chain + siman designs 'gravity' restaurant based on the visual minimalism of alfonso cuaron

as part of the millesime 2019 gastronomic event in mexico city, chain + siman formed a temporary restaurant inspired by the science-fiction thriller gravity. inviting guests into a dark and intimate interior, the project was designed to reflect the film’s minimalist visual and aural landscape, with the aim of recreating a similar sense of introspection felt by those in outer space.

all images © onnis luque

the film, which was directed by mexican filmmaker alfonso cuaron, is set in space and has a simple plot: a couple of astronauts are working on their ship when they’re hit by satellite debris. prevented from returning to their own craft, they’re cut off in space in perilous conditions. this storyline, combined with innovative culinary art and design, forms the basis for the restaurant’s unique visual concept.

the challenge for chain + siman was to make diners feel comfortable in an otherwise cold and inhospitable atmosphere. the swiss-made USM modular furniture proved essential as a way of replicating the geometry of space, and its modularity also makes it highly adaptable. the lighting design is the sphere that represents the stars, sunlight, the universe, and technology. this ephemeral restaurant formed part of millesime 2019 in mexico city, the most important gastronomic event of the year.

project info:

project name: gravity

architect: chain + siman

location: mexico city, mexico

year: 2019

sponsors: USM modular furniture, IHO, nouvel, côte jardín, cabasse, BOLON, ciento once, stylus

photography: onnis luque

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom