Velocità stands proudly on Calea Victoriei, Bucharest's historic boulevard, embodying the essence of an Italian gelateria, tiramisu, and coffee shop. In an endeavor to revive the building's former grandeur while channeling the spirit of Italy, we've seamlessly blended Milan Modernism and Art Déco, resulting in a contemporary synthesis that pays homage to the heritage of the location.
To ensure flexibility in the layout and foster a dynamic interaction between customers and baristas, the bar is ingeniously crafted from separate, movable pieces mounted on heavy-duty castors. This innovation not only accommodates various configurations but also proved invaluable during the pandemic. The original colors, uncovered by peeling layers of paint, align harmoniously with the creamy hues of tiramisu, vanilla ice cream, and latte, creating a visual and gastronomic harmony.
The terrazzo, a bespoke recipe, incorporates colorful stones reminiscent of the ingredients used in the products on display. Reflecting the on-the-spot preparation of goods, the choice of materials, including terrazzo, stainless steel, white marble, and glossy paint, aligns with laboratory standards, emphasizing the purity of the process.
Contrasting the almost clinical cleanliness, rattan and curved wood furniture, warm paint tones, and orange accents soften the ambiance. Thoughtfully placed 3000K spotlights evoke a sense of warmth and intimacy, akin to a perpetual sunset. The curved wood and rattan chairs pay homage to historical cafés in the area, reminiscent of Thonet designs.
Inspired by sepia-toned postcards depicting the interwar charm of Calea Victoriei, we painted the façade in the same nostalgic color palette, freezing it in a moment of bygone glory. However, this pursuit of preservation extends beyond aesthetics; it serves as a poignant call to action in a city where architectural heritage faces neglect and the constant threat of development.
Project in collaboration with Corvin Cristian Studio
Team: Corvin Cristian, Serban Rosca, Petru Lalut
