The new experience and architectural design of Gina, the high-end Italian restaurant under the D-ream roof that has become one of Kanyon's most iconic restaurants since its opening, was designed by Wangan.
Based on the story of Gina, a strong and vigorous Italian woman who lived in Tuscany in the 1950s and ran a family trattoria bearing her name, the brand's space in Kanyon was designed around the idea of a second restaurant with the same name, opened by Gina's grandchildren 70 years after the first restaurant in Tuscany.
One of the most striking elements of the design that combines the warmth and tradition of a trattoria with the sharpness of a high-end restaurant is the custom-made ceramic used to cover the walls of the space both from the inside and from the facade. This layer of handmade ceramics is inspired by Azulejo tiles which originated in Italy, Spain, and Portugal in the late 17th century, enjoyed a golden age until the early 19th century, and were used in the interiors and exteriors of many buildings of the period. The printed ceramics, mounted on walls with wide openings and decorated with images of Italian flowers in custom-made frames, feature images of the Italian Riviera and Tuscany of the 1950s, inspired by the story of Gina.
Walnut wooden aisles, black and white Italian portraits on the walls, and wall and cedar lighting with warm light are other elements that enhance the intimate texture and trattoria feel of the restaurant. The bar, which is the central axis of the space, stands out with its leather, wood, and brass details while the kitchen area, designed as an open kitchen, features a pizza and fresh pasta station that customers can watch. The second branch of the restaurant, designed by Wangan in the exact same form as the new experience at Kanyon, is located at Galataport, which opened in October 2021 and is considered one of Istanbul's most important destination projects.
Design: Wangan
Location: Kanyon | İstanbul, Turkey
Year: 2022
Area: 480 sqm
Client: Doğuş Hospitality & Retail
Lighting Design: Planlux
Acousticts Consultancy: Karakutu
Photography: Fevzi Ondu
Awards: Architizer A+Awards | Special Mention 2023