Somewhere Galleria Mall

A ceramic cactus garden of desert-inspired elegance

Location Abu Dhabi, UAE
Client Verhaal
Sector Restaurant
Year 2023

Crafted a stunning ceramic cactus garden, infusing the space with desert-inspired elegance. Each piece was individually shaped and glazed to create an indoor botanical experience that celebrates the beauty of arid landscapes.

The Brief

The Galleria Mall location needed a statement piece that would differentiate it from other Somewhere outlets while maintaining brand consistency. The concept of bringing the desert indoors - through art rather than live plants - offered a low-maintenance yet visually rich solution.

The cactus garden needed to feel both playful and refined, appealing to the family-friendly mall environment while maintaining the brand's design-forward identity.

Ceramic cactus garden overview

Our Approach

We researched dozens of cactus and succulent species native to the Arabian Peninsula and broader desert regions, translating their distinctive forms into ceramic sculptures. Each piece was designed to be recognisable yet artistically interpreted - botanical accuracy with a creative edge.

The colour palette was kept deliberately restrained, allowing the sculptural forms to take centre stage while harmonising with the restaurant's broader interior scheme.

Ceramic cactus design process
Ceramic cactus garden installation

The ceramic cactus garden at Somewhere Galleria Mall

The Craft

The installation comprised:

  • Individually hand-sculpted ceramic cactus forms in varying scales
  • Custom glaze development to achieve naturalistic desert tones
  • Bespoke planters and display structures
  • Integrated lighting to highlight texture and form
  • Durable construction suitable for a high-traffic restaurant environment

Every ceramic piece was fired at high temperature to ensure durability, with glazes tested for consistency and resistance to the environmental conditions of a busy restaurant.

Ceramic cactus detail

The Impact

The ceramic cactus garden became an Instagram-worthy focal point, with guests frequently photographing and sharing the installation. It brought a distinctive identity to the Galleria Mall location while reinforcing the Somewhere brand's commitment to thoughtful, artful design.

Project Details

  • Ceramics: High-fired stoneware, individually hand-sculpted
  • Glazes: Custom-developed desert-toned finishes
  • Display: Bespoke planters with integrated lighting
  • Finishing: Sealed for durability in hospitality environments
  • Concept & Design: 3 weeks
  • Sculpting & Firing: 5 weeks
  • Glazing & Finishing: 2 weeks
  • Shipping & Installation: 2 weeks

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