Divercity were invited to design the bistro & bar area of the revamped Hytra Restaurant & Bar on the 6th floor of Onassis Cultural Centre Athens. The Onassis Cultural Centre (designed by French practice, Architecture Studio) 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. Hytra 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 the distinct language of the building's marble louvered facade at night, a time in which the Onassis Cultural Centre and Hytra really come alive. Inspiration was also drawn from 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.
Title: Hytra Restaurant & Bar in Onassis Cultural Centre
Project: Restaurant & Bar
Location: Athens, Greece
Project Status: Complete, 2014
Collaborators: Space Consultant: Sophia Vantaraki
Lighting Design: L4A
Industrial Design Consultant (Architecture Study): Vasilis Giannoulatos
Construction Management: TENSOR
