Blue by Alain Ducasse brings the art and elegance of French gastronomy to ICONSIAM, Bangkok’s newest luxury shopping mall overlooking the Chao Phraya River. Property developer Siam Rivea Company Limited invited Alain Ducasse to create a typically French restaurant within this major shopping complex, transporting customers into a world apart from the hustle and bustle of the Thai capital. Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku of the Jouin Manku studio were commissioned to bring this vision to life in the restaurant’s interior spaces.
Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku began this project by working around France’s fame and its representation in the collective imagination, with the aim of capturing its unique essence, while taking care to avoid clichés. They interpreted this notion through four key attributes: the secluded groves or gardens of the Château de Versailles, the vibrant royal blue, the fashion and art of pleated textiles, and the glitter and sparkle of a chandelier. As the restaurant occupies a glass pavilion overlooking the river, they also considered how to create an inspiring journey for customers from the moment they enter the space to the moment they discover the huge picture windows and the impressive view over Bangkok.
At the start of this journey, customers leave the white surfaces of the mall to enter the warmth of a walnut lobby offering just a glimpse of what awaits them…
They then discover the lounge, a muffled space cut off from the world, where they find themselves surrounded by wood and light.
The space is reminiscent of a grove, a space of pleasure and privacy shaped by nature. Hanging lights in walnut and brass surround the space with a gentle verticality evoking an enchanted forest animated by the glow of fireflies. On the ceiling of the lobby and lounge, a bronze mesh lighting system projects a mottled light, as if filtered through the tree canopy. The colors of the seating and fabrics are inspired by the earth, with a touch of caramel and an accent of green, while the travertine floor comes to life with the soft texture of embroidered rugs reminiscent of forest moss. The lounge, staged around a giant column, can accommodate around 24 people for cocktails or afternoon coffee and pastries.
From the lounge, guests can dine in one of two private lounges, or continue into the main dining room. The space then opens up dramatically to reveal
an elegant room in sumptuous shades of royal blue, silver and white as the city of Bangkok unfolds before their eyes. The lounge offers only a brief glimpse of the materials and glitter of the great room. You have to step inside to discover the impressive lighting installation suspended from the ceiling: a stylized chandelier composed of pleated fabric, metal and cut-glass fins. The organic form evokes a sea creature close to the river’s mandrels, which flood the room with light and energy.
It’s a place of joy, celebration and festivity. In the center of the room, under the chandelier, curved banquettes surround tables that can accommodate groups of varying sizes. From this distinct space – blending walnut and cream-colored leather – which enlivens the heart of the restaurant, customers can enter the vast blue expanse, a calmer, more elegant space.
Walls and ceilings are covered in fabrics, deep blue carpeting hosts tables for two, four, or six people. Here, the energy changes, and the focus is on the view.
Blue by Alain Ducasse, ICONSIAM
299 Charoen Nakhon Soi 5, Charoen Nakhon Road, Khlong Ton Sai Sub District Khlong San District, Bangkok 10600
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