Italian Republic Lisboa

This description refers to the interior architecture project of a new unit of the Italian Republic restaurant chain, with a total intervention are of approximately of 250 m².

The intervention is part of a contemporary urban context, characterised by contemporary building facades and a strong business and commercial presence. The project seeks to respond to this environment through a solution coherent with the consolidated identity of the brand, reinterpreting Italian tradition in a contemporary, rigorous and urban style.

The concept is grounded in a contemporary language structured by principles concerning formal balance, spatial clarity and material coherence. The approach favours and organised interpretation of the space, avoiding decorative excesses and promoting a sophisticated and comfortable atmosphere.

In the interior, the composition is the outcome of an articulation between reinterpreted classical references, visible in the treatment of the framed walls, and elements of a more linear and vertical nature, such as the wooden panels, which introduce rhythm and reinforce the proportion of the ceiling height. The space is conceived as a fluid sequence, organised around a central structuring element: the counter.

The main room is built around a guatemalan green marble counter, designed as a monolithic volume with a strong visual presence. This element organises the pathways, defines areas for guests to linger and establishes a clear focal point in the interior. At the rear, the illuminated wall that integrates the wine cellar takes on a role that is both functional and scenic, serving as a structuring backdrop for the room and reinforcing the cultural dimension associated with the wine in Italian tradition.

The furniture layout was designed to ensure fluid circulation, acoustic comfort and a hierarchy of areas: more reserved areas along the perimeter and more dynamic areas near the counter.

The material palette was defined based on criteria of aesthetic consistency, durability and maintenance. Highlights include green marble on the counter, as a noble and structural element, natural wood vertical panels, walls framed in deep green tones, controlled brass accents, and tables with dark tops and light wood profiles, creating a balanced contrast. The colour choice contributes to an engaging atmosphere, in line with the brand’s elegant positioning.

The lighting design plays a decisive role in creating the atmosphere, through the creation of different layers of light. Amber glass pendants were integrated over specific areas, linear wall lights were incorporated into the architecture, and the indirect lighting was used on the back wall of the wine cellar. The strategy favour warm, diffused light, enhancing material and volumes and ensuring visual comfort.

The furniture was selected according to criteria of formal uniformity, ergonomics, and visual lightness. Dark green upholstered sofas define the perimeters and create cosy areas, while the chairs have a light structure and enveloping weave, ensuring comfort without compromising spatial perception. The oven is a standout feature, integrated into the architecture as a sculptural volume. Its organic shape, contrast with linearity of the walls, introducing expressiveness and referring to the artisanal nature of Italian cuisine, without compromising the functional organisation of the room.

The presence of large glass surfaces allows for a strong connection with the outside, maximising natural light and expanding the perception of space. The terrace extends the interior experience, maintaining formal and material coherence and contributing to the integration of the restaurant into the urban dynamics of Avenida João II.

The architectural design of the new Italian Republic unit, with an area of 250 m², reflects the brand’s consolidated identity in terms of space and materials. The design emphasises proportion, rhythm and composition, ensuring a clear interpretation of the space and a comfortable experience for the user. The result is a contemporary, solid and coherent environment, designed to meet the functional requirements of catering and the expectations of an urban audience in 2025.