Project Spotlight: Sordo Madaleno's Ling Ling

The IIDA Latin America Design Awards (LADA) have been helping shape the interior design landscape with inspiring ideas and new experiments in creativity for a decade. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the 2023 IIDA LADA recognizes eight spectacular interior design projects spanning across Latin America and the Caribbean. Each one exemplifies superior craftsmanship and exceptional innovation in the built environment, elevating our way of living.

It is with great pleasure that we proudly unveil this year’s Best of Competition award for the 2023 IIDA LADA: join us as we celebrate Mexico City-based interdisciplinary architecture and design firm, Sordo Madaleno, and their submission, Ling Ling, an exceptionally designed project that provides an extraordinary hospitality experience. Scroll through the gallery below:

Ling Ling 1 — Geometric and metallic materials and lush greenery contribute to the contemporary take on a historic Mexican courtyard design. Photos by LGM Studio

Ling Ling 2 — The glass atrium provides a 270° panoramic view of Mexico City that stuns at sunset which inspired the entrance to the space. Photos by LGM Studio

Ling Ling 4 — The vaulted wood structure, soft lighting, and custom furniture blend into the space creating a serene space high over the city. Photos by LGM Studio

Ling Ling 3 — The terrace serves as the project's heart offering an unrivaled view. Photos by LGM Studio

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Situated on the 56th floor with panoramic views of Mexico City, this Asian-Mexican fusion restaurant brims with vibrancy, lush greenery, abundant light, and a wide array of textures. The interior design reflects the grandeur of traditional Mexican courtyards and terraces—a challenging concept to replicate atop a corporate skyscraper. But Ling Ling masterfully interweaves organic, geometric, smooth, speckled, and metallic elements to create a captivating setting that guides the guest experience with a dynamic yet serene ambiance. The terrace, the project's vibrant heart, surprises with a 270° city view from its glass atrium, while the interior dining room enchants with its vaulted wood structure, soft lighting, and custom furniture. Immersing its guests in a contemporary interpretation of historic Mexican courtyard design, Ling Ling's interior design creates an enthralling, otherworldly experience. It looks back to a rich cultural heritage while intriguingly blending in a fun yet refined use of modern materiality.

Hear more about the 2023 IIDA Latin America Design Awards, Best of Competition, Sordo Madaleno and Ling Ling from Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA, executive vice president and CEO at IIDA in the video below: