Sebastian Mariscal Studio

Pio Pio Restaurant

Pio Pio Restaurant
© Paul Rivera

PIO PIO RESTAURANT

Sebastian Marsical Studio

PHOTOGRAPHS
Paul Rivera

YEAR
2009

LOCATION
New York, United States

CATEGORY
Interiors Architecture

Text description provided by architect.

The discovery of a finely crafted wooden box set into an existing building on 10th Ave. immediately defines the initial intentions of this design: mystery, discovery, and contradiction.

Pio Pio Restaurant
© Paul Rivera
Pio Pio Restaurant
© Paul Rivera

The visitor enters this rustic wooden box and is removed from the noisy Manhattan streets.

An exquisite marble host-table floats within the space enclosed in reclaimed wood. However, this is only a glimpse of what exists beyond.

The limited view increases the tension and desire for exploration.

Pio Pio Restaurant
© Paul Rivera
Pio Pio Restaurant
© Paul Rivera
Pio Pio Restaurant
© Paul Rivera

In the following space, a sparkling brass vestibule glows within a second wooden box.

This stimulating entry leads to a 40-foot, monolithic marble bar resting on a distressed concrete floor.

The bar also defines the long corridor towards another space at the end of the restaurant, set at the bottom of a flight of stairs.

Pio Pio Restaurant
© Paul Rivera
Pio Pio Restaurant
© Paul Rivera

Here the lights dim and one finds oneself contained in a volume woven entirely in Ocotillo canes.

A series of concrete forms simultaneously enclose this main dining hall and integrate it with the various res- taurant services.

Pio Pio Restaurant
© Paul Rivera
Pio Pio Restaurant
© Paul Rivera

Once inside, the experience is no longer defined by the relationship of the restaurant with New York City; here the magic belongs to a fantastical experience that is characteristic of Latin America.

Pio Pio Restaurant
© Paul Rivera
Pio Pio Restaurant
© Paul Rivera


Pio Pio Restaurant
Ground floor plan
Pio Pio Restaurant
Lower floor plan


Pio Pio Restaurant
Section 01
Pio Pio Restaurant
Section 02
Pio Pio Restaurant
Section 03

Sebastian Mariscal Studio
T +1 617 3951210
Sebastian Mariscal Studio
162 Sidney Street,Cambridge, Ma 02139, United States