Masquespacio creates an oasis of light and sculptures in Riyadh with '8 Portions'

Masquespacio has reinterpreted the Italian dining experience in Riyadh with the interior design of 8 Portions. This new restaurant fuses Italian culinary tradition with the local flavours of Saudi Arabia and becomes an urban oasis where aesthetics and culinary experience intertwine.

For this project, Masquespacio aimed to create a space that would transcend the clichés of Italian restaurant designs, incorporating elements that reflect the essence of Saudi Arabia without resorting to literal representations. Inspired by the beauty of the desert, the characteristic shapes and textures were reinterpreted, transforming architectural elements such as pillars, stairs and ceilings into true sculptures that shape the hospitality design.

The neutral and earthy colour palette evokes the dunes and rocks of the desert, while the carefully crafted lighting design recreates the magic of the golden hour, bathing the space in a warm and sophisticated light. This golden light, the design's undisputed protagonist, is reflected in the metallic and golden finishes of the elements, creating an enveloping and sophisticated atmosphere.

Each design element of the hospitality interiors, from the curved pillars to the sculptural lighting fixtures, has been conceived to create a unique sensory experience. The organic and fluid shapes contrast with each other transforming the structural elements while generating a visual dynamic that invites exploration.

Led by Spanish designers Ana Milena Hernández Palacios and Christophe Penasse, Masquespacio has designed a space that goes beyond the simple function of eating. 8 Portions is an immersive experience that invites diners into a unique and memorable environment, where light, shapes and materials combine to create an oasis of tranquillity and sophistication.