Silver Interior Space and Exhibition Design · 2024
Piccola Play Cafe
- A' Design Award 2024 Silver Winner in Interior Space and Exhibition Design
- Awarded April 15, 2024
- CLIENT: Pınar Görpeoğlu
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 29,536
- Verification code 6F7CBF8D07 · Verify this award
About Piccola Play Cafe
Piccola is a play cafe designed to feel like people are stepping into a lively carnival city. The design combines storytelling and architecture to create an immersive experience. From the carousel-shaped ceiling light to the city skyline-inspired wall panels and mirror surfaces creating captivating illusions, every detail adds to the atmosphere. It stands out by sticking to its theme throughout, creating a space that's both creative and practical for both parents and children.
Positioned within the contemporary discourse surrounding experiential hospitality design, this interior environment demonstrates how thoughtful material articulation and chromatic strategy can transform functional space into immersive narrative architecture, drawing upon traditions of theatrical set design, the whimsical geometries associated with mid-twentieth-century futurism, and the bold color blocking characteristic of postmodern design movements while synthesizing these influences into a coherent visual language specifically calibrated for wonder and discovery. The designer appears to have engaged deeply with questions of scale, proportion, and perceptual hierarchy, employing the dramatic contrast between the enveloping deep blue surfaces and the advancing warm-toned sculptural elements to create spatial dynamism that guides movement and focuses attention. Particularly accomplished is the integration of functional lighting within decorative form, wherein the spiral wheel structure serves simultaneously as illumination source, wayfinding landmark, and primary aesthetic statement, its radiating bulbs suggesting both carnival festivity and celestial mechanics. The secondary circular elements demonstrate considerable formal invention, their abstracted organic shapes inviting multiple interpretive readings while maintaining visual coherence through consistent material finish and coordinated palette. Technical merit is evident in the precision of curved millwork fabrication, the seamless quality of the reflective floor installation, and the sophisticated integration of electrical systems within sculptural housings. Thematically, the environment seems to explore the intersection of imagination and architecture, proposing that built space can serve as catalyst for creative play and narrative engagement. One might observe connections to the tradition of fantastic architecture from historical pleasure gardens to contemporary theme environments, yet executed here with refined restraint that elevates rather than overwhelms. Visitors are invited to consider how spatial design shapes experience and how environments crafted with intentionality can foster joy, curiosity, and the precious capacity for wonder.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- This Carnival City-themed play cafe, blends storytelling and architecture for an immersive experience. Its strength lies in creating an memorable journey through an mythical world, reflected in every space, starting with the facade. The intensity of the design varies in different zones depending on the main user, as children are meant to have fun and parents to take a break. Emphasizing a cohesive narrative and innovative spatial use sets Piccola apart in creativity, functionality and experience
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Project area : 700 square meters
- Tags
- Play-cafe design, thematic interior, storytelling, carnival, city, mirrors, Carousel, playground, turkey, istanbul
- Production Technology
- The façade, forming the foundation of the design, was intended to symbolize the transition from the real World to a fairy-tale realm. Fiber panels were digitally modeled in 1:1 scale and produced in layers to create a three-dimensional gateway. The integrated motors within the panels enabled specific areas, such as golden stars and the striped wheel, to slowly rotate with the subtle enchanting music which is created by the built in stereo system.
- Design Challenge
- The areas on the basement floor with low ceilings needed to be made appealing and comfortable for both children and parents. This challenge had to be addressed without compromising the overall narrative of the design. As a solution, we decided to strategically use mirrors. Mirror surfaces and reflections completely transformed the feel of the space, making these areas appear larger and more spacious, enhancing the overall ambiance.
- Project Duration
- Project is located in Istanbul, Turkey and finished in September 2023.
- Operation Flow
- The dynamic façade welcomes guests to the cafe area, featuring an inverted carousel in the center that creates a dazzling illusion with its own reflection on the mirror ceiling. Carousel guides people to the play area with illuminated arrows and carries them down the spiral staircase to the lower floor where interactive game walls engage children. While mirror panels inspire adults for creative photos, this dynamic use sets the design apart not only in creativity but also in interactive appeal.
- Research
- We focused on architectural interpretations of both city and carnival themes. We used wall panels reminiscent of building facades to represent the texture of the city. At the same time, the main elements that symbolize the carnival, such as the carousel and the Ferris wheel, were integrated into the design to serve the project. Through these symbols, we aimed to create an impressive and harmonious environment with architectural elements where guests can have a fairy-tale experience.
- Inspiration
- The design is inspired by the lively atmosphere of the carnivals and the dynamic cityscapes. Architectural interpretations of the theme can be found in all elements such as a carousel-shaped ceiling light, façade and wall panels inspired by city silhouettes, reception desk lights inspired by chairoplanes and mirror surfaces which create dazzling illusions, such as half a Ferris wheel reflected to complete a circle, cleverly enhance spatial perception and make low rooms appear higher.
- Image Credits
- PHOTOS : CANSU AYDURAN
VIDEO : BERKAY GULUM
Colors of Piccola Play Cafe
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