Agora, located in the Edition Hotel in Downtown Dubai, is a unique cocktail bar and social club that combines refinement and comfort. Agora, designed by 4SPACE, is inspired by ancient Greek gathering places and marketplaces. It combines elements of the Gatsby era with ancient Greece, resulting in a significant shift. The goal was to create a setting that exudes depth, richness, and tranquillity, while staying warm and inviting.

Its concept seamlessly integrates two sources of inspiration: the extravagant world of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” and the classical elegance of ancient Greek architecture. It provides a luxurious getaway from daily life, offering a unique sensory experience. Agora’s interior design focusses on both aesthetics and comfort. The handmade furniture ensures maximum comfort for the guests.

Firas Alsahin, Co-founder and Design Director of 4SPACE says: “In crafting Agora, I led a design process driven by a passion for historical opulence and meticulous attention to detail. Each design detail, from the intricate gold-leaf overlay on the wooden walls to the bespoke furniture and carefully curated colour palette, reflects a commitment to creating a space that transcends expectations. Agora is a testament to a design journey that seamlessly weaves together the grandeur of the Gatsby era with the classical beauty of ancient Greece.”

Firas further explains his vision for transforming the space from ordinary to extraordinary: “The design process unfolded by carefully exploring the Gatsby era and ancient Greek architecture, translating these inspirations into meticulously crafted design details. From the copper-adorned bar counter to the bespoke furniture and the captivating bead curtain, every element serves a purpose in creating a sensory experience. Agora’s design is not just a visual spectacle; it’s a journey that invites patrons to immerse themselves in a space where historical elegance meets contemporary luxury.”

Every project has its unique set of challenges; in this case, the difficulty was preserving the original wooden ceiling while introducing new aesthetic elements in the form of LED-illuminated wallpaper squares. The addition of a captivating bead curtain gave the room more depth and personality.

The ceiling features intriguing wallpaper cladding, giving the space a contemporary and creative feel. The black marble mosaic floor adds timeless beauty to the dark colour scheme while maintaining a sense of grandeur.  The beautiful bead curtain hanging from the ceiling is Agora’s most prominent feature. The precisely organised and suspended beads provide a dynamic visual centrepiece that adds intrigue and movement to the room, inviting clients to interact with the design on a sensory level.

Every design element tells a story, be it the colour palette which is carefully chosen to create a luxurious and timeless atmosphere. The design features forest green fabrics for mystery and richness, copper accents for warmth and elegance, and Indian green marble tabletops for eternal grandeur.

The Agora features bespoke pendant lights that create a welcoming atmosphere for relaxing and socialising. The space is defined by its exceptional use of custom-made furniture, including cylindrical chairs and elegant bar chairs. These pieces provide sophistication and luxury without being overly ostentatious. In the outdoor area, Agora introduces delicate curtain beads to infuse playfulness and intrigue. Suspended pampas grass arrangements from the open-air ceiling add texture, softness, and a soothing ambience to the outdoor space.