ab rogers: recent work

london-based ab rogers design (ARD), has recently sent images of his latest projects which include, interior and product design for the tate modern and the re-branding and re-vamp of restaurant ‘little chef’.

to coincide with the first rehang of the tate modern’s collection since its opening in 2000, ARD was commissioned to redevelop the concourses on level 3 and 5. a simple language has been built from geometric forms and the color red. the angular structures are complimented by a hand-drawn art historical timeline connecting both spaces.

the historical time line above the red structure
image courtesy of morley von sternberg and ab rogers design

furniture for the space is also follows the same aesthetic
image courtesy of morley von sternberg and ab rogers design

interactive tables at the tate modern, 2008
image courtesy of john short and ab rogers design

these tables were created with the same geometric, glossy red structures as the cinema and other interactive elements. the tables have a six player social interactive environment that centers around a number of artists being exhibited in the permanent collection galleries. competitive mini games, quizzes and voting polls, visitors play against each other to explore key works from the collection.

timeline hanging above the interactive tables
image courtesy of john short and ab rogers design

donation boxes, 2008
image courtesy of john short and ab rogers design

donation boxes designed for the tate modern is a combination of giant-scale paintings, montage relief works, amusement arcades and pinball machines. the public can interact with the boxes, bringing them to life and making them grow and change as each donation is made.

the great turbine hall where the donation boxes are situated
image courtesy of john short and ab rogers design

three boxes greet patrons
image courtesy of john short and ab rogers design

brightly colored shapes and holes are reminiscent of pinball and arcade culture
image courtesy of john short and ab rogers design

image courtesy of john short and ab rogers design

‘little chef’ restaurant, 2008
image courtesy of john short and ab rogers design

ARD was given three months to complete all aspects of the design for the ‘little chef’ restaurant: from the interior to the graphics, the menu, uniform to the signage and food packaging. the design is influenced by the history of roadside eating – from turnpike taverns to early inns to american diners – a vocabulary of common materials and prefabricated details have been used.

the interior diner setting with open kitchen
image courtesy of john short and ab rogers design

image courtesy of john short and ab rogers design

confectionaries and other small souvenirs are sold at the restaurant
image courtesy of john short and ab rogers design

image courtesy of john short and ab rogers design

entrance to the ‘richard rogers + architects’ at the caixa forum, barcelona, 2007
image courtesy of john short and ab rogers design

richard rogers + architects’ at the caixa forum, barcelona, was an exhibition designed by ARD, presenting a detailed survey of richard rogers’ work. on show were projects spanning from the
early years with norman and wendy foster and su rogers, to the establishment of the partnership – now known as the rogers stirk harbour + partners. numerous projects designed by the practice and built throughout the world over the past four decades were showcased. ARD arranged the various works in color-coded sections each with its own theme. a 40-metre timeline depicting the work of the practice in chronological sequence with use of photography and drawings is also included in the exhibition. in the middle of the gallery there was a specially-designed break-out ‘piazza’ area where visitors could read about rogers’ various projects.

the color coded exhibition design
image courtesy of john short and ab rogers design

image courtesy of john short and ab rogers design

image courtesy of john short and ab rogers design

ab rogers (born 1968) is the son of famed british architect richard rogers. his design studio works on a range of both two and three-dimensional projects. he lives and works in london.