Revitalizing Spaces Restaurant Lora by Foeldvary Staehelin
The transformation of the Westwing at Basel’s train station into Restaurant Lora by Foeldvary Staehelin marks a fusion of historical preservation and innovative gastronomical design. Let’s delve into the details of this captivating project.
Context and Concept
The neglected Westwing of Basel’s train station presented an opportunity for reinvention. Collaborating with SBB, our team of architects and gastronomical experts embarked on a journey to breathe new life into these spaces. The challenge was twofold: to design a restaurant that harmonizes with the historical train station halls while embodying a modern, sustainable, and gastronomically vibrant identity.
Spatial Design and Customization
Our approach involved customizing every aspect of the interior, from lighting objects to furniture, to establish a seamless blend of old-world charm and contemporary functionality. The design ethos focused on fluid spatial connections between the two historically preserved halls, ensuring a smooth flow conducive to gastronomical experiences.
Sustainability and Materiality
A key aspect of the project was sustainability, both in design and material choices. Local natural building materials were meticulously selected, aligning with the restaurant’s food concept. This conscious integration of sustainability not only resonates with the space but also communicates Lora’s holistic vision.
Pendant Lights and Time Concept
The development of new pendant lights for Restaurant Lora was a creative journey that intertwined space and time. Inspired by the absence of the halls’ famous clock, the pendant lights were designed to reflect different daylight settings, symbolizing the various times of the day. This integration of nature’s rhythm and temporal flow adds depth to the dining experience.
Formal Language and Construction
The pendant lights, with their abstract formal language, complement the halls’ neo-baroque architecture. Their asymmetrical rotation creates captivating spatial elements, enhancing the overall ambiance. Handcrafted with precision, these lights posed a construction challenge, requiring meticulous attention to detail for optimal lighting performance.
Visual Harmony and Interaction
The interplay of light and shadows, coupled with the natural elements within the restaurant’s kitchen, creates a visual harmony that resonates throughout the space. The fabric surfaces of the pendant lights react dynamically to light, further integrating them into the hall’s aesthetic, whether in daylight or artificial lighting.
Conclusion
Restaurant Lora stands as a testament to thoughtful design, historical reverence, and gastronomical innovation. It embodies a harmonious blend of past and present, offering patrons not just a dining experience but a journey through time and space within Basel’s iconic train station.
