Gordon Young of Gordon Young Architects( former director of Say Architects ) was appointed by rhubarb to act as designer and project architect to VIVI.
rhubarb’s brief was to create an all-day brasserie with a British provenance. The space is to incorporate bars, relaxed dining and lounges. The restaurant is to be a destination and be a focal point in the revived iconic Centre Point. The design is to be bold, approachable but also be elegant and have a timeless quality.
As contrast and respect to the architecture of iconic Centre Point, our design concept takes inspiration from the “Swinging London” of the 60s, a celebration of its playfulness, music and youth culture.
The name VIVI is a nod to the birth year of Centre Point; repeated roman numerals for “66”
The journey from ground floor entrance to the restaurant pays homage to the art, fashion and design of the 60s era, a nod to the optical art of Bridget Riley and the designs of the Eames.
On entering the restaurant, the customer is welcomed by the glamorous elliptical bar, which simmers like a Paco Rabanne chain mail dress.
Over the dining area, Vibeke Fonnesberg Schmidt has been commissioned to create a beautiful bespoke suspended chandelier feature made out of subtle coloured plexiglass and brass. Its design is reminiscent of the iconic 60s toy “Playplax” that was born of the same year as Centre Point.
The “British Brasserie & Bar” is divided into four zones: VIVI Bar, Liquid Lounge, Gallery, VIVI Dining. Each zone will have a distinct atmosphere and palette that harmonises and coordinates with each other.
The iconic Black and White Dogs Tooth has been used as feature tiling in the customers’ toilets, there are also tongue in cheek posters in the cubicles which provide a touch of humour and playfulness.
Material Used:
1. Entrance floor tiles - Solus Ceramics–Palace range – custom tiles
2. Main Bar floor tiles - Solus Ceramics – Palace range – custom tiles
3. Dog tooth WC wall & floor tiles - FameedKhalique – custom tiles
4. Chevron ParquetteTimber Flooring – Domus – custom colour
5. Table tops and bar counter - Versital– Sicilian Honed finish
6. WC Vanity Counters – Hi- Macs -Cima
7. Polished Plaster Wall Finish – Armourcoat – Pitted and Polished custom finish
8. 3 Form - Ecoresin
9. Laser Cut Screen – Miles & Lincoln
10. Decorative metal tile cladding to main bar – Giles Miller – Random/ Gradient pattern
11. Dining Chairs: Andreu World -
12. Bar Stools - Contract Chair Company - AVA Stool
13. Poufs - Contract Chair Company
14. Gallery Stool –Contract Chair Company - Da Vinci Stool
15. Liquid Lounge Stool – Visu
