Overview ..............................................................................................................

The new Diva Lounge is conceived and constructed to evoke a dreamy cloud-like haptic experience. The design creates an architectural skin that blushes: clouds of amber colored light condense around areas of social gathering. Using low voltage LED lighting, the Diva Lounge creates a metamorphic yet intimate lounging environment. The atmospheric effect is achieved through a cloud- like liner of billowing illuminated panels that collectively manifest an atmosphere that may register, entice, and possibly elicit a desired mood.

An architectural cast of characters populate the space to tease out reactions from the loungers. In contrast to the smooth plastic luminous bubbles, there are craggy wooden elements. But not just any wood, this is a salvaged material from a worm eaten disease-killed butternut forest in Vermont. This particular wood has been beautifully carved and perforated by tiny worms that create an amazing sponge-like pattern of holes, nooks and crannies within the material, creating beautiful bore patterns along and through the surface. The bar itself is a full log, hand peeled and carved to reveal the rich patterns of wormholes within. Used as a veneer, the material is backlit creating a porous, luminous skin for the host stand. The bathrooms are conceived as sculptural pods, which respond to the ever-present bathroom line and recognize it as a significant social space in the lounge experience. The finish surface of the pod experiments in plaster texturing that resemble “goose bumps” and are pleasing to touch.

The Diva Lounge project puts forth an architecture that makes observations about—and simultaneously creates opportunities for—casual social interactions. There are also opportunities for distraction and play, the benches allow for loungers to rub shoulders while tables have curious nipples. The space attempts to flirt with its users and in so doing amplifies the essence of a lounge experience.