*지중해의 로컬디자인이 반영된 레스토랑 [ k-studio ] Alemagou

현대 모던건축과 그리스전통이 만나면?
요즘 디자인의 글로벌화는 필해 갈 수 없는
사실이다. 뉴욕에 디자인된 건물과
서울에 디자인된 건물이 같은 형태와
재료로 구축되어지는 현상을 우리는 심심치 않게
목격한다.
하지만 각 지역마다 계승되어 내려오는
전통의 건축양식 및 삶의 양식이 반영된
디자인 코드가 있다.
우리에게는 여름 태양볕을 피할 수 있는 한옥의 깊은 처마선과
겨울을 나기위한 구들이 있듯이
고온건조한 지중해에는 태양을 피 할수 있는 캐노피와
자연스럽게 형성된 백색의 벽들이 태양빛을 반사하고 있다.

로컬 디자인에서 중요한 것은
패턴과 양식을 맞추는 것이 아니고
로컬기후와 삶의 패턴에 길들여진 디자인 코드를
사용하는 것이다.
지중해의 여유있는 삶이 반영된
친자연적인 재료의 선택과 공간의 형성은
그래서 우리에게 2천년을 넘는 명상의 시간을 주는 것이다.
말린 갈대로 차양된 캐노피 그늘아래에
아무렇게나 쌓여진듯 하지만
짜임새 있게 쌓여진 백색의 돌담옆에
오래된 시간이 묻어져 있고
우리는 그 시간 속에 휴식과 안식을 취할 수 있다.

Design modernism meets tradition right on Ftelia beach, on the beautiful island of Mykonos which is a Greek island, part of the Cyclades, lying between Tinos, Syros, Paros and Naxos.  Mykonos is one of the most cosmopolitan islands in Greece, known for its diverse and intense nightlife as evidenced by a vast number of bars and nightclubs, but also known for its beaches.  Alemagou bar–restaurant (an ancient Mykonian word meaning ''at last!'') is located on one of those sandy beaches – Ftelia beach.

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The design concept is that of a traditional Greek tavern with a twist in design of traditional Greek elements from the island of Mykonos and of Greece in general. K-studio drew their inspiration from traditional Cycladic architectural and design elements.  Such elements are the whitewashed, smooth-edged houses with the organic form, this element has been created over time in the older years, as the Mykonians  put asbestos around their houses right before summer to act as a pesticide; the right angles of the houses year by year faded and became round, and so did this element establish itself.  Another element is the dry-stone walls that blend harmoniously into the scrubby landscape, the practical, heavy-duty and durable screed concrete floors, and the natural reed-thatched roof insulation to provide shade on those sunny summer days.  The recognizable, traditional features and textures have been functionally used in this modern day bar-restaurant with the traditional organic forms use widely across the island.

Accumulating to the enjoyment of the site are the prevailing natural conditions of the site which dominate over anything else; the strong winds make Ftelia beach the ideal place for windsurfers, a kind of paradise.  The smoldering 40-degree centigrade midday sun and the harsh, dry rocks of the impinging landscape add to the existing design.  K-studio did not attempt to act obtrusively to these natural forces; instead it created the design around them; welcoming them, accepting them, and implementing the existing situation to turn even the smallest misdemeanor into an advantage.

Natural reed thatch was used to create a 60cm deep, inverted field for a canopy that sways relaxingly in the self-indulgent winds, thus allowing air to circulate, and the area of the bar - restaurant to remain cool.  Throughout the day speckled sunlight filters through the reeds, lighting and shading the space simultaneously.  At night, handmade pumpkin shell down lighting continues to animate the canopy from within, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere for evening dining.  Pumpkin shell lighting has become a traditional element which was created in the older times by people who had less money, and could not afford to spend on lighting fixtures.  A traditional element has been uplifted to add an interesting design twist to the already contemporary Alemagou restaurant.

Underneath the canopy an endless topography of cool screed cement terraces flows progressively down from the restaurant to the sand, passing through the bar and lounging areas.   Passage ways and circulation is organized to create specifically designated areas for dining, drinking or relaxing yet their softly vague, low-level boundaries let light and air flow naturally through the open space and allow continuous views across the beach to the sea and sunset.

The merging of these intentionally designed architectural elements and that of the naturally occurring elements generates a multi-sensory architecture that assembles in agreement and harmony with the surrounding environment.  Providing a natural, relaxed and comfortable sanctuary from the naturally occurring elements and produces a stimulating and friendly atmosphere.

All the above, in combination with the menu which sets to re-examine traditional, well-loved Greek recipes generates straightforward but fascinating and mouthwatering new dishes. The cocktails and the music selection also offer new combinations of favorite ingredients. The architectural design is an extension of the same approach, creating an exhilarating reinterpretation of tried and tested, traditional architecture.

Every element in Alemagou has been carefully designed and positioned, as it acquaints us with the past, the tradition and the story which comes together to create this inspiring yet relaxed atmosphere, which flawlessly blends in to the existing landscape.

Project: Alemagou
Program:  Bar - Restaurant
Location: Ftelia beach, Mykonos Island, Greece
Designed By: k-studio
Photographer: Yiorgos Kordakis
Status: Completed 2010

from  yatzer