Refettorio Gastromotiva by METRO Arquitetos

Refettorio Gastromotiva
Refettorio Gastromotiva
Photo © Ilana Bessler

“A small miracle!” said Massimo Bottura at the press conference of the Refettorio Gastromotiva Cafeteria on the day of its inauguration in Lapa, Rio De Janeiro. He was not referring to the food, but to the construction timeframe of the project, whose 450m2 were constructed in just 55 days.

Refettorio Gastromotiva
Photo © Ilana Bessler

This combination of restaurant and school is the result of a partnership between Massimo Bottura elected best chef in 2016, the food critic Alexandra Forbes and the NGO Gastromotiva, run by celebrated chef David Hertz.

Refettorio Gastromotiva
Photo © Ilana Bessler

Together they assembled a creative team including Vik Muniz, Maneco Quinderé, the Campana brothers and METRO who were responsible for the architecture, art and design for this new environment.

Refettorio Gastromotiva
Photo © Ilana Bessler

The Cafeteria was inspired by Masimo Bottura’s ‘Food For Soul’ initiative, which aims to combat global food waste by transforming products that might have been discarded into sophisticated and nutritious meals.

Refettorio Gastromotiva
Photo © Ilana Bessler

The site chosen for the project – between the Lapa Arches and the Aterro Do Flamingo – was donated by the city and has a large homeless population who will be eligible for free dinner as part of the project while paying guests bring revenue during lunch time.

Refettorio Gastromotiva
Photo © Ilana Bessler

Situated on the edge of a small square and adjacent to one of the city’s main thoroughfares, the restaurant was designed to reinforce connections with these public spaces and the surrounding community.

Refettorio Gastromotiva
Photo © Ilana Bessler

The kitchen occupies the centre of a long and narrow site, 50m in length and 6m wide. A single volume alternates between single and double height spaces and has generous openings onto the road and the neighboring square.

Refettorio Gastromotiva
Photo © Ilana Bessler

The building is clad in translucent polycarbonate panels that ensure that the restaurant feels welcoming and accessible to all.

Refettorio Gastromotiva
Photo © Ilana Bessler

The material palette is of authentic, industrial materials that are commonly found in the area, resulting in an honest, no-frills aesthetic that celebrates the essential construction elements and services.

Refettorio Gastromotiva
Photo © Ilana Bessler

In this environment chefs were invited from all over the world to create delicious meals with the surplus of the 2016 Olympic Games, offering nourishment with dignity and beauty to people in vulnerable social situations. Source by METRO Arquitetos.

Refettorio Gastromotiva
Photo © Ilana Bessler
  • Location: Lapa, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
  • Architects: METRO Arquitetos
  • Project Team: Gustavo Cedroni, Martin Corullon, Helena Cavalheiro, Marina Ioshii, Amanda Amicis, Gabriela Santana, João Quinas, Luís Tavares, Manuela Porto, Rafael de Sousa, Renata Mori
  • Construction company: Souza Camargo
  • Structural consultant: Ricardo Bozza – Inner
  • Electrical consultant: PKM Consultoria e Projetos
  • Hydraulic consultant: Usina Consultoria e Projetos
  • Climate Control: Bonar Engenharia Térmica
  • Acoustic control: Marcos Holtz
  • Client: Gastromotiva
  • Site area: 320m2
  • Constructed area: 425m2
  • Year: 2016
  • Photographs: Ilana Bessler, Courtesy of METRO Arquitetos
Refettorio Gastromotiva
Photo © Ilana Bessler
Refettorio Gastromotiva
Photo © Ilana Bessler
Refettorio Gastromotiva
Photo © Ilana Bessler
Refettorio Gastromotiva
Photo © Ilana Bessler
Refettorio Gastromotiva
Photo © Ilana Bessler
Refettorio Gastromotiva
Photo © Ilana Bessler
Refettorio Gastromotiva
Ground Floor Plan
Refettorio Gastromotiva
Sections
Refettorio Gastromotiva
Diagram
Refettorio Gastromotiva
Diagram
Refettorio Gastromotiva
Sketch
Refettorio Gastromotiva
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