Trading Cultures
The Blue Cigar Lounge, Raffles Doha, Katara Towers Lusail
Building the Concept: Traders of Culture
In crafting the narrative that we wanted to convey through our art selection for the Katara Towers, we delved deep into the region's history and culture. Throughout our research, we discovered a striking aspect of Qatari identity—one that predates the modern state: a profound openness to diverse influences. Dating back to ancient times, the Qatari people exhibited a remarkable hospitality towards travellers along the Silk Road, welcoming caravans of merchants journeying between Asia and Europe.
Rather than fortifying themselves against external influences, they embraced their exposure to new influences, enriching their own craftsmanship, cultural traditions, and storytelling. This ethos of welcoming cultural exchange stands in stark contrast to the insularity that characterized many other ancient societies that shielded themselves from outside influences to maintain their culture. Thus, we termed the concept for the Katara collection ‘Traders of Culture.’
The Writer’s Bar
An essential hallmark of any Raffles hotel is the presence of a distinguished writer's bar—a tradition that originated at the iconic Raffles hotel in Singapore and has been maintained in every Raffles hotel since. Our vision for the Raffles Doha writer's bar was to elevate the content to merit its name. But what defines a writer's bar? To us, it's a sanctuary where writers find inspiration to pen their next masterpiece, and where book lovers find solace in the company of great literature.
The intended space for the writer’s bar was already outfitted with decorative shelving adorning every wall—the perfect opportunity to create a library of classics to include world’s literary treasures in a myriad of languages. This library would breathe life into the concept of cultural exchange, embodying the spirit of 'Traders of Culture.'
Sourcing the Book Collection
We sought to infuse our library with books that had already sparked inspiration for their previous readers. Each book would bear the marks of its life—a dedication, dog-eared pages, or thoughtful notes in the margins by previous readers. These books were intended not to be mere relics to be shelved and admired; they were to be living documents meant to be cherished, used, and even stained with the memories of spilled wine, becoming an integral part of their own unique narrative. Our vision was for these books to age gracefully with the hotel, becoming inseparable from the very essence of the space they inhabited.
Charged with the monumental task of sourcing a collection of 7,000 previously used books to fill the vast space within a single year, we tirelessly searched for the right books from specialized dealers, libraries parting with their cherished collections, individuals selling family collections and the remaining one by one.
Elevating the collection, we selected several rare books, with notable highlights including an 18th century Robinson Crusoe; an early 18th century Iliad and Odyssey; A large, beautiful, Limited Artists Illustrated Edition of Moby Dick with an introduction signed and numbered by Jacques-Yves Cousteau, and signed drawings by LeRoy Nieman; another deluxe Limited Signed Edition of Moby Dick illustrated by Jim Salvati; and a first edition of Treasure Island.
Yet unbeknownst to the casual observer lies a hidden gem within our library—a bookcase that is a secret door leading to a small, secluded chamber known as "The Secret Library." Within its walls reside 1,000 espionage and detective novels, including 135 first editions. With seating for only four, it offers the ideal sanctuary for solitary reading or discreet meetings, shrouded in an air of mystery and intrigue.
Developing an Experience
As the project was underway, the writer’s bar space also became home to the "Blue Cigar Lounge," a dynamic venue for dining and leisure. This expansion presented an opportunity for us to transform our collection into a fully immersive experience, offering guests memory anchors to carry with them long after their departure.
We conceptualized an array of interactive experiences designed to complement the lounge's ambiance, enriching guests' enjoyment of both literature and the lounge’s delights. Now, patrons could indulge in food and beverages while perusing the shelves, with the option to have a book delivered to their table, or even via room service for enjoyment anywhere in the hotel. Even rare volumes would be made available, presented on a tray alongside white gloves and a magnifying glass. Should a particular rare copy pique a guest's interest, they could request another less-rare copy for enjoyment at their leisure. Thus, the Blue Cigar Lounge became a singular destination where one could literally order culture.
To further highlight the exciting collection in the Blue Cigar Lounge, we collaborated with the hotel's mixologists and chefs to craft signature cocktails and dishes inspired by the literary works and their authors. These creations became focal points for engaging cultural experiences, such as the "Hemingway Hour," featuring the legendary daiquiri drank nightly by the famed author in a Havana tavern, accompanied by a selection of curated Cuban cuisine and cigars.
The collection would also become the entertainment. At a designated time, an actress dressed as Scheherazade from A Thousand and One Nights would captivate audiences with a live reading from the timeless classic. The lounge staff embraced the concept, initiating impromptu readings for guests, fostering an environment of shared cultural exchange and storytelling.