Prague, 27 November 2023 – Marking its 100th anniversary, the renowned La Mamounia hotel, situated opposite the Kutubiyya Mosque in Marrakesh, has revealed newly refurbished interiors this October. Lasvit, known for bespoke lighting installations, created three hand-made lighting pieces for this legendary location.
Collaborating with French design studio Jouin Manku, these new installations are a tribute to Moroccan tradition with a touch of global sophistication. An impressive near-nine-meter-long chandelier dominates the lobby, while light installations reminiscent of tapestries enhance Bar Majorelle, bathing La Mamounia in a refined glow.
A Grand Berber Tribute in the Lobby
The lobby of La Mamounia sets a majestic scene. The vision of Jouin Manku was brought to life with “Le Chandelier du Centenaire,” a striking lighting installation suspended less than a meter above the ground at the lobby’s heart. With its intricate design, this chandelier honors the art, traditions, and especially the Berber women of Morocco, drawing inspiration from traditional Berber necklaces.
The installation resembles two intertwined necklaces and incorporates an extensive 300 meters of electrified cables braided in red strings —a color of profound significance to the Berber community.
The glass elements, evoking the beads on these strands, are individually hand-blown and hand-shaped in Lasvit’s Czech glassworks. The installation comprises 3000 of such pieces in three sizes and eight distinct finishes. Some glass elements are braided in red to echo a traditional necklace, while others use silver to accentuate the crystal sparkle.
Central to the chandelier are braided red cords adorned with authentic Berber silver pendants crafted by Moroccan artisans to underscore the cultural significance of the piece. The chandelier is connected to two lighting circuits, allowing a combination of lighting effects to highlight its intricate details.
Entering La Mamounia’s hall, guests are immediately drawn to this design piece, a testament to Lasvit’s detailed craftsmanship and Jouin Manku’s commitment to storytelling through design.
Bar Majorelle: A Tapestry of Light and Oriental Tribute
A trail of light in the newly refurbished hotel guides guests to Bar Majorelle, named in honor of Jacques Majorelle, the renowned French painter and Marrakech enthusiast, who contributed to the hotel’s expansion in the mid-1940s.
Here, Lasvit and Jouin Manku have installed two lighting features. The first acts as a distinctive wall light: hand-blown glass petals in rich gold and sage green are set between a mirrored backdrop and engraved glass, creating an effect akin to a luminous tapestry. Once lit, these installations cast a captivating golden light, altering the bar’s atmosphere.
The installation placed on the bar brings a modern edge by using prisms – triangular glass segments designed to disperse light into a spectrum. This installation offers a visual complement to a delicious selection of Mediterranean cocktails that are served here.
The latest collaboration between Lasvit and Jouin Manku continues a partnership that began a while ago. Previously, they had jointly reimagined spaces within La Mamounia in 2020, including the Tea Room and the Italian restaurant.
Their work has also spanned multiple renowned sites, from Alain Ducasse’s restaurant in the Morpheus building in Macau (2018) to the private Mayfair Residences in London (2017), enhancing each with a signature blend of elegance and contemporary design.
ABOUT LASVIT
Lasvit is a design house specialized in creating daring spacial and light experiences. Founded by Leon Jakimič, Lasvit is an industry leader in both taste and ideas, with a boundless optimism and hunger for making art and design through fusing the traditional with the modern.
A progressive spacial concept company schooled in the long traditions of Bohemian glassmaking, Lasvit is a hub of uniquely creative art, design and production talent that creates breathtaking bespoke installations exhibited the world over, stunning glass lighting and glassware collections, as well as artisanal glass for architecture.
Lasvit’s unformulaic and bold approach has captivated the global design industry, winning some of the world’s most respected design awards.
Over the years, Lasvit has attracted renowned designers and artists who wish to express themselves through glass. Working together with such influential voices as The Campana Brothers, Kengo Kuma, Yabu Pushelberg, David Rockwell, Nendo and Ross Lovegrove, Lasvit has used their uninhibited artistry and unparalleled craft to help their partners realize the most unforgettable glass collections.
Lasvit is dedicated to a singular mission: To “Lift everyone” by creating breathtaking and sublime spacial experiences that touch the soul of all who look upon them.