This interior made me feel happy the minute I saw it. I’m not really sure what it was that made me smile so instantly – perhaps the tree-like sprouting form hovering over the communal tables, vibrant accents of colour on tiled counter fronts and undersides of timber shelving, fun overall aesthetic… Probably all of the above.

Anyway, this canteen was designed by Esudio Nomada for Galicia’s City of Culture Building. The tree structure references Spanish holiday picnics and communal gathering under trees. Even though I am not normally a fan of gimmicky elements for decoration sake alone (i.e. I wish this structure provided some kind of “solution to a problem” or had an added function such as lighting etc.) I almost forgive the designers for breaking the basic rule of “honest design” just because it’s so much fun. And it made me smile… Yes, you can call me shallow in this instance, I completely deserve it. But I’m ok with that.

[Photos © Santos Diez, via Restaurant & Bar Design Awards.]

4 Responses

  1. Bree

    Nothing wrong with something that makes you smile. I think that’s the thing its meant to do – I don’t think there’s anything shallow about that :)
    I love it also!

    Reply
  2. Enrique de Santiago

    Thank you for the kind post on our project. We are glad that the project transmits the happiness and fun we experienced throughout the entire process; form the creative concept to the material execution…

    For the record, the trees were originally conceived to support lighting garlands and thus they are wired inside to be able to connect them if wanted…

    FYI, the Canteen has been shortlisted for the Restaurant and Bar Design Awards 2012, to be held on September 6th at the RIBA in London… Another reason to be happy!!!

    Thank you,

    Enrique de Santiago

    Reply
  3. Karen

    I want “trees” like this in my yard for the grapes to grow on. Would be very cool.

    Reply

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