At La Piazza, a restaurant in Yerevan, S+S Design Studio (Sundukovy Sisters) reinterprets the traditional Italian piazza through the lens of contemporary Yerevan.
Project Name: La Piazza Restaurant
Studio Name: S+S Design Studio
Location: Yerevan, Armenia
Photography: Evgeny Kulibaba
The restaurant unfolds as a sequence of carefully choreographed spaces, where every transition introduces a new atmosphere and gradually immerses guests in the experience.
The journey begins beneath a suspended chandelier that appears almost weightless, marking the threshold between the city and the interior. Reflective metallic surfaces dissolve clear boundaries, catching movement and light to create an environment shaped more by perception than decoration.
Further inside, the atmosphere becomes softer and more intimate. Curtains frame the dining room like a theatre stage, revealing warm timber flooring, marble surfaces, olive-toned textiles and a restrained palette of natural materials. The composition combines the familiarity of an Italian home with the understated elegance of contemporary Armenia.
Throughout the restaurant, references to classical Italian architecture appear as subtle quotations rather than literal reproductions. Pilasters, white tablecloths and camphor veneer tables recall the rituals of traditional Italian dining while remaining firmly rooted in a contemporary design language. The result feels timeless rather than nostalgic.
Light plays an essential architectural role throughout the interior. Glass chandeliers above the open kitchen celebrate the craftsmanship behind every dish, while a long communal wooden table encourages spontaneous encounters between guests. Above the bar, a sculptural chandelier inspired by the form of a dandelion introduces a softer rhythm, balancing refinement with warmth.
Rather than contrasting two cultures, La Piazza allows them to coexist naturally. Italian traditions of gathering, Armenian hospitality and contemporary architecture merge into a single spatial narrative where materials, proportions and light contribute equally to the experience.
At La Piazza, dining extends beyond food. The restaurant becomes a place where architecture encourages conversation, connection and the quiet feeling of belonging.
