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In the heart of London’s exclusive St. James’s district, inside the historic Waterloo Place building, Claro emerges — a restaurant that blends Eastern Mediterranean cuisine, contemporary interior design, and the architectural grandeur preserved from the era when the space once served as a bank.
Within this atmosphere, where high ceilings, decorative stucco detailing, and an antique metal staircase carry the spirit of the past, the DLSM studio introduces a new aesthetic of modern luxury. At the center of their concept stands Array — a lighting installation designed by Umut Yamac, bringing a sense of understated grandeur and an almost poetic ambiance to Claro.
The restaurant is divided into multiple zones, but it is the double-height main dining hall that becomes the stage for an entirely new understanding of light. The original architectural elements have been carefully preserved, while modern materials and warm textures have been introduced to create harmony between old and new. Chef Raya Shmueli’s cuisine further elevates the sensual character of the space — every detail, from materials to lighting, has been crafted to enhance the dining experience.
Upon entering, guests naturally lift their gaze upward, towards the three monumental Array lighting pieces floating above the center of the hall. Their proportions converse with the space, calming it while giving it rhythm. These aluminum rings, connected by delicate strands, appear to pulse as the light gently refracts between reflections, shadows, and transparent fibers. The effect is soothing, enveloping, and visually unifying — as if light itself behaves like an architectural material, not merely a functional component.
Array is designed to combine uplight and downlight, creating a dual dynamic: the illumination diffuses upward, highlighting the original contours of the ceiling, while simultaneously falling softly onto the tables, forming intimate micro-environments for each guest. Thanks to handcrafted elements and high adaptability, the installation fits seamlessly into the double-height space, emphasizing its verticality without overwhelming its volume.
The cylindrical forms, aligned with the arched windows and gentle curves of the interior, amplify the sense of harmony. Neutral and warm lighting tones contrast with contemporary materials such as wood, leather, and steel, while the historical details of the building act as the backdrop to a modern scenography. The result is an interior that radiates timelessness: elegant, quiet, yet powerfully present.
Thus, Claro becomes a place where tradition and modernity do not compete but complement one another — where refined cuisine, elevated aesthetics, and light-based artistry merge into a single fluid experience. Thanks to Array, the space gains an emotional dimension: the installation not only illuminates but shapes the atmosphere, influences the rhythm of the visit, and makes the space feel like a living, breathing whole.
This project once again confirms Vibia’s design philosophy: light is not merely a function, but a fundamental component of architecture, mood, and human experience. In Claro, light becomes a narrative — a story of a space that has always existed, but one that now truly shines for the first time.
