm in 2014, the Waldorf Astoria ownership commissioned the replacement of Oscar’s American Brassiere with a Chinese eatery to honor the Chinese Prime Minister. The project was set on a tight deadline as the space was to be revamped upon the Prime Minister’s arrival to the U.S. The firm worked efficiently to help design and execute the project within four acerbated months, resulting in a fast but highly aesthetic design.
“It was extremely important to understand the desired environment and design objectives of the new restaurant so that we could create lighting that aligned with the culture,” said Fernando Soler, partner at ONELUX studio. “We are proud to have completed this upscale project for such a prestigious and renowned hotel, to prepare the owner to welcome the Prime Minister.”