Living Bakkali by Masquespacio, captures a desert inside a restaurant

Living Bakkali, designed by the Spanish design agency, Masquespacio carefully attempts to take its visitors through a voyage across the deserts of Middle East. The project is interwoven through a series of sections that imitate dining spaces matching the Orient setting. While being able to connect is the primary function of Bakali, it further elevates one’s spirit to relax and relish the creative dishes unique to the restaurant.

The entrance is connected with the kitchen by a central hallway, paving way towards the entire space. The subtle transition from a more private 2-person seating area to the bench seating for larger groups enables one to discover the different surroundings and spaces inside ‘Bakali’. While the initial part of the hall releases a feeling of strolling through one of the many streets of ancient houses, the latter part carries one through a corridor between curtains that encloses a private dining room and bathrooms.

This latest project in Valencia opens up an environment filled with mystery and contrast. the organic design of the ‘Living Bakkali’, makes one curious and excited to uncover the other corners of the place which cannot be completely revealed from every other part of the restaurant. Further, they get partially revealed through the different windows styled in Arabic architecture.

A minimal colour palette involving an amalgamation of soft browns and pinks, with the different arches and curves, resulted in earthy interiors, emulating desert environments of the Middle East regions. A deliberate choice was made to use one single material for the entire design. And through the material application of clay, the overall setting generates an adobe effect on the various surfaces, including floors, walls and ceilings. Complementing these design characteristics, the lighting effects seamlessly integrate with the overall colours, textures and furnishings.

Masquespacio, created by Ana Milena Hernández Palacios and Christophe Penasse in the year 2010, has been recipients of multiple nominations and awards including, the latest title of “Young Talent of The Year” by Elle Deco International 2020. The firm continues to work on several projects across Qatar, Spain, Italy, France and USA and more.

FACTFILE:

• PHOTOGRAPHY: Sebastian Erras
• SURFACE: 150 m2
• OPENING: October 2021
• CONSTRUCTION: Maq
• CUSTOM-MADE FURNITURE & LIGHTING: Design Masquespacio, Local Production

• Text: Nikitha Sunil | Contributor at A+D