The burger joint is situated in a mid-1950s residential building in the historic center of Belgrade, Serbia, featuring large windows that overlook a busy street and a park. The aesthetic concept of the space reflects two key aspects: the atmosphere of contemporary Belgrade street culture and the color palette derived from the client's brand book.
The materialization follows a principle of alternating raw materials with contrasting elements, set against a backdrop of bright graffiti in the pre-defined color scheme. Bare steel structures frame walls made of perforated ceramic blocks, a familiar sight in former industrial areas now revitalized by new subcultures and a trendy urban vibe. These structures convey a sense of lightness and transparency. We adopted this architectural approach, maintaining visual unity throughout the space while subtly concealing the more sensitive areas of the kitchen. To preserve the openness, industrial PVC curtains were used in place of doors, while fine-mesh steel served as shelving above the order counter.
During the planning phase, we unanimously decided that an open kitchen could serve as a defining feature, leveraging the simple geometry of the space and the rhythmic structure of the 3.5-meter-high ceiling. The client supported the idea of lowering the order counter to standard kitchen height, removing barriers between guests and staff to foster a friendly, open atmosphere.
We maximized every opportunity to utilize the available space. For example, the wide window sills of the facade windows were designed as work surfaces for the open kitchen and as seating areas for guests. To enhance ergonomics, a step was added to the seating area. This element seamlessly integrated into the design, complementing two other staircases originally planned for access to the storage area and restroom. Together, these features created a harmonious balance without disrupting the overall design concept.
