Location: Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, Dubai
Client: SHI Hospitality Group
Design by: 4SPACE
MEI – An Architectural Story of Duality
Nestled along the serene waterfront of Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, MEI is a contemporary Asian restaurant and bar that transcends traditional hospitality design. Crafted by 4SPACE for SHI Hospitality Group, MEI is more than a venue — it is an architectural and cultural narrative brought to life, merging Chinese and Japanese influences through a meticulously curated spatial journey.
A Dialogue of Cultures
Named Měi — meaning “beautiful” in Mandarin — the design concept embodies duality and balance. From pitched roofs recalling Chinese pagodas to origami-inspired ceiling structures evoking Japanese minimalism, the space is conceived as a living artwork. The signature element, a sculptural pitched-roof pavilion enclosing the central bar, anchors the experience and acts as a symbolic bridge between tradition and innovation.
Designed for Transformation
MEI was envisioned as a space in motion — effortlessly shifting from serene daylight dining to immersive evening lounge. Vertical timber screens introduce rhythm and semi-permeable privacy, while lighting subtly transitions from natural warmth to moody intimacy. As night falls, the bar glows like a lantern, DJs set the mood, and the venue evolves into an upscale, ambient social setting.
Architectural Language & Material Story
Central Pavilion: A “house within a house” concept, reinterpreted with sculptural clarity, serving as MEI’s cultural and visual centerpiece.
Origami Ceiling: A suspended folded installation, both delicate and commanding, that catches light and casts layered shadows across the space.
Material Palette: Pale timber, brushed brass, and muted vermilion accents — combining calm neutrality with refined symbolism.
Craftsmanship: Bespoke joinery, CNC-cut ceiling panels, and detailed lighting work together to achieve both precision and poetry.
Symbolism in the Details
Crane-inspired motifs — emblems of grace, longevity, and transformation — appear in murals and ceiling patterns, echoing MEI’s core themes. Each design gesture, from the soft layering of textures to the rhythm of slatted wood partitions, is intentional. It’s a space where visual storytelling meets cultural homage without cliché — sophisticated, restrained, and deeply atmospheric.
A New Landmark in Dubai’s Design Scene
MEI is a bold architectural statement and a carefully orchestrated hospitality experience. It is not merely inspired by tradition — it continues it. A destination that welcomes guests into a world where form meets feeling, where East Asian symbolism is elevated through contemporary spatial expression, and where every visit unfolds a new chapter in its evolving narrative.