Reimagining Staff Dining Through Landscape-Inspired Design
When Marjan Hospitality approached DZ Design to develop a new staff dining facility in Ras Al Khaimah, the objective went beyond functionality. The space needed to serve 500 people efficiently while creating an environment that feels welcoming, energising and aligned with the region’s identity.
Staff dining areas are often overlooked. Yet in hospitality, they are the backbone of operations. They support the people who deliver guest experiences every day.
This project was about designing a space that respects that role.
The Concept: Flora
The design concept, titled Flora, draws inspiration from the diverse landscape of Ras Al Khaimah. From desert roses and sand dunes to rugged mountains and coastal horizons, the region’s natural beauty informed the entire interior language.
The idea was to translate these natural references into colour, form and material. Soft organic shapes appear in ceiling features and suspended elements. Layered textures echo desert formations. The palette reflects earthy reds, warm sand tones, muted greens and soft neutrals.
Colour plays an important role in dining spaces. It influences mood, appetite and energy levels. In this project, tones were selected to create balance — lively enough to stimulate conversation, calm enough to encourage comfort.
Designing for 500 Seats
A key challenge was scale. The general layout accommodates a total seat capacity of 500, with a mix of booth seating, 2-seaters, 4-seaters, 8-seaters, 12-seaters and lounge areas. Clear circulation routes were integrated to maintain efficient movement, including 1m and 2m passages around the main service area. Entry and exit points were carefully planned to avoid congestion during peak hours.
The seating strategy allows flexibility. Smaller tables support individual staff or small groups. Larger communal tables encourage interaction. Booth seating adds comfort and a sense of privacy within an open plan environment.
Zoning through planting elements and low partitions subtly defines areas without closing off the space.
Materiality and Atmosphere
Material selection focused on durability and warmth. The finishes include porcelain floor tiles from RAK Ceramics, timber accents, textured wall coverings and felt acoustic ceiling systems from Armstrong. Acoustic control was essential in a high-capacity dining hall, and suspended ceiling features help absorb sound while adding visual interest.
Furniture selections from Pedrali introduce colour and movement through varied seating forms. Lounge seating by Minotti enhances comfort in designated relaxation areas.
Greenery is integrated throughout, softening the industrial ceiling grid and reinforcing the Flora concept.
Large ceiling features inspired by petals and organic forms add character while improving spatial identity.
The Café As a Secondary Experience
On the first floor, a smaller café concept introduces an industrial design languageThis space combines wood, metal, concrete textures and exposed ceiling elements. The industrial aesthetic is softened with warm timber flooring, brick accents and hanging greenery.
The café accommodates indoor and outdoor seating, with a total of 32 seats. It provides a quieter setting for informal meetings or breaks, complementing the main dining hall.
A People-Focused Hospitality Space
The Marjan Hospitality staff dining facility demonstrates that staff spaces deserve the same design attention as guest areas. Thoughtful layout planning, colour psychology, acoustic control and material refinement work together to create an environment that supports well-being and efficiency.