Tolstoy is a vegan eatery that intends to be the new wave of fast-food restaurants. Its concept is based on four main ideas: digital, plant-based, transparency and joy. While planning, the design of the 60s came to mind, when the society was reborn, vegetarianism exploded and colors were a part of a positive statement. We right away thought about a colorful, funky and optimistic place.

One of our main focuses was to humanize a digital vegan fast-food space, full of screens and tablets. We embraced Tolstoy digital elements and efficiency by integrating them in a more human and engaging environment. It was important to build a space that people feel connected to!

Which colors shall we use?

- Green as a fresh color of plants;

- Terracotta and beige palette as dry colors of earth and of buckwheat, one of the main Tolstoy ingredients.

Which materials shall we use?

- Metal as a flexible and resistant material, for a dynamic place as an eatery;

- Wood as an organic and comfortable material, to which people feel more connected;

- Tiles as a more practical and easier to clean material, but also playful and fresh.

How can we create a flexible space, adaptable to different customers’ needs and preferences?

- Overall, we intended to create a flexible space, adapted to people’s daily needs. Therefore, Tolstoy was organized in three different sitting areas: the central area, the most social, where people can enjoy more time and space eating together; the windows area, perfect for who wants to relax and enjoy the view outside; the mirror area, a place for people in a hurry, who want just a quick bite or a coffee. Furniture was designed in a way to encourage people to change, toadapt and mix the three areas.

- We designed a metal cupboard in the eating area to render the space more efficient by integrating all the functions needed for the customer (tray, garbage bin, disposable tableware). But at the same time the digital self-service stations are also built in the cupboard, making the space more integrated and friendly;

We designed a niche with Leo Tolstoy’s bust. A niche itself was a surprise, discovered by our construction team during the works. During our trip to Brazil, we were influenced by the culture of altars and the way humans can be so devoted to something they believe in. So, we decided to design a sort of a symbolic element for Tolstoy, but with a specific aesthetic that came from an internet movement called Vaporwave. This movement brings together old neoclassical sculptures and late 90s web design (human vs digital), which perfectly fits the concept of Tolstoy as a digital plant-based eatery.

Team:

Cardoplan

Material Used:

1. Delo Design

2. Viva lab Porto

3. Equipe Céramicas

4. GIERER TERRAZZO GmbH & Co KG

5. Wolfgang Strehle