La Mer

Stretching out into the sea from the Jumeirah Beach Neighbourhood is an eclectic district called La Mer – a charming community perfect for art lovers looking for a micro-holiday.

It all started over the shock of seeing so many empty walls in the streets of Dubai. The LIMAH team has always encouraged clients to include public art in their project. So, when they came across La Mer, a themed destination with a vintage look, LIMAH jumped at the opportunity to create some art for the city.

Challenge

The highly themed concept made it imperative that all the artwork fit right into the niche concept whilst still functioning as functional elements.

Outcome

The theme inspired the team to create over 50 pieces of public art to adorn the walls in the vintage style buildings artwork new meaningful layers to the concept.

Project Facts

The popular tourist destination comprised of a mix of:

Retail shops
Food and beverage concepts
A cinema
Beach areas

La Mer by LIMAH

TRANSFORMING SPACES THROUGH ART

There were a number of buildings with various facades and recesses in the walls, creating multiple opportunities for art. Suggestive artwork was developed in a strategic manner so as to orient users towards various destinations. For example, one would see they’re headed towards the beach when they see repurposed surfboards or wall art inspired by vintage posters of maritime movies. Leading to the men and women’s washrooms was a take on Gillette and Avon ads from decades ago. Art also adorned certain doors with the purpose of restricting public access to private areas.

THE PROCESS

The process began with LIMAH’s Founder, Jason Lewis sketching and painting the street art. From there, the LIMAH team converted the sketches into digital artwork. LIMAH then collaborated with painters on site to bring the works to life.

The theme takes inspiration from the early mid-century American cities and items that wash up ashore. The team used any old-time signage opportunity in their wayfinding strategy such as floor directionals, which were hand-painted on cobblestones. For street names, brass plaques they’re into the walkway.