Dubai Hotel Artwork - Laser-Cut Map in Black & Gold

Dubai Hotel Artwork - Laser-Cut Map in Black & Gold

Product Designer: Hubert Roguski

Client: The Lana, Dorchester CollectionArchitecture: Foster + PartnersLocation: DubaiSize: 140 × 90 cmTechnique: Laser-cut, layered plywood, 24k gold leaf

Overview

This project is a custom wall artwork created for the lobby of The Lana, Dorchester Collection hotel in Dubai.

The goal was simple:to create a map that works as architecture, not decoration.

Something calm, precise, and elegant, but also visually engaging when seen up close or in motion.

Idea

Instead of treating the map as pure information, we treated it as a visual object.

The artwork is designed to change depending on where you stand.As people walk through the lobby, the map slowly shifts in appearance,  from dark and graphic to bright and golden.

Movement and perspective are part of the design.

Design

The piece is built from multiple layers.

The key element is the middle layer:a dense grid of small square shapes cut from black material.

From the front, gold details underneath remain visible

From the side, the black layer visually dominates

Light and angle decide what you see

This creates a quiet, constantly changing effect, subtle, not loud.

Color & Material

The black and gold palette was chosen to match the hotel’s interior language.

Black adds structure and depth

Gold reflects light and brings warmth

Together they create a timeless, architectural feel

All elements were laser-cut for precision and then hand-finished.

Each layer was carefully sanded by hand to achieve a smooth surface.Water areas were painted using Japanese liquid ink, applied in several layers to achieve a deep, uniform black.

Edges were painted as well, so the piece reads as one solid object.A clear protective lacquer was applied to seal and protect the artwork.

Result

The final piece is not meant to dominate the space.

It works as a quiet focal point, something guests notice gradually, especially as they move around it.

A familiar object (a map), turned into a slow, visual experience.

More

Making of video: https://youtu.be/0zR51ETOIXM