CDMX
SYBARITIC CARRIAGE
CONSTRUCTION: 172M2
TYPE: RESTAURANT BAR
DESIGN DATE:2011
LOCATION: CDMX
IN COLLABORATION WITH EMILIA FRANSSEN
BUILT
2012
The project aims to transform a resilient space, rebuilt after the 1985 earthquake, into a meeting point and gastronomic enjoyment that allows the integration of the street and the restaurant, in such a way that a fluid transition is generated between the exterior and the interior, so that the space functions as a morning café, an afternoon restaurant and a night dining room, enhancing the vitality of the Roma neighborhood as a cultural and social reference.
Located on the ground floor of a building renovated after the 1985 earthquake, this restaurant-café in the Roma neighborhood benefits from a history of adaptation and strength. The original structure featured disordered columns that, after the renovation, were used to divide and organize the space. The area, characterized by its heritage value and vibrant cultural life, represents a meeting point for residents and visitors.
Street-Interior Transition:
Due to the conditions of the premises and the need to integrate a coffee service towards the street, the design was conceived to "bring the street into the premises," creating a transition in the form of a semi-public area from where the coffee is served. This solution transforms the boundary between the sidewalk and the interior into a permeable and welcoming area that attracts those who walk through the area and maintains the open and accessible essence of the Roma neighborhood.
The restaurant is adaptable to function as a café during the morning, a casual dining space in the afternoon, and a full restaurant in the evening, responding to the changing needs of users throughout the day. This flexibility allows for maximizing the operation of the space and attracting a wide range of visitors, from residents of the neighborhood to passersby and tourists who frequent Roma.
Reconnection with Local History: The restructuring of the building, a legacy of the 1985 earthquake, becomes a symbol of resilience that contributes to the distinctive character of the place, transforming the past into an opportunity for present-day encounter.
Street-Interior Interaction: The semi-public transition from the sidewalk to the interior creates a new point of connection with the community, reinforcing the sense of openness and participation. This approach encourages coexistence in a space that belongs to both the neighborhood and its users.
Promoting Urban Life: The flexible hours of the space, adapting to the different functions of the café and restaurant, contribute to energizing the life of the Roma neighborhood, generating a constant flow of people and an active atmosphere throughout the day.
Supporting the Local Economy: By attracting a diverse audience and encouraging local consumption, the project generates a circular economy and revitalizes commercial activity in the area, strengthening the economic sustainability of the community.
The spatial organization was achieved from the pre-existing columns, which were integrated into the design to define different service and dining areas. The transparent materials and elements at the entrance allow a clear perception of the space from the outside, inviting the public to discover the activity within. With its welcoming and accessible design, the restaurant revitalizes the street experience in the Roma neighborhood and generates a regenerative space that turns a past of reconstruction into a solid base for coexistence and community life.