vibrant Archives

Brasserie des Pres draws on the vibrant history of Paris’s Latin Quarter

The storied location of this brasserie in Paris inspired interior studio B3 Designers to fill the restaurant with tasselled chairs, disco balls and other flamboyant decor.

Brasserie des Pres is set in Paris’s Latin Quarter, which was a hub of creativity throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, its cafes filled with artists, publishers and prominent writers including Ernest Hemingway and Jean-Paul Sartre.

Interior of Brasserie des Pres restaurant in Paris by B3 Designers — Brasserie des Pres’s ground-floor dining space features red-panelled walls with decorative tiling

London-based studio B3 Designers aimed to infuse this same buzzy ambience into the quarter’s latest eatery, undeterred by its awkwardly narrow interiors.

“Brasserie des Pres has a very unique floor print and we’ve used the existing architecture to create layers of dining experiences,” the studio said. “We’ve created a feeling of community and delight, a welcoming backdrop to the great food served here.”

Lush with greenery, the exterior of the restaurant features a striped orange awning and classic Parisian terrace seating.

Once guests step inside, they find themselves in a large dining room with red-panelled walls, inset with mirrored shelves that display an assortment of shapely glass vessels.

Decorative tiles depicting limes, lemons and oranges are incorporated at the top of each panel.

Tables throughout the room are dressed with white linen cloths and bijou brass lamps, nodding to the table set-up of the Latin Quarter’s traditional eateries.

Guests also have the option to sit at a high marble counter that directly overlooks Brasserie des Pres’s bustling kitchen or enjoy a drink at the bar, which is fronted by velvet-lined orange stools.

More dining space is provided on the first floor, where the shelves along the walls are filled with antique books and candelabras to mimic the worldly look of a cabinet of curiosities.

Finally, on the top floor of the restaurant is a lounge-style space where guests can relax while selecting tracks from the brasserie’s vinyl record library.

A curtained partition can be drawn back to reveal a secret bar, complete with a mirrored ceiling. From its centre hangs a cluster of disco balls, enclosed by a circular neon sign that spells the word groovy.

A plush, crimson banquet winds around the periphery of the space, accompanied by matching tassel-backed chairs and marble tables.

Even the toilets at this level are finished with eccentric details including a pearl-laden chandelier that droops above the washbasin and surreal gold-framed paintings that depict the eyes of “unsung Parisian anti-heroes”, according to B3 Designers.

Paris’s rich culinary scene is constantly expanding.

Other spots that have recently opened up around the city include Citrons et Huîtres, an oyster bar that’s designed to resemble a fishmonger, and Chinese restaurant Bao Express, which has a retro interior informed by Hong Kong diners of the 1970s.

The photography is by Vincent Remy and Joann Pai.

Reference

Interior Design

Method Architecture outfits own Houston studio with vibrant mural

By Zarkon Group,04/01/2024

Texas studio Method Architecture has completed an office for itself in Houston with maximalist design, vibrant colours and a mural at its centre.

The 8,612-square foot (800-square metre) studio was completed in 2023 with a reception area, open office plan, private and collaborative meeting spaces and staff lounges.

Colourful interior of studio for Method Architecture — Method Architecture has completed its self-designed studio

Located in the mixed-use East River development, designed by architecture studio Page, the office was designed to serve as an inspiration source for the studio’s clients.

“Our approach was to pursue maximalism with the goal of creating an environment where our clients would feel safe expressing their bold and innovative ideas with us,” Ashley Bettcher, Research and Design Specialist with Method Architecture told Dezeen.

Table tennis table in Method Architecture's studio — The office was designed to serve as an inspiration source

“Creativity has no limits and great design doesn’t necessarily need to cost more. Method’s new Houston office perfectly encapsulates that mantra.”

The “ego-free” focus of the design is a nearly 50-foot multi-wall mural by local artist David Maldonado, known for creating nearly 20 pieces of public artwork throughout Houston.

Multi-wall mural by David Maldonado — David Maldonado created a multi-wall mural for the studio

With pops of magenta, cobalt, and yellow, the mural features icons from the city and state like the skyline, a rocket for Johnson Space Center, a bluebonnet as the Texas state flower, and the neighbouring Buffalo Bayou.

The artwork also slips in custom motifs representing the studio, such as Method’s rubber duck mascot.

Acoustic baffles suspended from the ceiling — Light grey flower-like acoustic baffles hang from the ceiling

“This feature piece of artwork helps set the tone for the remainder of the office including bold colors, geometric patterns and shapes and a secondary mural designed and installed by Maldanado featuring drip paint in mirroring colorways located at the back of the office,” the team said.

