Piccola

Play Cafe for Pınar Görpeoğlu

Piccola is a play cafe designed to feel like people are stepping into a lively carnival city. The design combines storytelling and architecture to create an immersive experience. From the carousel-shaped ceiling light to the city skyline-inspired wall panels and mirror surfaces creating captivating illusions, every detail adds to the atmosphere. It stands out by sticking to its theme throughout, creating a space that's both creative and practical for both parents and children.

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Piccola by Pınar Görpeoğlu

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Play Cafe by Pınar Görpeoğlu

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Pınar Görpeoğlu Piccola

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Pınar Görpeoğlu Play Cafe

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Pınar Görpeoğlu Designer Portrait Photo

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Unique Properties

This Carnival City-themed play cafe, blends storytelling and architecture for an immersive experience. Its strength lies in creating an memorable journey through an mythical world, reflected in every space, starting with the facade. The intensity of the design varies in different zones depending on the main user, as children are meant to have fun and parents to take a break. Emphasizing a cohesive narrative and innovative spatial use sets Piccola apart in creativity, functionality and experience

Tags

Play-cafe design, thematic interior, storytelling, carnival, city, mirrors, Carousel, playground, turkey, istanbul

Production Technology

The façade, forming the foundation of the design, was intended to symbolize the transition from the real World to a fairy-tale realm. Fiber panels were digitally modeled in 1:1 scale and produced in layers to create a three-dimensional gateway. The integrated motors within the panels enabled specific areas, such as golden stars and the striped wheel, to slowly rotate with the subtle enchanting music which is created by the built in stereo system.

Design Challenge

The areas on the basement floor with low ceilings needed to be made appealing and comfortable for both children and parents. This challenge had to be addressed without compromising the overall narrative of the design. As a solution, we decided to strategically use mirrors. Mirror surfaces and reflections completely transformed the feel of the space, making these areas appear larger and more spacious, enhancing the overall ambiance.

Project Duration

Project is located in Istanbul, Turkey and finished in September 2023.

Operation Flow

The dynamic façade welcomes guests to the cafe area, featuring an inverted carousel in the center that creates a dazzling illusion with its own reflection on the mirror ceiling. Carousel guides people to the play area with illuminated arrows and carries them down the spiral staircase to the lower floor where interactive game walls engage children. While mirror panels inspire adults for creative photos, this dynamic use sets the design apart not only in creativity but also in interactive appeal.

Research

We focused on architectural interpretations of both city and carnival themes. We used wall panels reminiscent of building facades to represent the texture of the city. At the same time, the main elements that symbolize the carnival, such as the carousel and the Ferris wheel, were integrated into the design to serve the project. Through these symbols, we aimed to create an impressive and harmonious environment with architectural elements where guests can have a fairy-tale experience.

Inspiration

The design is inspired by the lively atmosphere of the carnivals and the dynamic cityscapes. Architectural interpretations of the theme can be found in all elements such as a carousel-shaped ceiling light, façade and wall panels inspired by city silhouettes, reception desk lights inspired by chairoplanes and mirror surfaces which create dazzling illusions, such as half a Ferris wheel reflected to complete a circle, cleverly enhance spatial perception and make low rooms appear higher.

Image Credits

PHOTOS : CANSU AYDURAN VIDEO : BERKAY GULUM

Project Overview

Piccola Play Cafe has been a Silver winner in the Interior Space and Exhibition Design award category in the year 2023 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Silver A' Design Award celebrates top-tier designs that embody excellence and innovation. This award acknowledges creations that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional, reflecting the designer's deep understanding and skill. Silver A' Design Award recipients are recognized for their contribution to raising industry standards and advancing the practice of design. Their work often incorporates original innovations and elicits a strong emotional response, making a notable impact on the improvement of everyday life.

Silver Recognition

Pınar Görpeoğlu was recognized with the coveted Silver A' Design Award in 2024, a testament to excellence of their work Piccola Play Cafe.

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