Gallina, a 105-square-meter restaurant nestled in Athens’s urban landscape, transcends the notion of a mere dining space; it serves as a canvas where owner and collector Philippos Tsangrides invites guests on an artistic journey of design, culture and gastronomy. LOT Office for Architecture and the sibling design studio Objects of Common Interest have translated Tsangrides’ vision into an immersive experience that goes beyond traditional dining.
Entering the space, sweet-colored wood dominates, creating a sense of warmth and coziness, while stainless steel and marble craft an atmosphere both elegant and raw. The design offers various seating experiences for 38 guests, primarily in the high-ceilinged main dining hall on the ground floor. The banquet area at the entrance, adorned with custom-made marble tables and chairs, provides a smooth transition to the bar and an open kitchen in the back. Objects of Common Interest have crafted the chairs from stainless steel with gel cushioning, offering a blend of softness and solidity. The gel, a signature material for the design studio, finds a more massive presence in the iconic metamorphic rock stools placed strategically throughout the restaurant. The custom tube light column, another creation of the studio, captivates the eye from all angles, while a hand-knotted wool and silk tapestry by the renowned artist Jannis Varelas creates an additional focal point of the space. Map Design Studio’s lighting design, featuring On.entropy pendant lights and Charlotte Perriand’s wall sconces, enhances a captivating atmosphere. The attention to detail extends to the restaurant’s floor, adorned with a mosaic of various Greek marble pieces and custom ceramic tiles by artist Vasilis Papageorgiou. A standout feature at Gallina is the stainless-steel staircase in the back. It adds a unique geometric touch and leads to a cozy mezzanine where guests can experience a wine-tasting adventure. Descending the stairs, the room transforms into a wooden tunnel illuminated by a 90-degree tube light, an extension of the ground floor’s column.
