"Gastrobar O"——北欧风情的混搭与历史对话

The interior design of "Gastrobar O" celebrates Scandinavian laconism and pays a tribute to the local context. The restaurant is located on the first floor of the former 20th century club mansion currently occupied by a creative cluster. Functionally, the architectural solution follows the historical conception of the place — a space for meeting and communication. Aesthetically, it enters into a dialogue with the neighboring Danish design school.

The delicate arrangement of the premises is realized with preservation of an open layout. The two-piece arched passage divides the interior into a service bar and a restaurant and functions as a doorway between two halls. The change in floor height also adds to the spatial arrangement — the lounge area rises to the podium. As a result, the space offers a possibility for various activities. 

The original multilayer plaster, the brickwork and the vaulted ceiling are integrated into the new interior as well as the arched passage that was turned into an art object. The untouched layers and textures on the walls remind of the period of the turbulent 90's with its squat movement, the spirit of self-organization and freedom. Whereas new materials such as matte concrete, white tile and wood make this canvas complete.

Regional vicinity to Nordic countries was reflected in the cuisine — "Gastrobar O" serves Scandinavian food — as well as in the spatial organization, where the furniture serves as a primary element of the bright and spacious interior. In this project, custom-made pieces are mixed with design classics like vintage chairs by Yrjö Kukkapuro. The references to St. Petersburg’s cosmopolitan roots balance Scandinavian minimalism. Italian coziness meets the abundance of greenery typical of local winter gardens safely enclosed inside the buildings.