The mural is complemented by a 3D-printed wall installation behind the reception desk composed of the studio’s signature “M” logo and the raw ceiling with exposed mechanical lines all painted a vibrant shade of fuchsia.

Half-arched portal at Method Architecture office — Clients pass through a half-arched portal

Light grey flower-like acoustic baffles hang from the ceiling adding to the maximalist design. Light blue bicycles are mounted on one wall as another unique installation.

From the reception area lounge, clients pass through a half-arched portal – created with custom millwork and embedded lights – into the main office space which includes rows of desks over custom greyscale carpet.

Desks and geometric carpet in self-designed studio — Hotel desk stations accommodate hybrid work styles

Hotel desk stations accommodate hybrid work styles for both in-office and at-home work.

“Cozy architectural work booths are nestled amid the bustling breakroom and office areas, offering a quiet refuge for more private work, private conversations or meals with coworkers,” the team said.

The workspace is flanked by six meeting rooms: a large creative conference space, three medium-sized conference rooms and two smaller huddle spaces.

The all-white conference room was left intentionally blank to showcase the client’s material selections with tunable white lights to adjust the light temperature for each project.

An M-shaped window cutout opens the conference room to the rest of the office.

In the break room, bright blue suede fabric adorns the walls to provide an unexpected texture and pale blue lamp shades – reminiscent of the shape of inverted cupcake liners – serve as a geometric juxtaposition to the rounded banquette boxes.

Bright blue-walled break room — Bright blue suede fabric adorns the walls in the break room

“Plush, psychedelic-inspired fabrics in meeting booths and distinctive light fixtures keep the space feeling light and fun to inspire creative design,” the studio said.

In addition to being designed for flexible workflows and teams, the space features multiple sustainable and WELL features like ample daylighting, repurposed materials and ergonomic furniture.

Other recently completed projects in Houston include Nelson Byrd Woltz’s grassed park that bridges a six-lane highway and Modu’s design for a wellness building with a self-cooling exterior.

The photography is by Ana Larranaga, Method Architecture.

Project credits:

Architecture: Method Architecture
MEP: Telios Engineering
General contractor: Burton Construction
Furniture: AGILE Interiors, MDI, OP,
Flooring: Interface, Shaw Contract
Tile: Trinity Surfaces, La Nova
Textiles: Knoll Textiles
Masonry: Upchurch Kimbrough
Demountable partitions: DIRTT
Countertops: CAMBRIA
Mural: David Maldonado
Lighting: Lighting Associates Inc.
Signage: ARIA Signs

Reference

Architecture

a vibrant social space, haixin bridge curves across pearl river to reconnect guangzhou

By Zarkon Group,11/11/2023

SCUT proposes a revived plan for Guangzhou’s haixin bridge

In the heart of Guangzhou’s CBD, the Haixin Bridge marks the first pedestrian landscape bridge across the Pearl River. Proposed by the Architectural Design & Research Institute of South China University of Technology (SCUT), it will stretch from Ersha Island Art Park in the north to Guangzhou Tower in the south to strategically connect key points in the cityscape. As an extension of the city’s public realm, the bridge serves as a vibrant and engaging social space, imbued with a sense of place and cultural identity that is essential to the region’s architectural heritage. Its curved shape will integrate with existing pedestrian systems, addressing the need for connectivity between the metropolis split between the two sides of the river while paying attention to the spatial order of the central axis. With an open posture, the bridge will offer panoramic views of the Pearl River’s core area.

all images courtesy of SCUT

a bustling urban space mirroring cultural motifs

Deeply rooted in regional cultural identity, SCUT’s design draws inspiration from the water sleeve and ancient Qin, cultural motifs distinctive to the Lingnan region. The landscape design of the bridge deck mirrors the local water flower market, resulting in a cohesive and integrated design that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The introduction of flower boats creates a physical separation between the eastern and western sides of the bridge deck, enhancing functionality and providing additional space for pedestrians while creating a distinctly dynamic urban space.

The segmented bridge deck features a varied height profile, incorporating flower ponds, observation decks, and two types of pedestrian walkways for upper and lower levels. This use of space caters to the diverse needs of pedestrians for passage and sightseeing, enhancing the city’s vitality with distinct spatial textures. Its sloping connection to pedestrian walkways on both sides ensures an uninterrupted urban public experience, with additional user-friendly features like warm wooden handrails, glare-free lighting, rounded corners to prevent collisions, and mist cooling systems for comfort and accessible use.

project info:

name: Guangzhou Haixin Bridge
architecture: Architectural Design & Research Institute of SCUT Co., Ltd.

location: Guangzhou, China

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: ravail khan | designboom

Reference

Architecture

LAMA studio turns warehouse into vibrant workspace in barcelona

By Zarkon Group,16/01/2023

a look inside ‘CODEA PROJECT’ BY LAMA STUDIO

Spanish practice LAMA studio has converted a commercial property and warehouse into a vibrant, multipurpose workspace for Codea Studio, a creative agency based in Barcelona. Covering 355 sqm, the space occupies one highly elongated floor and features a 6-meter-wide front façade that originally kept very little natural light from entering the building. The front area is a commercial space with a height of 4.5 meters, varying widths, with flat slabs and metal beams. At the back is a charming open-plan warehouse with a 5.5-meter-high gable roof constructed using wooden trusses, the most characteristic element of the entire space.

