AMOR -
A restaurant for the ROMA
From the outset, the sheer scale of the existing space posed a challenge. To temper this vastness, we employed a series of spatial strategies aimed at structuring, defining, and ultimately guiding the space toward its new form and function.
The first intervention was to divide the interior into two distinct zones: a bar at the front and a restaurant at the rear. A central bar volume—THE BOOMERANG—acts as an interlocutor between these two functions. Its design and materiality articulate this dual role: recurring elements and materials create continuity, while subtle differences underline the inherently distinct character of each area.
The restaurant occupies the rear of the building, an expansive and daylight-filled space. The darkest zone, with the lowest ceiling height, was assigned to the kitchen and storage areas. To preserve a sense of generosity, the existing wooden structural ceiling was left in its original state. Its material presence accentuates the atmospheric contrast with the bar area. The skylight openings were framed in wood, emphasizing them as defined sources of light.
The front section—the bar—unfolds as a sequence of interconnected spaces. The first two rooms span the full width of the building and, together with the central bar, form an L-shaped configuration. A fixed bench—THE SHARKTOOTH BENCH—introduces both dynamism and intimacy within this arrangement.
Along the right-hand and rear walls, a continuous fixed bench—THE FILET—was introduced. While related to the bench in the bar area, it features a lighter construction: a row of slender legs at the front, combined with wall mounting at the rear. In the corner, a mirror-polished stainless steel surface flanks the back of the sofa, amplifying light and spatial depth.
In the centre of the restaurant, individual furniture sculptures—THE ISLANDS—divide the large space into more intimate seating areas, buffered by planting. Three floor-to-ceiling curtains provide a colourful backdrop. A silver curtain allows the restaurant to be separated from the bar, while two dark green velvet curtains can conceal the kitchen wall and create a partition between the central bar and the front space during smaller events.
The same chair design is used throughout both bar and restaurant, though with different finishes to reinforce the spatial distinction: marble tabletops and green chairs in the bar area, black MDF tabletops and black chairs in the restaurant.
The fourth space functions as a transitional zone between the bar, restaurant, and restrooms. Rather than serving as a purely functional corridor, it doubles as a peninsula extending toward the bar. The sofa from the adjacent space passes through a wall opening and continues into the hallway—THE LIP. This visual continuity subtly guides visitors along the central bar volume, encouraging movement and orientation within the interior.
Location
completion
client
program
architecture
interior architecture
photographs
completion
client
program
architecture
interior architecture
photographs
Antwerp(BE)
2019
De Roma
Interior design of restaurant and bar
i.s.m.architecten
i.s.m.architecten
Luis Dìaz Dìaz
2019
De Roma
Interior design of restaurant and bar
i.s.m.architecten
i.s.m.architecten
Luis Dìaz Dìaz