Excerpt: In Chido Santa Engracia, a restaurant designed by MOCA Estudio, their intervention includes insertion of an organizational system based on the concatenation of spaces. The restaurant is segmented into 5 consecutive atmospheres, alternating two types of volumes with distinctive qualities. The first type of space is compressed. The maximum impact is achieved by using 10×10 tiling and sets of mirrors that dilute the limits of the rooms.
Project Description
[Text as submitted by architect] Chido restaurant is located in Madrid, in the Chamberí neighborhood. The project is developed in a 300m2 venue, with 180 m2 on the ground floor of a protected building from 1925. This level is developed on a longitudinal axis that creates a path through the project.
Concatenation of spaces
The intervention inserts an organizational system based on the concatenation of spaces. The restaurant is segmented into 5 consecutive atmospheres, alternating two types of volumes with distinctive qualities. The first type of space is compressed. The maximum impact is achieved by using 10×10 tiling and sets of mirrors that dilute the limits of the rooms.
The second type is expanded. These salons are covered with cement resins and cutouts on top to reveal a black technical ceiling that enhances contrast. The transitions between them originate from passages. These intersections are characterized by their curved lines and rough texture.
Qualification by contrast
Continuity between the spaces is highlighted by constant +2,50 elevation. Above and below that limit, there is a connection between the upper and lower parts by the opposition. On the longitudinal axis, the sequence and contrast between compressed reflective spaces and larger matte ones also evidence the division of uses. In the compressed spaces, the choice of vertical elements and mirrored ceilings distort the perception of the real height in the space.
Vertical neons, floor-to-ceiling mirrors and gloss-finished tiling also support the z-axis. In the larger spaces, cutouts reveal an inherited technical ceiling which is covered with a black-painted vermiculite texture. This ceiling contrasts with the beige-toned cement resin salons. All the installations are collected and suspended under the black technical ceiling. The salon’s furniture breaks the beige tone with oak wood, marble surfaces and patterned upholstery.
Singular mechanisms
A series of steel objects are distributed transversally to the spaces. These mechanisms are recognizable by common characteristics. A bar counter and two large tables, one for the private dining room and the other as a link between salons, emphasize the horizontal plane. These surfaces are carved in black marble, while their vertical planes are covered with mirror plates to stay unnoticed. The joints between horizontal and vertical surfaces are filled with a hidden LED that points out its importance in salons.
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