Sushi restaurant Nómada Chiado by Spacegram in Lisbon

Colors of raw tuna and salmon - at the Nómada Chiado restaurant, red tones and wavy textures on the walls created an interior to match the sushi dishes. Spacegram designed the 150-square-meter eatery in Lisbon as an immersive experience that is meant to be in the spirit of nomadic travel.

by Bettina Krause, 05/19/2021

"We wanted the rooms to have a color that was inviting and warm, that would catch our attention and enclose us. In the end, we chose a vibrant pastel red that welcomes visitors to the intimate environment," explains Ana Ferrão, co-founder of Spacegram.

The owner of Nómada Chiado, specializing in innovative fusion cuisine, wanted an experiential, immersive space for his guests. Spacegram was to transform the formerly barren, vaulted environment on two levels into a sophisticated interior. Visitors access the dining areas on the lower level of the restaurant via an elegant spiral staircase made of copper-colored metal elements.

Sculptural installation
The source of inspiration for the young designers was the minimalist design of Japan, which also inspired them to cover the walls in the extravagant "Cocoon Room". The process of creating the wavy and curved wooden elements, which were first developed in 3-D in the studio and then manufactured by hand and machine, was highly complicated.

Special effects are created with the help of lighting, which makes the surfaces look like waves in motion in the play of light and shadow. Curved sofas emphasize the natural, comfortable ambience of the "Cocoon Room". A highlight is the delicate, sculptural artwork under the ceiling. Designed by Spacegram and fabricated by Portuguese artist collective Artworks, the installation echoes the restaurant's name and is meant to evoke nomadic travel on water.

Neon lights and sushi
In the second dining area, the small sushi bar, guests dine under a vaulted ceiling. Here, four tables emphasize the linear structure of the space and face the open sushi kitchen. Hanging from the ceiling is an imposing neon fixture, created in collaboration with lighting artist Ian Yurisch. After sunset, the bars - whose shape is meant to evoke a boat frame - shine in a warm amber hue.

The restaurant's round tables and velvet-covered chairs are designs by Spacegram. Table tops crafted from Rojo Alicante marble complement the otherwise minimal color palette with white and gray veins. Multiple textures and strategically positioned mirrors throughout the space create ever-changing impressions.

Monochrome opulence
The interplay of light and dark at Nómada Chiado, meant to evoke light reflections on the seabed, the natural materials and the intense, rust-red hues define the restaurant's comfortable, luxurious feel. For the color scheme, Spacegram drew inspiration on the one hand from the fish dishes served and on the other from the Japanese color "Aka," which stands for protection and celebration. With Nómada Chiado, the designers created a cleverly balanced place in Lisbon's vibrant food scene that is intended to radiate calm and security while at the same time stimulating.

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