Interview about Lazord Cafe, winner of the A' Packaging Design Award 2020
The encompasses simple logo, stationery, coffee cup, and extends to broader brand identity programmes that include interior design detail. These effectively play with colour, form and type, and work in high quality material detail and finishes. Lazard concept built on the meaning of the Lapis Lazuli stone, also known as “Lazard” in Arabic. As the namesake of the stone, known throughout Arab history representing wisdom and truth and sustaining the powerful royal blue color, Lazard Café is a majestic concept specially designed to bring Oman's Arabic taste.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe Lapis Lazuli stone represents wisdom, truth, and cultural richness. Its use in Lazord Cafe's identity provided a bridge between ancient heritage and modern storytelling. I infused its historical symbolism into every design element—creating a brand that narrates the story of Oman’s cultural elegance while connecting with contemporary audiences.
The royal blue palette is directly inspired by the vibrant hues of Lapis Lazuli and Oman’s azure coastline. I aimed to evoke a sense of luxury and serenity, essential for the cafe's ambiance. This choice was enhanced with golden accents, symbolizing opulence and tradition, ensuring the palette aligned with both cultural significance and modern aesthetics.
Balancing tradition and modernity was central. I immersed myself in Omani culture—exploring its coffee rituals, halwa preparation, and Musandam's unique identity. This informed the integration of intricate traditional motifs within a minimalist framework, creating a design that respects heritage while appealing to a global, design-conscious audience.
Sustainability was a priority in packaging design. We sourced recyclable materials that echo the textures of Lapis Lazuli and Omani craftsmanship. Advanced printing techniques ensured premium quality without compromising eco-conscious values, aligning the aesthetic with Lazord’s brand ethos of timeless elegance and responsibility.
Consistency across touchpoints required meticulous planning. From the logo’s geometry inspired by Arabic patterns to the menu design and interior decor, every element echoed the Lapis Lazuli theme. Overcoming this challenge meant constant collaboration and iterations to harmonize heritage-inspired visuals with contemporary applications.
Typography bridges tradition and innovation. I blended elements of classical Arabic calligraphy with clean, sans-serif fonts. This duality reflects the cafe’s identity as a space where past and present coexist, creating typefaces that speak to both local and global audiences.
My international branding experience guided strategic decisions—positioning Lazord Cafe as a cultural ambassador. Drawing from global trends in hospitality branding and my deep understanding of cultural storytelling, I created a brand that resonates universally while staying rooted in Omani authenticity.
Translating the brand into interior design was a holistic process. Lapis Lazuli’s geometry and colors inspired wall patterns, lighting, and furniture. By weaving tactile elements like stone-textured surfaces and local craftsmanship into modern spatial layouts, we crafted a harmonious, immersive environment.
Research included field visits to Musandam, interviews with locals, and cultural artifact studies. This approach ensured the designs were not only aesthetically pleasing but deeply resonant with Omani culture. International trends were then blended to ensure global relevance, making Lazord a cultural gateway for visitors.
Lazord Cafe demonstrates how design can preserve cultural narratives while embracing modernity. Its success sets a benchmark for future projects, emphasizing the value of blending authenticity with contemporary appeal. I envision this project inspiring regional designers to explore deeper storytelling in hospitality branding.
Dive into a world of design excellence with our curated highlights. Each feature showcases outstanding creativity, innovation, and impact from the design world. Discover inspiration and learn more about these incredible achievements.
