Today's feature is one sure not to disappoint.
On first glances you could easily be forgiven for failing to notice the restaurant around you, for in
Banq is one of these rare "new vs old" designs that works so well because the architects have really understood what it means to be sympathetic to the surroundings.
Working within the historical constraints of a former savings bank, Office dA architects chose to design their interior not to fit the banking halls four walls, but instead transforming the void within.
Focusing on the relationship between the floor & the ceiling, Office dA designed a series of Birch ribs that flow through the vertical plane of the space, waving across the restaurant & often pouring down to meet the floor. Cleverly concealing the overhead services whilst still allowing us glimpses into the void above.
What's interesting is the segmented yet solid nature of the ribs, while they appearing to never touch one another or the existing structure (the ribs sit away for the exterior walls & are supported via suspension from above) this golden canopy creates a strong feeling of protection, leaving us somehow feeling enclosed without the negative effects of being trapped.
Banq is the ideal social space, its design is warm and inviting yet still carries a great feeling of spaciousness. It's a comfortable space, it feels natural & like a real cavern has a real curiosity about it. The ceiling draws you in with it mesmerising waves & dips, leaving you examining every curve to discover the mystery of it formation; I just hope that the menu matches the brilliance of the space around it...
Photo by John Horner, Original Source http://www.archdaily.com/42581/banq-office-da/
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