WHITE AND THE BEAR || Unique Children's Restaurant and Concept Store Experience in Dubai
Picture your favourite department store. Now, imagine that this favourite department store of yours existed in a format curated for children. White & the Bear would have been a dream come true if it existed in our childhood times.
The unique children’s restaurant and concept store designed by Sneha Divias Atelier combines playful elements with uncompromisingly minimal designs. The restaurant and concept store showcases a neutral palette and background, not the usual primary colour walls one would expect for a children’s store.
The calming colours invite the children to relax, and also makes the space more inviting for parents as well. While the children create in the drawing room or sit huddled in the reading nook with a select children’s storybook, parents can venture through the concept store to browse clothing, toys, books, stationery and more for their kids. White and the Bear could be referred to as a children’s destination that delivers an outing experience considering the entire family.
Photo courtesy of Natelee Cocks.
Aptly named ‘White & the Bear’, it is the world’s first children’s restaurant with a healthy and nutritious children specific menu that has been co-created by world-renowned celebrity chef and children’s food expert, Annabel Karmel. White & the Bear is a destination for city dwellers seeking a distinct vibe that appeals to the younger ones. The restaurant and concept store combination acts as a resting stop for parents who are out and about with their children.
The successful design is the result of a consistent collaboration and synergy between all parties. The owner, Hana Al Mula is forward-thinking and envisioned the concept and the partnership with Annabel Karmel. The Atelier, together with the contractor Neotech and the graphic design team Yellow brought the space to life.
Unlike other child-centered spaces highlighted by bright colors and pop-culture characters, White & the Bear embraces a unique aesthetic that’s urbane and effective for learning.
SPATIAL LAYOUT
The concept store comprises two floors which means that there’s plenty of space to accommodate children and parents who want to take a break or buy something from a vast collection of products. Both the store and restaurant are blended into each other - so upon entering one can immediately notice the seamless transition and blurred lines between the ground and first floor. On the ground level, the restaurant lies amidst the retail along with the kitchen and washrooms. The retail moves up to the first floor through wooden stairs and a black metal arch that entices the users to go up. Here, a reading corner and space for special events like workshops and birthday parties are made to delight young visitors. It also includes a nursing space and a store. The Atelier intended for young visitors to form a deep connection with the design, and recognize the space layout as a safe and easy environment.
CONCEPT
Sneha Divias Atelier delivered a holistic design that would possess all things that parents would want their children to be surrounded by; healthy food, a safe environment, and productive learning.
The color theory that is aligned with the graphic design makes up a great part of the design analysis, which is why visitors at White & the Bear can observe the application of a neutral color palette rather than one that would overstimulate the children’s senses.
The design concept behind White & the Bear is to create a multi-faceted experience for children and parents. Children explore different sensory triggers while eating, learning, reading, and exploring, and share these findings with their parents. This improves the interaction between parents and children.
“When designing for little ones it is important to set out the principles for imaginative, innovative, and stimulating spaces that give children and young people the freedom to play creatively, allow them to experience and element of risk, challenge and excitement, introducing pedagogical aspects.”
DESIGN FEATURES
To enhance children’s creativity and imaginative skills, the atelier refrained from complex strategies. Instead, they chose clean lines and a minimalist space but retained a warm atmosphere thanks to a distinctive range of textures.
Bespoke full height shelving to display merchandise, wood slated counters and bespoke joinery design that integrates all the elements are some of the key features. There is also a feature wall with suspended metal hangers that again, seamlessly relates the design to the functionality of displaying items. The first floor has a breathable area with glass partitions separating the private rooms from the shop. Throughout the space, playful and quirky graphics elements greet the children and ignite their artistic senses. It also promotes imagination, so they feel confident about new ideas and inspired by the space.
“Our design is focused on humanizing the interior architecture, bringing a sense of proportion and scale for children to feel integrated. ”
MATERIALS AND FURNITURE
As soon as visitors will enter the expanse, an installation of hanging bird lights from Brokis will welcome them. Children can get comfortable in the seating area, whilst parents have their own seating area with Haworth Harbor chairs. The washrooms are ergonomically designed for children’s height and incorporate washbasins from Cielo and sanitary ware from Bagno Design. The ceilings were kept straight and clean with recessed blacklight slots that accentuate key elements.
The team also considered the children’s ages during the design process. This resulted in a final product containing numerous opportunities for children of all ages to interact and socialize with others. There are spaces to eat, play, read, shop and simply observe.
In today’s world, children should be left to explore their surroundings and find their ‘own space’ where they feel comfortable, which is why White and The Bear was designed to contain many of such places where children can find others with similar interests and make friends.
Such child-focused architectural spaces that foster socializing and community building amongst children will continue to grow and flourish, as parents will seek out designed environments like this to tackle the issue of too much mobile screentime for their children. Sneha Divias Atelier has provided an elegant solution through the creation of a destination that feels welcoming for all members of the family.
Photos courtesy of Natelee Cocks
