La Grande Boucherie

Melissa Hom

THE ARCADE/ The architecture of the arcade is revitalized into ... Read More THE ARCADE/ The architecture of the arcade is revitalized into an inviting hidden gem of ornament and spectacle between two existing buildings. A once overlooked pedestrian walkway is reactivated to the public and transformed into a moment of discovery. The arcade synchronously serves as a transition point between the two city streets and the Art Nouveau revival of the restaurant; a mere introduction to the interior space awaiting one’s entry. The floor has been hand-crafted in half inch mosaic Carrara Marble tiles following custom organic patterns. A palette of neutral colors blend with the existing brick flooring and glass wall surroundings. As this space was intended for outdoor use in dining, year-round functionality is also addressed by integrating a heated floor system below the mosaic tiling.

Melissa Hom

THE ARCADE/ Lighting also plays an important role in creating t... Read More THE ARCADE/ Lighting also plays an important role in creating this momentary transition. Monumental brass chandeliers hang from the existing arcade structure, illuminating the revitalized passage, while sconces adorn the facade of the restaurant. The arcade lighting fixtures are reinterpreted and reminiscent of early 20th century Paris. In order to integrate organic elements into this partly outdoor space, cherry blossom trees are planted along each column of the facade. These trees provide a link between the city and the transformative morphology of nature. From light pink to bright orange, these trees directly connect this covered passageway to the corresponding seasons outside. Seating is organized around these natural elements to create a year-round outdoor dining experience.

Melissa Hom

INTERIOR/ When entering La Grande Boucherie through the main ar... Read More INTERIOR/ When entering La Grande Boucherie through the main arcade entrance, one is greeted with a spectacle of ornament and Art Nouveau revival. Central to the entrance is the main bar, above which is integrated an antique, 150 year old decorative ceiling. This ceiling is incorporated into an undulating system of archways that embellish the ceiling throughout the space. This vaulted ceiling is the culmination of a design process using multi-disciplinary fabrication and incorporating both traditional methods of craftsmanship and modern parametric technology.

Melissa Hom

INTERIOR/ From the central entrance and bar, the restaurant spl... Read More INTERIOR/ From the central entrance and bar, the restaurant splits into two zones, each a reinterpretation of early 20th century Parisian dining. On the north is the informal, casual dining while on the south, through the stained glass doors is the formal dining room. Both sides of the restaurant include mezzanine seating and are designed with their respective ambiences in mind. The north and south side of the restaurant incorporates a brasserie style, oyster bar, subway tile-clad walls and artwork reflective of the joie de vivre era of 1920’s Paris. By contrast, the right and north side of the restaurant incorporates a charcuterie bar, oak clad walls and floors, integrated booth seating and artwork reflective of the more refined and formal aspects of the Belle Époque era.

Melissa Hom

INTERIOR/ The floors throughout the space are a retrospective o... Read More INTERIOR/ The floors throughout the space are a retrospective of Art Nouveau organic, plant forms, taking inspiration from the masters of Art Nouveau like Victor Horta and Antoni Gaudi. An intricate half inch mosaic tile flooring, similar to the arcade, is prevalent at the entrance and the south side of the restaurant, while the north side is an ornamented wood oak marquetry floor. All indoor lighting and chandeliers are designed in the same style as the exterior arcade lighting, displaying a reinterpretation of organic forms.

Melissa Hom

CEILING/ This extraordinary vaulted ceiling is a glorious symbo... Read More CEILING/ This extraordinary vaulted ceiling is a glorious symbol of the legendary great cafes of the «Belle Époque». The bouquets of ferns attached to the arches are all hand sculpted and cast in plaster which embraces moldings beams and columns. The plastered ceiling was hand finished with a custom gold patina effect which brings authenticity to the look and a warm feeling. Adapted to the architecture of the building, and to all of the oak cladded columns, over a hundred custom lamps and chandelier infuse the room with its harmonious champagne color.

Melissa Hom

METAL WORK/ All metal railings and balconies were traditionally... Read More METAL WORK/ All metal railings and balconies were traditionally made in France, following Art Nouveau style and design inspired from one of the most iconic building in Paris “La Samaritaine”. The handrail are in French oak and a custom brass trim cover the top rail with a patina finish to provide a warm and elegant look. A hint of the Boucherie symbol “B” has been meticulously integrated throughout.

Melissa Hom

GLASS SKYLIGHT/ A 150 year old piece directly coming from the f... Read More GLASS SKYLIGHT/ A 150 year old piece directly coming from the famous “Les Puces”, flee market in Paris. This ornamental composition used to belong to a private estate next to the Opera Garnier and was salvaged before demolition to now have a second life at La Grande Boucherie. Each piece of the antic glass are hand painted. The design composition of the acanthus leaf and organic elements like the ferns can be also found in other areas of the restaurant.