Mamani

The brief for Mamani was to create an immersive, high-quality audio environment that enhances the dining experience without drawing attention to itself. Client Brandon Cohanim emphasized that sound should feel natural and refined, supporting the atmosphere rather than competing with it.

As a Michelin-starred restaurant, every element of the space is designed to elevate the culinary experience, making discretion essential. The system needed to deliver consistent, intelligible sound across all areas while preserving conversation and seamlessly integrating into the architecture and interior design.

At Mamani, audio was designed as part of the overall guest experience, supporting the atmosphere without drawing attention away from dining or conversation. The objective was to create a consistent, high-quality sound environment that feels natural across all areas of the venue.

A fully distributed 1 SOUND system was developed using Auralis audio mapping software to model coverage within a challenging acoustic environment, including curved ceilings and reflective Venetian plaster surfaces. This informed precise loudspeaker placement and aiming, resulting in even coverage and clear intelligibility throughout the dining room, bar, and patio.

The system was delivered in close collaboration with the interior designer and trades, allowing all elements to be fully integrated into the architecture. Cannon Series loudspeakers (C4i, C5i, C6i) were selected for their performance and compact form factor, then custom-finished to match surrounding materials so they remain visually unobtrusive.

Low-frequency reinforcement is handled through a distributed subwoofer approach using SUB28 and FSUB45 enclosures, integrated into banquettes and planters. This provides balanced low-end support without localized buildup or physical disturbance to guests.

Powersoft amplification and a Biamp DSP platform provide system control, zoning, and tuning. Commissioning focused on achieving tonal consistency and smooth transitions between spaces as the venue evolves throughout the day.

The result is a cohesive, well-controlled sound environment that enhances the space while remaining largely unnoticed—aligning with the expectations of a Michelin-starred dining experience.

The primary challenges on this project stemmed from strict design constraints and the expectation that all audiovisual elements would be fully integrated into a highly refined interior. Bespoke worked closely with the interior designers and 1 SOUND, with nearly two months spent refining finishes and color matching to ensure all visible components aligned seamlessly with the architectural vision.

Loudspeaker placement required careful compromise, as ideal acoustic positions were often adjusted to meet design priorities. This necessitated ongoing revisions to system modeling, aiming, and tuning to maintain consistent coverage and intelligibility throughout a complex, reflective environment.

On the patio, planned subwoofer integration within banquettes became unfeasible after final millwork installation. In response, custom planter spike brackets were designed and fabricated, allowing subwoofers to remain concealed while preserving performance.

Inside, integrating SUB28 enclosures within the banquettes required additional coordination with millworkers. Rather than relocating subwoofers to easier but less effective positions, Bespoke worked directly with the trades—investing additional time and resources on-site—to ensure the original design intent was achieved without compromising acoustic performance or aesthetics.

These challenges required a high level of coordination, adaptability, and hands-on problem solving, ultimately resulting in a system that meets both the acoustic and architectural expectations of the project.

Mamani should win a MONDO-DR Award because it demonstrates what is possible when audiovisual design is executed without compromise. In a venue that achieved a Michelin star within two months of opening, every detail was required to perform flawlessly from day one—there was no margin for error.

Bespoke approached the project with complete ownership of that outcome. Rather than adapting expectations to suit constraints, the team continually pushed the process forward—working closely with designers and trades, revisiting decisions, and investing additional time and resources where necessary to ensure the final result met the original vision. Compromises that would have impacted performance or aesthetics were not accepted.

This level of discipline is reflected in the finished system: acoustically precise, visually invisible, and operationally seamless across all areas of the venue. The technology does not call attention to itself, yet it plays a critical role in shaping the atmosphere and supporting the overall dining experience.

What sets Mamani apart is not just the quality of the system, but the intent behind it. It represents a standard of execution where the integrator is fully accountable for the result, aligning with a client and team equally committed to excellence. The outcome is a project that elevates the role of audio in hospitality and sets a benchmark for what can be achieved through uncompromising delivery.