dried chat room at biennale interieur 2014 brings together food + design

dried chat room at biennale interieur 2014 brings together food + design
photo © francesca perani
all images courtesy of DWA studio and spectacularch!

at biennale interieur 2014 in kortrijk, belgium, partnership of DWA studio from milan and spectacularch! from bergamo has led to the creation of ‘dried chat room’. the concept is one of the five winning projects in the category ‘spaces’ for the interieur awards, a competition held at the event with entries from 80 designers and 18 countries. 

main view of the bistro bar in the center of hall 4
photo © francesca perani 

the identifying element of the work is a strong, eclectic characterization of the cuisine that it serves: smoked, dried, dehydrated, and salted, all coming from multiple cultures and traditions. this kind of nourishment, favored particularly in nomadic cultures, could today be offered up again in a contemporary context. the decision of developing the concept of food and design together was crucial. as such, the idea represents a necessary attitude towards our heritage. this combination links present-day mindsets with an appreciation of low-energy cooking and preservation methods.

side view
photo © francesca perani  

the kurve-lit area is formed following the same radical, dry philosophy recommending the use of minimum resources for the best result. unusual, affordable materials and textures are reinvented in a surprising, emotional manner that is presented as a key part of the eating and socializing experience. the ceiling is composed of shimmering thermal sheet of gold suspended from a timber and nylon structure. meanwhile, a spontaneous arrangement of grey styrofoam tables and plastic garden chairs embellished with recycled felt fabrics organize the floor below. the designers say that, ‘these are the individual pieces that give the guests the feeling of eating and chatting in a room illuminated by its own light, informal and yet so very precious.’

detail of the plastic garden chair covered by recycled felt fabrics
photo © francesca perani  

view of the thermal blankets from below
photo © francesca perani 

detail of the table in grey styrofoam
photo © francesca perani 

team portrait
photo © daniel trudu

axonometric drawing of the structure

construction axon

plan

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.