DESIGN NAME: Monti Italian Restaurant
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Fine Dining Italian Restaurant
INSPIRATION: When Italian Rationalism, the architectural movement developed in 1920s & 30s, eventually trickled down to the Italian bourgeoisie, the theory juxtaposed a new modern architectural language with the opulence of traditional Italian aesthetics. Bold interiors developed that married raw industrial methods with rich colour & texture; The Villa Necchi Campiglio, a sublime masterpiece in the centre of Milan which played host to Luca Guadagnino's much-loved 2009 movie 'I am Love', is a wonderful example of this merging of styles and the house became our inspiration for the design of the restaurant.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Trying to design a traditional Italian restaurant within a modern architectural space proved to be an exercise in contrasts. This is reflected in the finishes throughout; Contemporary dark blue cross-cut veneers used on the walls contrast with the luxurious traditional Italian burl veneers used on the dining tables. Smooth and indulgent monochromatic Italian marble surfaces playfully clash with the industrial copper used on the bar tops and to highlight the rhythmic architectural columns.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: The Client requested that the restaurant be fully flexible, so that it could be hired out for private events. This meant it couldn't have any permanent or fixed seating arrangements, and all furnitures had to be loose. We had to consider all the possible uses, from regular dining settings, to large weddings (where does the bride walk in from? Where would the solemnisation take place?) and corporate events (120 for a sit down formal dinner or 200 for cocktails & canapes?)
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: Completed in November 2016
FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Interior Space and Exhibition Design
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: Focusing on the guest experience, we opened up the space by relocating the original bar to one side, so that the dramatic views across the water were visible as soon as you walked into the restaurant. We then extended the upper deck area so that all guests could experience the impressive views, wherever they were sat within the space.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: 4000 sq ft
TAGS: Rockettstudio, Rockett, Rockett_Singapore, Monti_Singapore, Singapore
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: The feature murals in Monti are based upon the works of Sculptor Fausto Melotti. Melotti was an Italian artist who’s work followed the same principles that defined the Italian Rationalism movement; He endeavoured to visually describe harmony, order, geometry, and repetition with his works. The hand painted gold mural at Monti also subtly alludes to classical Italian frescoes, but with a modern twist. The design of the mural is also reflected in the custom hand-made balustrade that runs around the upper deck.
CHALLENGE: The challenge was to pay homage to both Singapore’s glimmering skyline and Italy’s unmistakable charm in one of Singapore’s most iconic spaces, The Fullerton Pavilion, with its striking circular architecture, floor to ceiling windows and exposed architectural elements. From the offset, the breathtaking 180-degree views of the Marina Bay area had to be centre stage, and the interiors had to compliment, not dominate, the new Italian restaurant for hospitality giants The 1-Group.
ADDED DATE: 2017-02-05 06:39:57
TEAM MEMBERS (2) : Geila Daughtrey and Ameleen Antonio
IMAGE CREDITS: Rockett Studio
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