arkham decorates como theater restaurant with virtual geometries

arkham decorates como theater restaurant with virtual geometries
all images courtesy of arkham project

in connection with the main foyer of the como social theater, arkham has recovered rooms located in the ground floor and the back courtyard to house the new restaurant called ‘18.13’. the internal surfaces refer to elements of the stage, using a deep maroon color similar to the typical curtain that opens and closes to signal various parts of a performance. to create an exciting contrast with the still white walls and vaults, the panels further the metaphor by mimicking the textures of the traditional cloth, negotiating a rhythm of matte and gloss.

transformation of the virtual geometry

oriented towards one of the main squares of the city, three dining areas are linked to one another by the intermediate floor, as the same cladding draws a peculiar linear lounge. the leather chairs, the red curtains, the spotlights are all meant evoke the mystery and the surreal state of a famous scene from ‘twin peaks’, a movie directed by david lynch. based on this moment, the concepts ‘two faced’ and ‘mirror’ were abstracted to drive the rest of the project. the volume of the bar extends from the lounge area to foyer representing a juxtaposition between new and old faces. the ideas become more evident in the corridor that continues circulation to the courtyard. here, they are used as an optical instrument: a geometrical form flashes at the beginning of the crimson-clad pathway, presents the anamorphosis of a rotated rectangle from a specific vantage point, and then crashes dynamically as visitors walk towards the back of the restaurant.

the red and the white lounges

the intermediate floor is identified by a deep railing that perceptually, with the same height of the dining tables, enlarges the room to provide a sense of privacy away from the lower common areas. meanwhile, a dining arrangement inside the courtyard leans against the existing medieval walls as if they were an original extension of the structure. the space is highlighted by the opening of a big window toward the outside, giving the enclosed landscape the appearance of an open air stage.

the spaces divide and redouble

view of the bar between volumes

view of the colors from the exterior

glass walls move to create the feeling of an open air stage

the dining room and courtyard

plan and section

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.