The Urbane Mexico Restaurant represents a contemporary take on dining spaces, offering a carefully orchestrated journey through dynamic design and functional elegance. Located on a prominent corner, the restaurant’s strategic planning and attention to detail transform architectural constraints into opportunities for innovation.
Project Name: Urbane Mexico Restaurant
Studio Name: Ethelett
Location: United States
Site Area: 363 Sq. m.
Built Up Area: 465 Sq. m.
Dynamic Spatial Design
The defining characteristic of the restaurant is dynamism, both spatially and formally. Behind its seemingly straightforward rectangular volume, sloping lines and layered
compositions create a sense of movement and discovery. Visitors experience a series of transitions that heighten their connection to the space, making each moment unique and memorable.
Strategic Layout
Situated between a bustling main street and a quieter secondary road, local regulations mandated a five-meter setback at the front of the property. This space was cleverly repurposed as parking and pedestrian access, maintaining functionality without compromising design. The restaurant occupies the remaining site with a two-level structure.
The ground floor consists of a lobby, restrooms, kitchen with support areas, and a small yet intimate dining section. The upper floor is dedicated entirely to dining, offering expansive views through surrounding windows. At the rear of the property, a small courtyard provides access to services via a concealed door on the secondary street.
A Journey of Discovery
Visitors are guided through a three-part experiential sequence.
Arrival: Guests enter through a lushly planted pedestrian pathway, transitioning into a low-ceilinged space beneath the white volume of the façade. This initial moment culminates in the welcoming lobby, setting the stage for the experience ahead.
Exploration: Beyond the lobby, the design opens up to reveal the courtyard, a staircase, and the first dining area. Intimate and inward-focused, this space contrasts with the bustling exterior.
Revelation: Ascending the stairs leads to a dramatic expansion of space, with open dining areas and panoramic views reconnecting the visitor to the outside world.
The Central Courtyard: A Source of Light and Life
A triangular courtyard lies at the heart of the restaurant, bringing natural light and greenery into the design. Its glass roof and vegetation create a constantly shifting play of light and shadow throughout the day and year. The courtyard fosters a sense of intimacy on the ground floor while acting as a central organizer on the upper level. Its double height design unites both levels, enhancing the spatial cohesion of the restaurant.
Environmental Quality and Integration of Vegetation
Vegetation is a core element of the restaurant’s design, contributing to its aesthetic appeal and environmental performance. Soft materials in floors and furnishings enhance acoustics, while hanging plants and potted greenery create a lush and inviting atmosphere. On the façade, vegetation is seamlessly integrated, softening the structure’s urban presence.
Natural ventilation plays a key role in maintaining comfort, achieved through windows that facilitate airflow via convection. The kitchen’s exhaust is directed above the roof, ensuring unobtrusive functionality.
