Architects Filipa Menino and João Pedro Cavaco have recently refurbished an existing restaurant in Lisbon, Portugal, with the aim to create different atmospheres in the various dining rooms. With a simple and affordable design, the only restriction to the intervention was to avoid any changes to the existing layout of the restaurant. This intervention considered the three following principles: the alteration and balance of the existing and new colors, the reorganization of the kitchen and bar areas, and new furniture.
After carefully analyzing the existing space, the decision was made to utilize and retain the distinctive existing features of the rooms. Such as the columns, arches, dining table side fixings and the finishes on the walls. As the structure of the walls and colors stood out in the main room, it was clear that a similar color needed to be used on wide surfaces in the room, on ceilings and ventilation ducts. On the unique features of the room, it was proposed to use colors from the restaurant brand to create visual contrast and to connect the room. The fabrics, furniture, staircase and the main counter are an example of this use of color.
To achieve connectivity between the rooms the colors from the staircase are replicated on a tall skirting board on the first floor. This skirting board not only stands out but also helps to protect the walls and create harmony between the various rooms.
In order to organize the bar area and the flow of customers, the client asked to integrate and design a bespoke bar with fixed storage. The bar will have enough space to incorporate all of the beer kegs needed for the restaurant and use of materiality and the variety of colors on the bar gives it a prominent position in the room. The proposed fixed furniture will answer to the need for storage and will help to separate the public and private areas.
It was crucial to connect and balance the existing materials, features and colors with the proposed details and furniture. This was achieved by replacing the existing table screens, tables, illumination and seating. Flower beds next to the fixed dining tables and green walls were also proposed in the rooms.
With this, the main focus of creating a new atmosphere in the different rooms through improving and enhancing the existing elements was achieved. Thus, making it possible to propose an affordable renovation to create a completely new space at The Restaurant ‘Marco.’
