LXA Announces the Completion of La Perle's Atrium and VIP Areas

28 August 2017, Dubai UAE:  LXA, the award-winning hospitality interior design consultancy based in London and Dubai, is proud to confirm the completion of its work at Al Habtoor City, which includes La Perle, the upcoming aquatic theatre show by Franco Dragone. Envisioned as the vibrant dining and entertainment epicentre of Al Habtoor City, the integrated development is the largest single-phase development in the Middle East, within which LXA has designed the areas and the main lobby space associated with the theatre, plus traditional British pub, the Rose & Crown. The show La Perle is set to open its doors on 31 August.

This inaugural space represents both a Dubai ‘first’ and a five-year project for LXA that the team is delighted to see come to fruition. The multi-use complex features an extravagant state-of-the-art aqua theatre that uses 2.7 million litres of water to create a stunning and visually captivating experience, both above and below stage level. LXA worked diligently to understand how to best utilize the mezzanine level to service as concessions, merchandise retail and WC facilities, as well as being the primary entrance to the show. 

David Rooney, Design Director at LXA added, “Working with the creative team at Franco Dragone provided an amazing insight into the world of performance theatre. The project is totally unique and we're delighted to have partnered with the Habtoor Group and Franco from onset to completion."

Acoustics and lighting were also studied in detail to add critical components to the design important. It was hoped that the lobby would be a vibrant bustling space when active, but also feel intimate when at low occupancy. For lighting, accent and feature lighting were important as it was vital to the concept that the main ceiling was mainly free of lighting. All lighting is located at the perimeter, leaving an uninterrupted expanse of black ceiling. 

Karen Konsal, Associate Director at LXA comments, “In a project of this scale, attention to detail and the ability to work to internationally recognized quality guidelines are of paramount importance in order to deliver to the exacting standards required. Since there are no interval breaks during the show, the lobby space had to be spacious in order to accommodate the incredibly high footfall at the beginning and end of the show. It also had to be intuitive, in terms of wayfinding, so guests can be directed to the mezzanine level via the staircase or escalators. The elevators were deliberately tucked away at the back to ensure minimal queuing and maximum flow. “

She continues: “The LED screens are another important feature of the lobby, the large rear screens draw attention to the ticketing booth, while the moving LED screens add to the dynamism of the space, heightening awareness and anticipation for the show.”

Sarah-Jane Grant, Director at LXA comments, “Our appointment on this project underlines the team’s ability to deliver on large-scale and deeply complex projects to world-class standards. This project has been an incredibly important and much-loved project for the LXA team and is particularly close to our hearts.  It will bring a new genre of live performance to the region making a statement on the creativity and love of immersive, elevated entertainment experiences in a space which is a Dubai first. After almost five years, LXA are thrilled to see such a substantial and internationally recognised project come to life”.