LEFTBANK

One of the foremost goals for LeftBank was to achieve a free-flowing restaurant-lounge space that can generate different atmospheric scenarios and yet accommodate them into one overall functional structure.

Addressing the owner’s desire to cater towards a variety of different clienteles throughout the day, evening and night, the architects incorporated a variety of distinct programmatic types without jeopardizing the integrity of the space as a whole.

The complex task of organizing and running a restaurant had a mayor impact on the design process. The seemingly improvised layout is geared towards a high degree of specificity without compromising any flexibility.

The design carefully puts into account traffic patterns that arise out of a busy schedule, attempting to streamline the staff’s movement by concentrating functional and thematic groupings within the program of the restaurant.

The new concrete floor, which curves up to cover some of the walls and also create the bottom portion of the bars, acts as a connecting platform on top of which a distinct choice of materials, furniture and design interventions create the Bistro-Lounge.

Along the front façade, which is the brightest area throughout the day, a loose layout of tables and benches made out of maple wood create a very light and immediate atmosphere. This combined with the large glass doors creates a continuous threshold between the street and the front part of the restaurant, inviting people to casually step in and feel comfortable to sit down.

At the center of the space, towards one side a large bar is situated. The bar serves as a vital organ to the rest of the restaurant and thereby structures it around itself. The counter height is kept a little lower than usual so it can be used to serve food as well and doesn’t appear like an obstacle to the natural flow of the space. The counter top is made out of white Corian sitting on a concrete base, which is seamlessly folded out of the concrete floor. In front of the bar two sets of long and high tables made out of highly structured bamboo wood and ten comfortable leather stools accommodate large parties in an informal and spontaneous setup. Behind those tables five dining booths create a more intimate and personal feel. The leather seating of these are in a bright orange providing a visual spark for the entire room which is painted in white to provide a neutral backdrop for the different dining scenarios.

Towards the back of the space two more compartments are located. The Sushi Bar is made out of the same materials as the main bar. However, it is much smaller and more encased, emphasized through a hung ceiling and a boxed-out design. Right next to it the Lounge is positioned. This area can be closed off entirely by glass partition walls to allow private parties and gatherings to happen. A long and low seating couch covered with white leather in combination with the built-in fireplace creates a very stylish yet laidback atmosphere for late night and after-hours activities.