GASPARBONTA & Partners Designs Chef’s Performance Stage RUMOUR by Rácz Jenő

Budapest, Hungary

Project Status: Built

Year: 2020

Size: 3000 sqft – 5000 sqft

Rumour – / ˈruːmə (r) / noun: An interesting event or piece of news which can be either true or fictional, spread via word of mouth at a quick pace. Rumour – / ˈruːmə (r) / concept “Chef’s table” A unique “Theatre Style” proposition where guests are invited to dine around the performance “Stage”.

Architizer chatted with Gaspar Bonta, Founder at GASPARBONTA & Partners to learn more about this project.

Architizer: Please summarize the project brief and creative vision behind your project.

Gaspar Bonta: We wanted to create a perfect experience for all senses, a world class chef, unique interiors in an exclusive theatre setting and top-shelf Hungarian contemporary art. A flawless mix.

What inspired the initial concept for your design?

The core of the concept was the chef’s original idea of having one big table in the middle, so you can see what’s happening in the kitchen, how’s your food getting prepared, and so on. That became a cornerstone, and the whole ‘theatre’ theme became stronger. But it was the one table, at first.

What do you believe is the most unique or ‘standout’ component of the project?

We could say that the table is the most significant piece, but that would be unfair. It is the atmosphere. The soft lights, the art on the walls, the professional, yet caring manner of all who work there – combined. The most unique part is the whole show, how you enter, how you are served. You need to be there to understand.

What was the greatest design challenge you faced during the project, and how did you navigate it?

Artistically speaking, the only mistake would have been to overdo it. Everyone on the team, the Owner, the Chef and me had great ideas. Yet we had to keep it simple and harmonized.

Technically, the greatest challenge was the huge open kitchen next to the chef’s table.

How did the context of your project — environmental, social or cultural — influence your design?

There is a high emphasis on the cultural impact. All the art hanging on the walls are from contemporary hungarian artists, collected by the Owner of the restaurant.

What drove the selection of materials used in the project?

Simplicity and an understanding of the importance of time in the beauty of materials.