KOMA Restaurant

The conceptualization and development of a restaurant are always a design challenge for the Architect since they need to reflect the essence, the intentions and the whims of the kitchen to transform them into a functional, warm and inviting space. The restaurant is located on Avenida las Palmas, in one of the most emblematic intersections of Lomas de Chapultepec in Mexico City. Upon arriving at the plaza, a sculptural facade greets you composed of two monolithic yet perpendicular surfaces that meet but do not touch; One of a shiny black glass and another of an opaque grey granite. In between them they reveal, almost by accident, the wood wall, composed of individual triangles that come together to reveal the texture. Upon entering, we find a dimly lit tunnel; On the left side, there is a semitransparent silver curtain that suggests an atmosphere of mystery, on the right side we have black glass that floats on a very dim line of light. This tunnel ends with a lattice of bottles that shows and indicates circulation; at the same time, it is a preamble to the intimate experience experienced inside the restaurant. When continuing the journey we find on the right the kitchen, whose walls are a continuation of the black glass of the main façade with two openings, one access and one exit, both with a polished brass lining When entering the main hall, we are greeted with a wall of mirrors floating on a gold leaf background that balances the length of the space. On that same wall there are four honey colored banquettes that are separated with a softly glowing prismatic glass partition that that gives them a lively touch and a bit privacy. This way the diners live a different environment, although they are next to the rest of the tables. This difference in environments is felt when, juxtaposed with the rectilinear arrangement of the benches results in an organic arrangement of the tables that responds to the wavy wooden walls built with meticulously manufactured triangles that delimit the living room. This contrast is also felt in the level of illumination that surrounds both spaces and the materials used; the iridescent curtain against the clear wood, the light wood against the stone, the stone against the black mirror. At the far left of the room, the granite and black glass coexist; the black glass is a door that hides inside the granite walls. When opened, a private room appears that can be integrated or completely isolated from the main dining area. In front of this access, the silver curtain is repeated, which serves to give privacy to the users of the private lounge. At the other end there is a sliding glass wall that connects and can be integrated into the main room with the terrace-bar. The curtains flank both ends, giving intimacy and privacy but also a glimpse of the other activities beyond. The privacy and intimacy in the spaces was a very important design requirement and is reflected in the other two private dining rooms. The first of them is independent of the other areas of diners, has its own access and is the most discreet and sheltered; from its interior the adjacent wine cellar can be appreciated, giving you also an increased the feeling of spaciousness. In the dining room itself there is a long image that simulates a long window with an exterior landscape that illuminates and gives life to the room. The second private dining room one is a circular space, where the table has the same shape and a very dramatic atmosphere. The table lies perfectly lit, crowned by a dome in the form of a semi-sphere lined in Gold leaf, which favors the sensation of height. In this space diners can clearly appreciate the meal offered while their faces are dim and softly lit, making food the main protagonist. Once in the terrace the sensations change. The architectural language evolves and becomes exterior,natural and organic. Backlit vines climb the wall and blend with the roof structure. Opposite of them is a golden mural with organic motifs that serves as a backrest for a long, uninterrupted mirror, reminding us of the interior, but at the same time, transformed. As the unifying element of both walls is a pair of shelves, translucent and illuminated that seem to float, and that invite us to enjoy and relax. On the terrace, formality is exchanged in benefit of coexistence. At the center there is a tree that serves as a bench and coasters. At the back, the central piece is the bar - gold brass frames the strong geometry of the front while glowing translucent shelves highlight the brightly colored bottles, serving as backdrop for the harmonic and rhythmic dance of the bartender.