Restaurant AOC, situated in Copenhagen, has recently reopened, offering an extraordinary culinary journey that fuses traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. Collaborating with the design studio Spacon & X, this two-star Michelin restaurant has crafted a spatial design mirroring its dedication to local suppliers and impeccable quality. AOC's menu showcases Danish culinary excellence, sourcing the finest ingredients from local suppliers who share their sustainability and ethical values. The design, in turn, draws inspiration from Denmark's lush agricultural heritage and its captivating landscapes: meadows, fields, forests, and celestial bodies.
Upon entering, patrons are enveloped in a sensory delight where the culinary artistry finds resonance in a warm spatial design. Meticulous attention to detail permeates every nook, from meticulously chosen furnishings and decor to the utilization of premium materials, radiating an air of sophistication.
Acoustics play a pivotal role in creating an intimate ambiance. Custom-made sound-absorbing elements seamlessly integrate into the design, enhancing the architectural essence of AOC's space. A monolithic high table welcomes guests, serving both as an acoustic element when bar stools, featuring Rockfon's sound-absorbing material adorned with floral patterns, are tucked in, and as functional seating for aperitifs and snacks when chairs are pulled out.
Nature takes center stage in the restaurant's design, featuring natural materials and organic elements. The standout element is Organoid material, composed of straw, marguerite, cornflower, sunflower, and wild rose pressed into surfaces, evoking fields and lending a unique texture to the furniture. Cool forest elements, including ferns and branches, bring a touch of nature to the interior.
Brass intarsia in the furniture acts as ornate jewels that adorn the restaurant, reflecting the extraordinary ingredients used in dishes. Dimly lit areas, like the lounge and restrooms, feature lights reminiscent of celestial jewels - the sun, moon, and stars, infusing a hint of magic.
Japanese tiles in the bathrooms introduce an earthy, textured ambiance, alluding to Danish geology and weather. Handcrafted brass lamps by S&X Productions emulate natural surfaces, such as bark, casting warm light, evoking a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of early summer mornings. These lamps explore various tapping techniques that subtly recall trees, leaves, and water.
A ceramic collaboration between Spacon & X and Atelier 1991 harks back to antiquity and the foundations of modern society, reflecting AOC's identity. The ceramics are crafted using ancient methods reminiscent of the famous 25,000-year-old Venus figure. This collaboration intertwines the past with the present, creating a beautiful and distinctive dining experience.
Malene Hvidt, Partner at Spacon & X, sums it up: "With AOC, we wanted it to feel like visiting the home of a dear friend - every time you notice something new. This is done by working with layers of details and craftsmanship... reflecting the changes of seasons and menu, which is so dear to AOC."
In essence, AOC's spatial design is a testament to its commitment to sustainability, local sourcing, and creating an ever-evolving, enchanting dining experience that marries nature's beauty with culinary artistry.
