Inside, asymmetrical volumes are covered with materials that are within the same axis, thus bringing increased dynamics to the environment. One could apply the words “abstract” and “referring to art” of co-owner of the restaurant Corinna Pop to describe this unique signature.

Raw materiality and urban chic
This minimalistic project is in continuation of the designer’s thinking on the individuals and society. Hence, variations in floor to ceiling heights make it possible for one to never see the space the same way, as we do perceive with all our senses of course. With its broken lines, the fragmented space thus forms areas with an even more intimate atmosphere, while without having to feel isolated. Jean de Lessard is also using this deflection principle with objects, such as the spectacular cellar (asymmetrical for obvious reasons!). It was custom made from copper sheets, a noble metal with a reflective quality of great potential.

To develop a genuine culture of seeing is crucial for Jean de Lessard for whom space is an object filled with emptiness and fullness and should offer a variety of perspectives. If the eyes of the occupant take a moment to follow one of the axes of the massive bar for example, they will discover one of the three “strucptures” (structure-sculpture). These sculptural walls are as practical as aesthetic; the Danish felt that covers them absorbs decibels has found Corinna Pop: “The noise is muffled even when the restaurant is filled to full capacity.”

Jean de Lessard’s abundant use of maple in this project, outside the scope of usual application to the least, is a wink to Québécois identity… A noble and raw material, such as steel, wood has both soundproofing and warming qualities. It enhances even more the invigorating and bright effect of the color and the softness of finer textiles.

In a sort of way, the femininity-masculinity duality mimics the two worlds that coexist in the place: that of the regulars and that of the new clientele of young professionals. As a subtle mirror of the exceptional menu of this restaurant, the design must unite the art of seeing and of tasting with simplicity and character.

Photo credit: © Adrien Williams

Technical specs
Client : Restaurant Chez Carl tapas & BBQ
Adress : 3000 Blvd René-Lévesque, Nun’s Island, Canada
Design : Jean de Lessard, Designers Créatifs
General contractor: Castle Reno (Paul Cantwell)

Parameters
Restaurant: 1,229 square feet
Dining capacity: nearly 70 places

About Jean de Lessard
With more than 20 years of experience, Montreal designer Jean de Lessard has designed numerous interiors, particularly in the commercial and deluxe residential sectors. His eclectic skills have led him to work on spaces of a diversity of vocations including hotels, restaurants, offices and boutiques.

Jean de Lessard, creative designers is one of the world’s pioneers of the creative development of individuals and societies in office development. Having amalgamated in its design practice many professional resources and findings of numerous socio-economic studies, the firm creates in 2012 the custom-made approach “Duality of the individual and the community”, an innovative approach that focuses on the diversity of space occupation patterns.

In February 2013, Jean de Lessard receives the prestigious award from the Association of Retail Environment in Chicago. His projects have won him awards in 2012 and 2010 from the International Property Awards in London, Britain. He has also won prizes from Intérieurs | Ferdie, the Commerce Design Montréal competition, and awards from the Institut de Design Montréal.