To meet the agency’s requirements, the architects focused on two interventions. The first was creating a central core to house service areas (storage, technical rooms, meeting rooms, and lavatories), allowing LAMA studio to retain the entrance and rear warehouse as large open spaces. The central core also functions as a transition area between both spaces. The second intervention focused on building a continuous, linear element that runs the full length of the dividing wall from the entrance to the back of the warehouse; this elements takes on different functionalities according to the needs of each area, with various materials and idioms.

‘Specifically, the plan sees the property distributed into four distinct zones. First, the open-plan space adjacent to the street acts as the point of entry to the premises. Next, we come to the central service area which runs down a long hallway. Then, at the back, we come to the unique warehouse area. This will become the main space where the day-to-day running of the agency happens. Finally, in order to open a new back façade and bring light into the building, the old courtyard at the back of the property was restored and three large openings were made to connect it to the interior,’ writes LAMA studio.

terracotta-painted courtyard | all images © José Hevia

mediterranean vernacular meets mexican influences

In terms of materials and finishes, the goal was to preserve the original presentation of the different spaces, merely cleaning and painting them in white to create a neutral backdrop against which the renovation stands out. While the office backdrop was kept simple, Codea Studio opted for raw materials and contrasting textures and colors, resulting in a design that reflects a Mediterranean vernacular style coupled with textures and hues of Mexican influence. ‘Rough-finished concrete block with pink tones was chosen to create the main core area and the continuous linear element. This brings personality and robustness to the project while acting as a self-supporting element for constructing the entire perimeter and dividing walls of the core area,’ note the architects.

The different extensions appearing in the linear element were built on-site and given a rather rough plaster finish, painted in white, highlighting their handcrafted character. Furthermore, LAMA studio adorned the lavatories, planters, work areas, and other spaces needing special attention with complementary cladding materials like traditional Catalan rasilla bricks and red and green glazed ceramic from La Bisbal. Finally, raw MDF board was incorporated into the renovated warehouse as a more contemporary material with a strong visual accent. ‘It offers smooth surfaces to work with, bringing practicality, as well as elegance, to the project,’ continues the practice.

the service core is built using concrete blocks and tiles, and is detailed using MDF

a multipurpose and light-filled workspace

The entry area is a foyer and multipurpose room characterized by its spare nature, as it has to be adaptable for many uses. At the back, the start of the service core emerges, built using concrete blocks, tiling, and MDF. On the left, a bench appears as a continuous element that runs through the courtyard and changes functions according to each area. The central core, delimited by the high concrete block walls that establish a strong, solid volumetry, hosts two large passageways that function as a sort of antechamber.

The first passage leads to the lavatories, and the second to the storage areas and meeting rooms. In these semi-open foyers, the doors are paneled from floor to ceiling in raw MDF to create maximum contrast with the roughness and color of the blocks. The meeting rooms open onto the main hall through large glass doors, extending the reach of natural light while fostering a visual relationship between the spaces. In the main hall, the varying uses required for the workspace are expressed in the continuous element as it runs along the entire side wall with cupboards, work surfaces, a planter, a bench, and finally, to the kitchen and the patio worktop. Here, too, cement blocks, elements of masonry, and other materials alternate according to the function of each section.

The kitchen, located at the back of the former warehouse, consists of different modules, either open or closed, with MDF. The extended cooking area, clad in ceramic tile, extends towards the outdoor courtyard. In the center is a large island with a porcelain worktop holding a work and storage area on one side and a bar with stools on the other. Only minimal treatment was given to the outdoor courtyard. It was cleaned and painted in the same way as the rest of the original architectural elements of the project. Still, the team coated the surfaces using a terracotta-colored paint, contrasting with the interior’s white backdrop.

meeting rooms open onto the main hall through large glass doors that extend the reach of natural light

Opposite the kitchen is the dining area, where an imposing metal table by Cristian Herrera Dalmau with an MDF top is rooted to the floor. Dalmau also designed a suspended metal zig-zag lamp hung atop the table, boasting a unique iridescent bichromate finish, as well as the Grillo chairs and Poni stools from Branu. In the central area of the hall, tiered levels and a tall planter clad in rasilla bricks separate the work zone from the kitchen and dining areas. In addition to the plants acting as a lattice between the spaces, this element functions as a relaxation area and a platform for presentations and other agency activities.

