Dining with Vincent

Fig: 1 - Vincent Van Gogh is a famous artist known for his artistic vision and depiction (Credits-Jean Carlo Emer)

THE LIFE OF VINCENT VAN GOGH

Vincent Van Gogh is one of the most influential artists to have contributed to both the Post-Impressionist era and Western Art. While his artistic career only spanned a decade he created over 800 oil paintings out of a complete body of more than 2000 artworks.

Unfortunately, the artistic genius battled many years of mental illness that culminated with his suicide at the age of 37.  

In his brief career as an artist, Van Gogh came to inhabit the city of Arles in France where he produced some of his most famous work and experienced his first mental breakdown.

Today this city continues to celebrate the life of the artist and is home to memorials commemorating the artist's life in the city even while many of the structures were destroyed. Nevertheless, tourists who visit Arles for the artist can trace his life across the city and experience the source of his inspiration.  

Fig: 2 - Arles in France is a hotspot for Van Gogh fans (Credits-Lucan Miguel)

EXPERIENCES IN THE CITY OF ART 

Van Gogh enthusiasts who come to Arles can trace his life in the city; however, the main structures related to him, such as the Yellow House was destroyed by bombing during the second world war. In the absence of sites, host cities tend to curate elaborate experiences inspired by history to attract tourists. One such avenue of curated experiences are themed restaurants. 

Visitors are greeted in these restaurants by an immersive experience curated around specific themes. These spaces not only become an exciting tourist attraction but also can become important ways to acknowledge and celebrate a chapter in history. 

In Arles, since Van Gogh enthusiasts can no longer visit physical sites the opportunities an immersive themed restaurant may provide can be an alluring tourist attraction, especially to Van Gogh enthusiasts. 

Fig: 3 - How will a restaurant based on Vincent Van Gogh’s art look like?

CELEBRATING THE ARTIST

Nurturing the existing historical sites is just as important as creating and nurturing new experiences for visitors. In Arles since people can no longer visit the structures inhabited by Van Gogh, creating new experiences that celebrate the artist is imperative to continue attracting tourists. 

The challenge here is to envision a themed restaurant inspired by the works of Vincent Van Gogh. 

Consider the history of the artist tied to the city as well as the influence of the space on his style of work and design a truly immersive experience for Van Gogh enthusiasts. The restaurant can be either completely inspired by the work of the artist or borrow cues and details from the artist's bold, expressive and colourful art. Both the structure and the interiors must reflect the source of inspiration. 

OBJECTIVES

Architecture: The main structure should be inspired by the works of the artist

Interior: the space within must be influenced by the artist 

Planning:  Micro Planning of the Restaurant Spaces

Lighting: Natural Lighting as well as Fixtures used in the design

These objectives are the point of the beginning to conceive the design. Participants are further free to design according to their own perceptions.   

SITE

Arles, France

Arles is an ancient Roman city and commune in the south of France by the Rhone river. It was not only the home of Van Gogh but also boasts a relationship with many other artists including Gaugin, Reattu and Picasso. The site is centrally located in a predominantly residential area. It is a short distance from the railway station, and close to the Canal du Vigueirat. It is about a kilometre away from the Yellow House. 

Coordinates: 43°40'57.1"N 4°38'24.2"E
Site Area: 892.84 sqm
Maximum FAR: 1
Ground Coverage: 30%
Setbacks as per CAD plan
Height Restriction: 6 m 

AREA PROGRAMME

The restaurant must have enough space to seat 20-30 people, the reception, kitchen, pantry, restrooms and other services. Other creative additions to the project can be made within the space constraints.

Entrance: 10-15 sqm 

Reception, Waiting area  

Seating Area: 70-80 sqm

Seating area for 80 people (max.) 

Recreation spaces: 15-25 sqm 

Exhibits/reader’s area/Lounge

Services: 40-50 sqm 

Kitchen, Pantry, Storage, Staff Room, Washroom (Staff and Guests), Service Entry

Additional Activity Area: 20-30 sqm

What other activities will your restaurant hold?