A-nrd Transforms a Former Bank into a Lina Stores
Amy Duong — March 7, 2025 — Art & Design
Local design firm A-nrd has taken a former London bank into the latest location of the Italian restaurant chain Lina Stores. It is defined by a contrasting influence of historic architecture with modern elements. Found in Shoreditch, the space sections between the ground floor dining room, which is rooted in the building's Victorian heritage, and Bar Lina, the cocktail bar in the basement.
The founder of the studio, Alessio Nardi explains the project, noting, "As a studio, we always focus on valorising the existing architecture of a space. The building has undergone numerous modifications over the years as a high street bank, many of which were unsympathetic. It was great to strip that back to reveal the original features, which we wanted to celebrate and build into the design concept."
Image Credit: Adam Firman
The founder of the studio, Alessio Nardi explains the project, noting, "As a studio, we always focus on valorising the existing architecture of a space. The building has undergone numerous modifications over the years as a high street bank, many of which were unsympathetic. It was great to strip that back to reveal the original features, which we wanted to celebrate and build into the design concept."
Image Credit: Adam Firman
Trend Themes
1. Adaptive Reuse Design - Transforming historical spaces into modern venues combines heritage preservation with contemporary architecture, offering unique dining experiences.
2. Multi-functional Dining Spaces - The integration of dining rooms and cocktail bars in singular locations creates diverse, multifaceted environments that enhance customer engagement.
3. Heritage-modern Fusion - Blending historic architecture with modern design elements caters to a growing consumer interest in spaces that tell a story through design.
Industry Implications
1. Historical Preservation in Hospitality - Revamping old structures into restaurants taps into the sustainable trend of preserving cultural heritage within the food and beverage industry.
2. Interior Design and Architecture - Creative reimagination of existing buildings offers a niche market for designers focused on innovative repurposing and aesthetic contrasts.
3. Urban Revitalization Projects - Converting historical high street banks into vibrant dining spaces contributes to broader efforts of rejuvenating urban areas with cultural and commercial activity.
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