Wayfarer | Café
Ritz-Carlton, DIFC, Dubai, UAE | 2024 | 400 sq.m
Architects: Ruben Movsisian, Yulia Tsuglenok, Ruslan Maikov, Daniil Savinskiy, Artem Lebedev, Tatyana Kurochkina
Photography: Oculis Project
Wayfarer is a versatile space designed for those temporarily away from home. The project creates an atmosphere of warmth, calm, and belonging — a place where every traveler can find comfort and a sense of shared experience.
axonometry
In a city saturated with cafés, restaurants, and clubs, there is often a lack of places that balance simplicity and quality while remaining accessible to all. Wayfarer offers exactly that — a space suited for everything from business meetings to moments of quiet rest.
plan ↓
↑ sketch
The name Wayfarer reflects the idea that we are all travelers on different paths, united by a common journey. The interior captures this metaphor: the experience begins in the take-away zone, where guests can make their first stop with a croissant or choux bun and a cup of coffee — a symbolic first step in a broader journey.
warm outdoor-style lighting ↓
↑ a terrace-like seating area
The elongated, rectangular layout is divided into zones aligned along a central axis. To the left of the entrance, a terrace-like seating area by the windows invites guests to pause. Further inside, warm outdoor-style lighting mimics natural daylight.
The main seating area surrounding the tree transitions into a corridor leading to the restrooms, where tall columns and lighting effects evoke a sense of depth and a forest-like atmosphere. At the heart of the space stands a central tree, representing clarity and purpose. Visitors continue along window-side seating designed for relaxed conversation and reflection.
↓ wc
Materials were carefully selected to emphasize the theme of the journey: hand-applied grey plaster symbolizes the imperfections of each step. Light wood in the seating area adds a sense of warmth, while darker wood defines the space for longer conversations. The take-away zone is styled in rich brown tones, highlighting the brief nature of the stop.
The interior emphasizes orthostatic design through guiding lines formed by glowing metal tubes. Beginning at the bar, these illuminated paths lead visitors toward the central tree and beyond, symbolizing movement and discovery
Wayfarer is a space where anyone can find both a brief pause and a chance for meaningful conversation with a new friend or partner.
process ↓
↓ project team
