neowe brings the italian renaissance to luigi’s ristorante bar in ankara

turkey based design studio, neowe, has created ‘luigi’s ristorante bar’ situated on the first floor of atakule AVM, a landmark in the heart of ankara. the project is inspired by the idea of clashing traditional sicilian interior features with italian renaissance architecture. the scheme comprises of 3 main components; an entrance, a bar and a dining area. the entrance consists of two parts. firstly is a display window which includes the client’s personal collection of specially designed antique cuisine and art pieces. secondly is the entrance hall which contains stained glass, metal frames and hand-crafted blue lacquered wood panels.

all images fethi magara

ankara-based branding agency, mineral, provided identity for the logos and they collaborated with neowe to create a coherent visual identity of the brand. the iconic silhouette of the bar is painted and manually over-coated with a different color to give a dramatic silver tone. the beveled mirror and stainless-steel staircase emphasize the volume of the bar, while the white quartz counter top, wood paneling and hand-made blue ceramic cladding harmonize with the interior. the indoor dining area is surrounded with blue molding with famous italian quotes about food. 

the blue panelled interior

special plates are mixed with custom produced plates to create the logo of the brand. crystal bulbs become the diamond of the kitchen facades. this area becomes part of the facade with the art pieces next to the kitchen area. art pieces are produced with a family owned local company and the blue embroideries are stitched by tailors of the company. the short lemon trees, which are located at the built-in seating areas, pay homage to the sicilian inspired concept. 

contrast between the carpet and the surrounding facades are clashing warm and cool colors

the outdoor dining area is consists of two main design concepts. the first one is two custom made metal gazebo, its form inspired by italian renaissance garden. the second is four artisan cloud installations which pay homage to the nature and color scheme of the space. neowe also collaborated with the local company, lox design. overall, the design creates a unique identity and brings italian flair to the heart of ankara.

the iconic silhouette of the bar is painted and manually over-coated with a different color to create a dramatic silver tone

hand-made ceramic plates creates the logo of the brand

the beveled mirror and stainless-steel staircase emphasize the volume of the bar

the blue embroideries are stitched by tailors

the white quartz counter top, wood paneling and hand-made blue ceramic cladding harmonize with the interior

the hand-made ceramic tiles are portraits of italian scenery

eaton chairs are transform with the classic print of the upholstery

art pieces design according to color schemes

the first one is two custom made metal gazebo, its form inspired by italian renaissance garden

project info:

project name: luigi’s ristorante bar

project location: ankara, turkey

architect & interior designer: neowe

project team: nil emiroglu, f. sertac kılıc , ferhat ozkan

graphics & branding: mineral

upholstery prints: neowe

main contractor: neowe

year completed: 2018

photographer: fethi magara

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