Konstam Restaurant by Heatherwick Studios // London.

I’ve seen some vamped up pubs in my time but none quite as theatrical as this. The clever crew at Heatherwick Studios have created one epic ceilingscape at the Konstam Prince Albert. They’ve used the site conditions to generate a monumental, glittering chandelier that hovers over the entire space. Lengths of metal chains extend from the pub’s fifty seven window frames and are strung to the ceiling before cascading back down again to form lamp shades. The view from outside is just as potent, appearing as if the restaurant has been sucked into a vortex of chains.

Admittedly, beneath this mass of chains lies a less inspiring interior. The central open kitchen feels a little clumsy and the walls, floor and seating haven’t been given much attention other than a heavy dose of teal paint. I suppose when the ceiling is working in overdrive, such things can be forgiven. Yup, the ceiling is totally working it for the team.

Sadly, the GFC wreaked havoc and this restaurant closed in 2010.

–Ella.

[Images via Heatherwick Studios and Nathan Willock Photography.]