Iridescent glass lamps shimmer like tropical sealife around Thomas Kröger’s vision for Pasta Maria, a newly opened Italian Bistro, nestled within the heart of Renzo Piano’s master planning of Potsdamer Platz, Berlin.

Lights, and durable steel tables and stools, were all developed by the architect, designed specially for the restaurant, aiming to attract 300 visitors per day in this busy part of Berlin. The lights were developed with a glass maker, formed in spherical forms of two coloured layers, giving each piece a uniquely iridescent glow.

Further to the individual pieces of furniture designed for the restaurant, built in pieces of furniture have also been carefully considered. Seats are wrapped in durable pig hide, which will age and redden in parts over time and through its use. Opposite the already bright red Thonet chairs.

In keeping with the restaurants ecclesiastical name, further built in tables reference church pews, containing bibles and menu cards. Blown up renderings of Hieronymus Bosch’s ‚ ’The Garden of Earthly Delights’, shows the well known work in a totally new scale, serving justice, not only to the mastery of the painter, but also bringing a sense of eccentricity and life to compliment the restaurant’s vibrant outlook.

The floor of the restaurant is clad in Italian Travertine stone, which continues to form the cubic kitchen installation surrounding the open workspace. Each volume is representative of it’s uses in the kitchen. The bases are made of travertine and glass, whilst hanging from the ceiling the forms are repeated in copper clad extraction fans and lighting.