Offering an unexpected perspective on Portland’s urban cityscape, including a bird’s-eye view of bridges and distant mountain peaks, Departure Restaurant & Lounge opened on the 15th floor of the luxury hotel, the Nines. This 12,000 SF innovative bistro features a modern-Asian cuisine, as well as a roof top outside seating area with breathtaking views of the city. With a design theme that settles in somewhere between a spaceship and a cruise liner, few plumb surfaces and nearly no straight walls, the project presented itself as a marvelous challenge.
A pair of large skylight atrium assemblies and a magical east-facing window to work with, creates a combination of natural light and creative interior lighting, offering an ever-changing display on the various natural and not-so-natural finishes. The midsection is anchored by a unique bar assembly that provides the centerpiece for the dining areas. The sea-going theme is anchored by ample teak flooring and trims while being highlighted with nautical charts and murals. As the light changes throughout the day and night, so does the focus and the attraction within the design.
