An urban meeting place at the publishing house of Ringier, Zurich
Studio Frey designed 480 square meters ground floor of the Swiss publishing house Ringier in Zurich: The overall lobby and official reception of the publishing house, a small but fine News Stand, ‘THE GALLERY’ a „future office“ presenting objects of British artist Liam Gillick and ,THE STUDIO‘ - the new meeting point for Zurich. A large window front unifies the entrance area, ‘THE GALLERY’ and ‘THE STUDIO’ already from a distance and represents the design approach of the interiors: Openness. Studio Frey’s design language for the restaurant ,THE STUDIO‘ transforms the idea of communication in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere with a warm character.
‘THE STUDIO’ is a chic hangout for all those who appreciate an informal environment, who are fascinated by gaining insight into the integrated studio of radio transmitter ENERGY and who value an open, warm ambience for lunch, for a coffee or drinks. Journalists meet readers; art-directors have a break; music fans communicate with presenters. Studio Frey deliberately avoided any hint to Business- or Canteen aura and created a synthesis of urban gastronomy and informal lounge ambiance, refraining from strict frameworks.
'THE STUDIO' invites the guest to an intimate atmosphere. Bar and Lounge area stretch out over 280 square meters, stylistically separated by using solid oak flooring for the Bar section and walnut for the Lounge space. Here, an individual composition of high-quality armchairs, benches and stools provides a modern, cosy and comfortable mood. Armchairs by Minotti, tables from B & B Italia, elements from Flexform and lamps designed by Tom Dixon flank Studio Frey‘s own designs. Brass elements and an oak wall reflect the design language of the Bar. Discreet and yet present the Bar with its gridded oak front, its brass base and its indirectly illuminated, grand and slanted counter made from Carrara marble blends in the overall design of the restaurant.
Besides the classic Bar area, with matt brass details, the Bar of ‘THE STUDIO’ offers different types of coffee, juices from market-fresh fruits and vegetables and freshly prepared sandwiches in three particular units. Light green, specially treated tiles from Italian Ceramics Company Mutina visualize the freshness of the assortment.
The variety of aura and colouring emphasize the lightness of the overall concept, the warm atmosphere conveys the spirit of an ,Open House‘. A playful reinterpretation of traditional shapes, materials and colour schemes suggests a familiar tune with the place and corresponds to the character of the location - a mix of news, music, communication, emotion and hospitality.
