Faena New York

Building on the iconic visual language first established at the Faena Hotel in Miami, L’Observatoire International proudly continues its longstanding creative partnership with the Faena Group at Faena New York. Located in the East Tower of The XI complex—between the High Line and the Hudson River—this new chapter channels Alan Faena’s unmistakable warmth and cinematic sensibility through light.

From the moment guests arrive, lighting becomes the emotional thread weaving together architecture, art, and storytelling. Echoing the magic of Faena Miami, where drama and poetry are ever-present, the New York design embraces a similarly immersive, theatrical approach—meticulously layered, yet intuitively human.

Guests enter through a cathedral-like space anchored by a monumental mural, dramatically revealed by concealed gallery-style wall washers. These hidden sources silhouette the sweeping stair and envelop the mural in a chiaroscuro glow, setting the stage for a grand, almost dreamlike arrival. The lighting is not merely functional—it performs, inviting guests into Faena’s world with a sense of mystery and reverence.

At the Supper Club, the design reaches an emotional peak. L’Observatoire was deeply honored to collaborate with the late artist Alberto Garruti on one of his final pieces, Storms—an evocative, large-scale work that resonates with Faena Miami’s celebrated “Living Room” previous collaboration installation. Here, the lighting serves not just to highlight, but to harmonize. Subtle grazers animate Jorge Lizarazo’s intricate threaded curtains, catching each reflective strand with shimmering precision, bringing depth and movement to the space. Custom table lamps—intimate and warm—lower the scale and offer a refined, residential character to the experience, softening the grandeur with human touch.

Those venturing to the second floor are met with a rich, reflective red and golden palette. The main bar glows from within: integrated millwork lighting reveals gold-leaf petals, while accent light softly grazes the banquettes and custom back wall featuring a mirrored artwork by Juan Gatti. This is not just a bar—it’s a golden stage, where every detail sparkles in perfect harmony.

In the adjacent Living Room, rhythm and texture define the lighting design. Matching decorative pendants, designed in-house by L’Observatoire International, hang like glowing amber jewels. Their textured glass adds warmth and tactility, while indirect coves and softly balanced perimeter lighting temper the daylight, ensuring a seamless transition from afternoon sunlight to evening intimacy. The result is a layered, emotionally resonant environment that remains grounded and human—just as it does in Faena Miami.

Throughout the hotel, dynamic daylight-to-nighttime scenes shift automatically, ensuring that each moment—from golden hour cocktails to midnight conversations—feels both cinematic and personal. This is not just lighting. It’s storytelling through light. It’s Alan Faena’s universe—transported from Miami to Manhattan—and told in luminance, shadow, reflection, and glow.