When designer Benjamin Calleja launched his own fast fine pizza concept, 1889, the focus was on both aesthetics and acoustics. For the first restaurant in central Stockholm, Big Image collaborated as a creative partner to shape the visual and acoustic experience. The result was a refined atmosphere with effective sound control — so successful that fewer speakers were needed when the next location opened.
1889 wanted music to be an integral part of the fast fine brand. They wanted to give staff a harmonious working environment and guests the opportunity to enjoy soft conversation among banging plates and music. Acoustics were essential to make these wishes merge. Traditionally, acoustics had been part of the problem, rather than the solution, according to the experienced restaurant conceptualizer behind 1889. Something often integrated with compromise to design. The wish when turning to Big Image was to make acoustics decor contribute to the experience.
With 1889 located in a mall, there were a lot of restrictions about what was possible. In addition, a kitchen comes with a need of washable solutions, not the regular case for acoustics decor. At the same time the client, coming from a design- and architectural background, was one of the most demanding people you can find when it comes to design on point with concept.
These three challenges demanded both out-of-the-box thinking and design understanding, traits that Big Image takes pride in when creating tailored, brand new solutions. The results, according to the client, came to life beautifully as well as practical and efficient.
Benjamin Calleja, owner of 1889 fast fine pizza:
“I wasn’t the only one impressed with the results! The guests quickly commented on the ease of conversation, and the DJ´s and Bose sound engineers celebrated how the room handled the sound system and made the music justice. This is the first time I have seen acoustics contributing to a design concept instead of making it less design. And cherry on top, we even needed less speakers installed in the coming units we opened after the first one where we developed the aesthetic acoustic solutions together with Big Image.”
To learn more about our acoustics design expertise, or how we can help take your idea from imagination to installation – get in touch!
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