UAE & GCC
Abstract Mosaic for GAIA Restaurant, Abu Dhabi
An abstract mosaic created for a five-star hotel in Abu Dhabi. A gorgeous ceramic confection in Ice, Cobalt and Royal Blues, set in contrast with Blush Pink and Dusty Rose.
Client Brief for This Abstract Mosaic
MEC Artworks created this mosaic in collaboration with the design firm Finasi, located in Dubai.
Finasi approached us after browsing through our website. They particularly liked the abstract mosaics created in our studio. The Golden Tempest is the abstraction that particularly caught their eye.
They commissioned us to create an abstract mosaic for The Four Seasons Hotel in Abu Dhabi. The mosaic was intended for the exterior of a soon-to-open restaurant in the hotel.
GAIA is a Greek-Mediterranean restaurant that delivers delectable Greek-Mediterranean cuisine in a luxury ambience.
Our client needed a facade mosaic to help give customers a feel of the place even before they entered.
They needed patterns that spoke of Mediterranean culture and the beauty of Greece. Colours that symbolised the specialities of these places.
The Vision for This Abstract Mosaic
Armed with the information given above, our design team started creating a design pattern for the mosaic.
We chose a colour palette of blues ranging from Bright Cobalt to Royal Blue and Ice Blue. The Cobalt instantly brought to mind the Aegean Sea, which is somewhat representative of Greek coastal areas.
Blush Pink and Dusty Rose hues, used in contrast with the blues, had a very Greek marble look. The tiles were also set close together to give a ‘pebble mosaic’ feel. These were, and still are, very famous in Greece, Rome and other Mediterranean countries.
The design team selected winding lines and curves for the main patterns. The curves hinted at wave-like structures which spoke of the Aegean Sea too.
The whole mosaic spoke a Greek-Mediterranean narrative. A more contemporary one, though; in ancient Greece, mosaics had more imagery than abstract lines. Perfect for a modern luxury restaurant serving Greek cuisine.
Design & Development
The Initial Idea
The initial ideas revolved around giving the mosaic the touch its clients required. Blue colour was definitely going to be added to the mosaic to symbolise the sea. Later, wave-like lines became part of the design too.
Layout of the Mosaic
The artwork’s backdrop consisted of closely laid tesserae in shades of Blush Pink and Dusty Rose. This pebble-mosaic-style backdrop was interspersed with blue, wavy lines.
Materials & Colour Palettes
The material of choice was ceramic. Ceramic can withstand high temperatures and UV radiation while retaining its colour. This made it the best option for an outdoor mosaic in the GCC temperatures. The selected colours were light pinks and deeper shades of blue.
Crafting & Installation of This Mosaic
Crafting of this mosaic took around six weeks. The mosaic was made on mesh sheets in separate sections.
The sections were then numbered. A map of installation was prepared accordingly, ensuring easy and correct installation of the artwork.
The grout lines in between were kept exceptionally fine to give the backdrop a jigsaw puzzle look.
Short streaks of white were added, giving the appearance of foam in between waves.
The mosaic was prepared for a curved facade. Expertise was required to cut tiles that fit in the curves perfectly. Our Italian-trained team of craftsmen created a flawless piece that truly looked as if it had been created just for its designated space.
The mosaic Installation was carried out under strict procedures. We were careful to cause minimal disturbance to the hotel’s daily business.
FAQs
Will mosaics fade or lose their appearance because of strong UV exposure?
No, they won’t, if the right materials are used. High-quality ceramic tiles with stable, durable surface finishes are made to retain their colour and appearance under extreme sunlight. For a hotel restaurant exterior, the mosaic should be crafted with UV-resistant materials and installation products to help preserve the artwork over time.
How to protect mosaics from Abu Dhabi’s dust, sand, and humidity?
For installations in the GCC, MEC Artworks uses exterior-rated adhesives and grout selected for the local environment. When the right type of grout is used and a mosaic is properly sealed, dirt accumulation can be avoided. Absorption of moisture is reduced too. For regular cleaning, appropriate, non-abrasive products can keep the artwork looking new.
Can the abstract mosaic be customised to match the hotel or restaurant’s architecture?
Yes. That is what MEC Artworks works around. A bespoke ceramic abstract mosaic can be designed around the hotel’s branding image, architectural style, decor, or a theme the hotel is adopting. Shapes, colours, textures, and patterns can be coordinated with the surrounding exterior to create a distinctive focal point.
How does MEC Artworks manage the installation of a large ceramic mosaic on a hotel restaurant exterior?
For a large hospitality project, we generally divide the mosaic into manageable sections or panels on separate sections of mesh sheets. The installation team prepares the adhesive, using high-quality exterior-grade setting materials. Each section is carefully placed following the installation map enclosed with the artwork. The empty spaces between sections are filled with grout. For a hotel environment, MEC Artworks plans the installation taking into account the following points. The site access, safety and weather conditions. We ensure minimal disruption to restaurant operations during installations.
Create a Bespoke Abstract Mosaic for Your UAE Residence
At MEC Artworks, we create handcrafted mosaic murals that bring nature, texture, and architectural beauty into luxury homes across the UAE. Every design is developed to feel fully connected to the space it belongs in.