Last but not least, the work area sits in front of large windows fronting the meeting rooms, with two lines of white lacquered metal tables topped with MDF. The suspended lamps, with the same zinc finish as the one in the dining room, were also devised by Cristian Herrera Dalmau.

general view of the main hall

tiered levels and a planter clad in rasilla bricks separate the work zone from the kitchen + dining areas

a continuous linear element runs from the entrance to the back, adopting different functionalities

Reference

Interior Design

Vibrant glazed tiles divvy up Madrid apartment by Sierra + De La Higuera

By Zarkon Group,05/10/2022

Spanish architecture studio Sierra + De La Higuera has used traditional Moroccan zellige tiles to define the different spaces in this open-plan apartment in Madrid.

Housed in a 1940s building in the city’s bohemian Conde Duque neighbourhood, the apartment belongs to a well-travelled couple that wanted to stamp its Mexican and Galician heritage onto the interior.

Wood-panelled hallway with white armchair in flat by Sierra + De La Higuera — Colourful tiling features throughout the Conde Duque apartment

“Our clients wanted to bring part of their origins to Madrid,” Sierra + De La Higuera told Dezeen. “This project is the outcome of a quest to find colour in Madrid, a characteristic marked by the owners’ journeys and origins.”

The studio was commissioned to carry out a complete refurbishment of the apartment, which included totally changing its layout.

Built-in green sofa in Conde Duque apartment — The apartment is housed in a 1940s building in Madrid

The original plan consisted of a series of rooms laid out along a long windowless hallway. Sierra + De La Higuera removed as many walls as possible to create an open-plan kitchen, dining and living space.

“Historically in Madrid, houses had a lot of rooms and partitions,” the studio told Dezeen.

“But nowadays, we like to live on a more open-plan basis. The main aim of the new layout was to open spaces, eliminate corridors and hallways, and to gain as much natural light as possible.”

Curved, wood-panelled doorway in Conde Duque apartment — A wood-panelled entrance hall separates the living and dining spaces

Two bedrooms – one with a walk-in wardrobe and both with adjoining bathrooms – are located at the north end of the apartment while a bright sitting room wrapped by south-facing terraces sits at the opposite end.

Throughout the apartment, natural timber, terracotta tiles and white walls were used as foils to the zellige tiling, which is distinguished by its imperfect hand-moulded surfaces.

View from wood-panelled room into green-tiled kitchen of Sierra + De La Higuera apartment — Emerald green zellige tiles distinguish the kitchen

The wood-panelled entrance hall with its arched doorways was conceived as a buffer between two different zones. On the one side is the Mexico-influenced kitchen and dining area finished with emerald green tiles.

And on the other side are the living room and the terraces with their bold yellow colour scheme, which were informed by the couple’s travels to Singapore.

“We focused on vivid colours: bright yellows, greens, blues and reds, paired with materials like tiles, ceramics and fine wood,” explained Sierra + De La Higuera.

In the sitting room and the two bathrooms – finished in red and blue respectively – the tiles were used to create decorative striped skirting that frames the different zones.

In some areas, the colours of the tiles are applied to other furnishings to create a cohesive feel, with the green upholstery in the living room echoing the glazed green tiles in the kitchen.

Terrace with yellow-and-white tiles in Conde Duque apartment — Yellow was applied liberally throughout the terraces and in the living room

A large bookshelf that runs around the kitchen, dining and living room area was custom designed for the space by Sierra + De La Higuera.

“This element is very important to the clients, as it holds all the objects they have collected on each of their journeys in addition to all their books,” the studio explained.

Bathroom with red-and-white striped tiles by Sierra + De La Higuera — Tiles were also used to create decorative striped skirting in the bathrooms

In the bedroom, the architects designed custom cabinetry and specified a cloud-grey carpet to create a calm and cosy ambience, which is intended to evoke Galicia.

Other projects that use tiles to delineate rooms include a Barcelona bed and breakfast by Nook Architects that features vibrant blue tiles and cobalt-blue paintwork.

The photography is by German Sáiz.

Reference

vibrant

Brasserie des Pres draws on the vibrant history of Paris’s Latin Quarter

Method Architecture outfits own Houston studio with vibrant mural

LAMA studio turns warehouse into vibrant workspace in barcelona

a look inside ‘CODEA PROJECT’ BY LAMA STUDIO

mediterranean vernacular meets mexican influences

a multipurpose and light-filled workspace

Vibrant glazed tiles divvy up Madrid apartment by Sierra + De La Higuera

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