With its location inside the Columbus Centre alongside gallery spaces, ateliers, dance studios, community services, and a gym, our approach to redesigning the café had to be sensitive the comfort of the Centre’s existing users while capturing the importance of their Italian heritage. We used Tuscan oak and porcelain that mimics ceppo di gre stone, a texture synonymous with traditional Milanese architecture, intermixed with ardesia nero tiles, installed on the floor in a pattern reminiscent of the paved streets of Florence.

This project was executed during COVID, which required expert project management, namely being responsive to ever-changing lockdown protocols and considerate of escalating construction costs. We used a phased approach, first constructing only the elements critical to walk-in and delivery service. A take-out window, dedicated counter area and entrance for delivery partners, and smart storage solutions were thoughtfully integrated.

By designing the space in phases and only building what was needed in real time, we enabled our client to save on the upfront costs of a renovation, while giving them flexibility to determine when and how to complete the project.