This interior made me feel happy the minute I saw it. I’m not really sure what it was that made me smile so instantly – perhaps the tree-like sprouting form hovering over the communal tables, vibrant accents of colour on tiled counter fronts and undersides of timber shelving, fun overall aesthetic… Probably all of the above.

Anyway, this canteen was designed by Esudio Nomada for Galicia’s City of Culture Building. The tree structure references Spanish holiday picnics and communal gathering under trees. Even though I am not normally a fan of gimmicky elements for decoration sake alone (i.e. I wish this structure provided some kind of “solution to a problem” or had an added function such as lighting etc.) I almost forgive the designers for breaking the basic rule of “honest design” just because it’s so much fun. And it made me smile… Yes, you can call me shallow in this instance, I completely deserve it. But I’m ok with that.


[Photos © Santos Diez, via Restaurant & Bar Design Awards.]



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With a disarming blend of authority and approachability, Dana is a former refugee-turned-global design visionary. Through her multi-faceted work as a creative director, keynote speaker, editor, curator, interior designer and digital publisher, Dana empowers others to appreciate and engage with design in transformative ways, making the sometimes intimidating world of design accessible to everyone, regardless of their familiarity with the subject. Dana's been catapulted to the status of a stalwart global influencer, with recognition from industry heavyweights such as AD Germany, Vogue Living, Elle Décor Italia and Danish RUM Interiør Design, who have named as one of the Top True Global Influencers of the Design World and counted her among the most visionary female creatives on the planet. Her TEDx talk—"Design Can Change the Way You See the World"— will challenge and transform your understanding of design's omnipresent and profound influence. Through her vast experience in interiors, architecture and design, Dana challenges the prevailing rapid image culture, highlighting the importance of originality, sustainability, connecting with your values and learning to "see" design beyond the aesthetic.

4 Responses

  1. Bree

    Nothing wrong with something that makes you smile. I think that’s the thing its meant to do – I don’t think there’s anything shallow about that :)
    I love it also!

    Reply
  2. Enrique de Santiago

    Thank you for the kind post on our project. We are glad that the project transmits the happiness and fun we experienced throughout the entire process; form the creative concept to the material execution…

    For the record, the trees were originally conceived to support lighting garlands and thus they are wired inside to be able to connect them if wanted…

    FYI, the Canteen has been shortlisted for the Restaurant and Bar Design Awards 2012, to be held on September 6th at the RIBA in London… Another reason to be happy!!!

    Thank you,

    Enrique de Santiago

    Reply
  3. Karen

    I want “trees” like this in my yard for the grapes to grow on. Would be very cool.

    Reply

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