The client wished to refurbish one of Singapore’s iconic establishments – a place of great sentimental value to them. Instead of a complete overhaul of this dramatic lobby bar, HASSELL worked with the client on a more evolutionary approach to the refurbishment, adhering to the vision of the property’s developer, CS Hwang, and faithfully restoring the original design by James Adams Design. It was approached as both an intervention and conservation project with contemporary enhancements, seeking to turn ATLAS into one of the world’s most memorable drinking and dining venues.

HASSELL respected the richly detailed and elaborate space – reminiscent of 1920s New York – with a layered design that references the geometry, gilded brass work and frescos throughout the development. The venue’s signature three-storey liquor cabinet was turned into a dramatic new home for the world’s largest gin collection.

ATLAS offers an all-day dining experience, so the design needed to work from morning until night. To create a sense of arrival, the entrance point was simplified and a ‘statement’ desk was introduced with a dramatic gold stainless steel screen that frames the entry and creates a sense of warmth. The bar’s spatial planning was also changed to create intimate seating zones and allow for a wide range of configurations without compromising the daily experience for guests. This also increased seating capacity, maximised floor space and improved circulation.

The client has said that the outcome is a faithful restoration, but ‘elevated’. Re-energised and refreshed, this project was all about the details and working with the original intention. For example, all the furniture in the refurbishment was custom-designed to balance contemporary style with decorative period touches, and the colour palette and materials were inspired by the original design scheme. The result is a venue that is already much loved on the Singapore scene and a ‘must visit’ destination for travellers.

Photography: E.K. Yap