Carlo Ratti Associati Designs the Quisimangia Restaurant
Amy Duong — January 15, 2025 — Art & Design
References: carloratti & dezeen
Turin-baed design firm Carlo Ratti Associati designed Quisimangia, which is also known as Here We Eat for tomato company Mutti. It is a restaurant that will be operating as a public restaurant by night and a staff canteen during the day. It serves food for workers at the Mutti factory nearby and the structure is defined by its grass-topped roof made of compacted earth. It looks like it is floating over the glazed space in Parma, Italy.
The studio speaks about the design process to Dezeen, noting "The defining moment is the elevated earth roof – a poetic yet practical statement. This architectural gesture blurs the line between building and landscape, immersing diners in an unexpected relationship with the land. The vertical cut, inspired by the French ha-ha concept, creates surprise while maintaining uninterrupted views. The canteen becomes less of a building and more of an extension of nature itself, elevating both the experience and the environment."
Image Credit: DSL Studio
The studio speaks about the design process to Dezeen, noting "The defining moment is the elevated earth roof – a poetic yet practical statement. This architectural gesture blurs the line between building and landscape, immersing diners in an unexpected relationship with the land. The vertical cut, inspired by the French ha-ha concept, creates surprise while maintaining uninterrupted views. The canteen becomes less of a building and more of an extension of nature itself, elevating both the experience and the environment."
Image Credit: DSL Studio
Trend Themes
1. Earth-integrated Architecture - Designs that incorporate natural elements like compacted earth roofs are revolutionizing the way buildings blend with their environments, offering sustainable and aesthetically pleasing alternatives to conventional architecture.
2. Dual-purpose Spaces - Flexible spaces that serve multiple functions, such as transitioning from staff canteens to public restaurants, maximize utility while catering to diverse customer needs.
3. Nature-inspired Hospitality - Emulating natural landscapes within hospitality design is providing innovative ways to enhance customer experience and connect patrons more deeply with their surroundings.
Industry Implications
1. Sustainable Architecture - Incorporating natural materials like compacted earth in construction is paving the way for more environmentally friendly building practices.
2. Restaurant and Hospitality - The integration of dual-purpose operational models within the restaurant industry is fostering new efficiencies and reducing unnecessary building footprints.
3. Agricultural Partnerships - Collaborations between design firms and agricultural companies, such as Mutti's partnership with Carlo Ratti Associati, highlight the innovative blending of culinary and architectural expertise.
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