Piotr Maciaszek, Aleksandra Hyz and Karol Pasternak from NOKE Architects talk about the design of their first cicchetti bar in Poland.
A few steps into the bistro and you can tell that this project merges art and architecture. What inspired you?
PM: When you go to Venice you expect to be impressed. Venice is easy to imagine based on a single postcard, but to live it is something completely unique. The biggest challenge was to bring this experience to the guests of Vabene Cicchetti.
There are a lot of new places opening in this district now, so we knew it had to be something truly one of its kind. We were inspired by pictures of Venetian eateries which stay open during periods of high tide (Italian: aqua alta) and are architecturally adapted to these particular conditions.
What means did you employ? Is it possible to reconcile functional architecture with artistic experiments?
PM: The design process occurs on two levels. The first depends on objective conditions - the existing spatial situation and future function, while the second one is all about subjective impressions. We wanted the place to be unambiguously associated with Venice but we also wanted for this reference to be fresh and unique. We took inspiration from the colors of the Venetian flag (i.e. red and gold), which dominate all finishing, and incorporated the "Aqua Alta" motif in the interior as an element of surprise. High water appears in the form of juicy green at the height of a couple dozens centimeters inside and gives color to table legs, chairs, plinths, floor, display cases and floods the entire underground level.
We go inside through a semi-circular portal of an antique mirror and first thing we see is a bar made of red travertine, which continues as a stone cooler hollowed from a block of stone filled with ice and bottles of prosecco. The interior design is complemented by custom-made lamps made of artisan glass and designer furniture, including tables resembling Venetian posts sticking out of the canal water. The bathroom has a surprising vibe too, finished in distinctive black and white stripes topped with a red ceiling, making a clear allusion to gondoliers’ uniforms.
What else makes Va bene Cicchetti stand out? Where did the idea for the mosaic come from?
KP: Venice is a temple of art - both contemporary and Renaissance. We wanted to create a space for dialogue and exchange of ideas, a meeting point for the worlds of architecture, culture and art. We invited Ola Niepsuj (artist and illustrator), who is a great enthusiast of Italy, to co-create the place. We knew that she would know how to materialize the spirit we wanted to convey.
PM: Veneto is where the famous Murano glass and antique mirrors are manufactured. The region is famous for its ceramics and wine. We came up with the idea to use 'mini pieces of Venice' as the building blocks of our artwork. Mosaic was the perfect solution for this. According to the author, it best represents Venice, where "the sun dances on the water". Besides, it refers to the local tradition of Warsaw mosaics and MDM urban square. Also, personally, we have always dreamed of designing a modern version of Warsaw mosaic.
What other things have resulted from the cooperation with Ola Niepsuj?
AH: We wanted the collaboration with the artist to not just be a single commission, but a broader exchange of ideas and inspiration. This unique partnership resulted in a whole set of artworks, graphics and design elements.
The Venetian lion in its original form has become a logotype and a kind of mascot of the place. It appears on artistic neon signs or a huge brass doorknob resembling railings in a palace. Ola also designed the entire visual identity of the place and the posters for the opening.
You are famous for design versatility - you work simultaneously in the areas of private and public interior design, architecture and exhibition - how did you happen to work with such an exceptional client?
PM: An investor that I knew asked if we would be interested in helping with a small F&B project for his friends. That's how we met Agata and Emanuele and later also their adorable poodle Koko. The investors granted us total trust. We knew we were in for a 100% Italian adventure.
What was the brief?
KP: Of course, we were perfectly familiar with Vabene in the Powisle area - Agata and Emanuele's first bistro. It is located not far from our design office. We appreciated it for its great, relaxed atmosphere and delicious pizza, Roman-style. This time, however, the investors didn't want to duplicate the same pattern and had a different idea for their next location. At NOKE we love creation from scratch, so we enthusiastically agreed to participate in the development of a new, exceptional place on the culinary map of Warsaw, particularly in such a great location. The building itself turned out to present quite a challenge. The small premises didn't even have any heating, and it quickly became apparent that we were in for a major renovation. However, these challenges are not something we are afraid of.
Did the project also include outdoor space arrangements for the property?
AH: Yes. The image of Italian seniors always leaning against window sills, amiably greeting passersby from windows and balconies resonated in my head. We wanted the interior to be welcoming to the bustling city. The windows were designed to be fully open and on warmer days the guests can enjoy the outside area too. What is more, there will be an amphitheater staircase and a rooftop terrace with a stage for a DJ or live music. You could not wish for more in this cozy corner of the old socialist buildings next to a beautiful relief.
Project team:
Piotr Maciaszek, Aleksandra Hyz, Karol Pasternak
