Hytra Restaurant & Bar by Divercity Architects

In this project, Divercity Architects designed the bistro & bar area of the revamped Hytra Restaurant & Bar on the 6th floor of Onassis Cultural Centre Athens, making reference to traditional basket weaving. The Onassis Cultural Centre, designed by Architecture Studio (FR), is a cultural hub with an emphasis on contemporary cultural expression, the support of Greek artists and the cultivation of international collaborations. It hosts events across the whole spectrum of the arts, from theatre, dance and music to the visual arts and the written word. Hytra, which is Greek for “kettle”, features OCC’s existing gourmet Michelin star restaurant and a new bar bistro with a contemporary take on traditional Greek dishes. It is an inherent part of OCC and nurtures an important bond between the Centre and Athenians. The brief set out the need to create a vibrant, social space that would appeal to visitors both throughout the day and after a performance. The design strategy was inspired by Hytra’s emphasis on locally sourced, fresh Greek ingredients, which is the basis of Greek cuisine. Referencing traditional Greek basket weaving and the farmer’s collection basket, the main feature of the design is a central bar with dining, which gathers visitors together around it.