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Odette

For the Singapore National Art Gallery’s restaurant Universal Design Studio choose a soft colour palette of natural timber, pink terrazzo marble, with nickel and brass accents.

Odette, named as a tribute to chef Julien Royer’s grandmother, was designed by Universal Design Studio in the newly refurbished Singapore National Art Gallery as an art piece in itself, an extension of the collection housed in the historic building.

The design of the space was approached with a mind to honouring the integrity of Royer’s dishes: delicate, refined and elegant. This celebration of craft is demonstrated through the use of natural, raw elements presented in a soft colour palette of natural timber, pink terrazzo marble, with nickel and brass accents.

The use of natural light and a bright palette offers a welcome departure from more traditional fine dining restaurants where darker, heavier tones are often found. Universal Design Studio sought to achieve these refreshing objectives all while respecting the historic and iconic location within the National Gallery – a Colonial Era, Classical building, formerly the Supreme Court House of Singapore.

The gallery’s original Corinthian columns are referenced with faceted columns in the dining room, as is the striking floor of the gallery lobby, through the use of Palladiana marble in the restaurant. A key feature central to the dining experience is the glass-encased kitchen, where diners have the opportunity to witness the chefs at work. Universal Design Studio has also collaborated with Singaporean artist Dawn Ng to create a mobile centerpiece for the restaurant.