TAPASTICK

Authors’ Comment

The project aimed to create a unique visual identity for Tapastick, seamlessly integrating it within Bucharest's foodscape. Steering clear of current design trends, we transformed the previously fragmented space into a cohesive whole, laying the foundation for an ever-evolving culinary platform.

By securing the perimeter and ensuring it met modern standards, we collaboratively exposed the building's structure, creating a white 'frame' that provides a clear base for our design approach, tailored to the given function.
From the street, the entrance has a discreet presence, blending into the surroundings, not adding much to the already busy neighborhood. However, for those seeking an escape from the urban bustle, the entrance doors become a welcoming sight.

Upon entering, a trapezoidal passage opens into a central courtyard and once inside, the reversed perspective minimizes street presence. The former messy courtyard was transformed with a simple concrete/stone floor and restored facades.

The existing well-organized interior space, accessed from the courtyard, uses mirrors on far-side walls to enlarge the perception of space. The interior walls were stripped down to the bricks, revealing the space’s raw character. This established a clear layout for our intervention, allowing a big part of the final design to emerge organically through a collaborative, on-site process.

Preserving the historic ceilings posed a lighting challenge. Our solution for the main corridor, featuring a single-span cylindrical vault, involved a stretched wire illuminating the vault from above.

The centerpiece of the space is undoubtedly the bar, which serves as the central link between the proposed layout and the historic building. This custom-designed unit was planned closely with bartenders, prioritizing functionality and ergonomics to perfectly meet their needs.
The idea of using stove tiles was inspired by the building’s former heating system. While we initially explored reusing some of the original tiles, we ultimately collaborated with a manufacturer specialized in artisanal tiles to create the elements for the bar.
Thick glass tables were scattered throughout the space to maintain a sense of airiness, while the printed grid is reminiscent of a picnic blanket that adds a touch of whimsy to the space.