Italian firm Studio DiDeA has recently completed Dadalìa, a new eatery in the heart of the old Palermo downtown, inside one of the busiest street market dating back 700 years, La Vucciria( translates ‘voices’ or ‘hubbub’) which is a fascinating mix of noises, smells and street life.
The client asked for an easy and informal restaurant, the ideal place to stop and taste local dishes and enjoy the bustling street life
The design comes out from the renovation of an old shop located on the ground floor of a 1850 building. The room has a quadrangular shape that develops in width and three entrances to street level. The owner’s request was to have a restaurant communicating with the outside, with an open kitchen, a place where you can taste local dishes in a welcoming and informal atmosphere.
DiDeA answered the request by imagining a neutral environment open to the life of the ancient street market with its strong features: colors, smells, voices. For this purpose the interior is covered with a grey resin that continues on the floor, walls and ceiling, this last one featuring barrel vaults, discovered during renovation works and enhanced with the inclusion of LED lights.
The environment is divided into two areas: a front dedicated to customers with a bar counter and tables, and a rear for technical and service volumes (kitchen, private services, public services) – separated by a Swedish pine wood and reinforced glass structure. The architects chose pendant lamps evoking those used in the past to illuminate the merchandise.
Outside the gates and entrance doors can completely open, becoming shelving for aromatic plants, and items for table service.
