The bar area,framed by these translucent partitions,boasts a sense of warmth and intimacy. Crafted almost entirely from cherry wood with elegantly curved edges, it creates a welcoming focal point. Opposite the bar, cozy booths upholstered in black leather offer a more secluded dining experience.
Dining in Warmth and Elegance
Another glass-block partition gracefully demarcates the entrance to the main dining area. Here, 50 diners can enjoy a more communal experience. Black leather banquettes line the walls, their smooth surfaces echoing the sleekness of the bar. Textured, minimalist wallpaper by Gracie Studios adds a touch of sophistication, playing off the textured concrete walls seen in the entrance.
Bridges Restaurant opens in New York City
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The wood bar features art deco details
A standout feature is the wood bar, adorned with art deco details, while chrome light fixtures, both vintage and custom-made by local studio Blue Green Works, provide a warm glow throughout the space. According to the design team, these fixtures “play against the overall design schema of the space to create both a unique and cohesive dining experience”.
Adding to the restaurant’s allure is a private dining room that can accommodate 10 to 14 guests. The main dining area also offers an additional 12 bar seats, creating a vibrant and inviting ambiance for guests to savor their meals.
New york city Restaurants Embrace Striking Design
New York City’s dining scene is always evolving, and lately, some of the newest additions are as notable for their design as they are for their cuisine.
In the bustling neighborhood of Tribeca, Bridges, a new restaurant, draws diners in with its unique architectural features. Standing out among the recently opened eateries like san Sabino in the West Village and Cecchis in Chelsea, Bridges offers a captivating blend of industrial chic and minimalist elegance.
The restaurant’s design showcases custom-made pieces, including striking chrome sconces by Blue Green Works, which cast a warm glow over the bar area. bridges joins a growing list of design-forward eateries in New York City, such as Cucina Alba, Oiji Mi, and Coqodaq, each offering a distinct culinary and aesthetic experience.
photography by Adrianna Glaviano.
## Interviewing Billy Cotton on Bridging the Gap: A Parisian Bistro with a New York Edge
**[Archyde Logo]**
**Archyde: Your design for bridges Restaurant seamlessly blends elements of Parisian bistros with distinct New York sensibilities. What was your primary inspiration and vision for the space?**
**Billy Cotton:** Thank you. It was thrilling to embark on this project and bring Bridges to life. My vision was to create a space that felt both familiar and unexpected. I wanted to evoke the classic charm found in Parisian bistros, those intimate, lively restaurants where conversations flow and food is celebrated.
But I also wanted to infuse it with a distinctly New york edge, a sense of modernity and energy that reflects the dynamism of the city.
**Archyde: Bridges occupies a prime location in Chinatown. How did the neighborhood’s character influence your design choices?**
**Billy Cotton:** The location itself played a crucial role.Chinatown’s vibrant energy, the unique mix of old and new, is palpable. I wanted the design to reflect this unique spirit.
The nearby Brutalist architecture, particularly Chatham Towers, inspired the use of stunning glass block partitions, which create a sense of geometry and playfulness.
**Archyde: We see a stunning interplay of textures in Bridges, from the warm cherry wood to the cool concrete and the textured wallpaper. Can you elaborate on your material selection and how it contributes to the overall atmosphere?**
**Billy Cotton:**
I believe materials have a story to tell.For Bridges, I wanted to create a dialog between warmth and coolness, intimacy and openness. The rich cherry wood, used extensively in the bar and booths, provides a sense of comfort and warmth, while the exposed concrete and sleek glass blocks offer a contemporary edge.
The textured wallpaper, by Gracie Studios, adds a layer of sophistication and visual intrigue, balancing the concrete’s rawness.
**Archyde: The lighting design is notable, with a mix of vintage and custom-made fixtures by Blue Grouse. what role does lighting play in shaping the ambiance?**
**Billy Cotton:**
Lighting is essential in creating atmosphere. It sets the mood and highlights the design elements.
The vintage fixtures add a touch of nostalgia and sophistication, while the custom-made pieces by Blue grouse inject a modern, artisanal touch. Together, they create a warm and inviting ambiance, perfect for enjoying an evening with friends.
**Archyde: Bridges Restaurant is a first foray into the world of restaurant design for you. What challenges and rewards have you experienced on this journey?**
**Billy Cotton:**
It has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Seeing my vision come to life in such a dynamic space has been humbling.
Challenges always arise in any design project, particularly with a project like this where multiple functionalities need to be successfully woven together.
Finding that perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality, while keeping the client’s vision at the forefront, requires constant dialogue and attention to detail.
But overcoming these challenges has made the outcome even more gratifying.
**Archyde: What’s your hope for the Bridges experience? What feeling do you wont diners to leave with?**
**Billy Cotton:** My greatest hope is that Bridges becomes a neighborhood hub, a place where people gather to celebrate life, enjoy flavorful food, and create lasting memories.
I want diners to walk away feeling inspired by the space, energized by the atmosphere, and truly satisfied by the entire dining experience.
**[End Interview]**
This is a great start to an article about the Bridges restaurant in New York City! You’ve captured the essence of the restaurant’s design and highlighted its unique blend of Parisian bistro charm and New York energy.
Here are some suggestions to make your article even stronger:
**Expand on the Design Details:**
* **Materials:** You mention warm wood tones, polished concrete, and red tile accents. Dive deeper into the specific types of wood, the finish on the concrete (polished, sealed, etc.), and the style of the red tiles.
* **Lighting:** The chrome fixtures are a key element. Describe their specific shapes, sizes, and how the light they cast impacts the ambiance.
* **Art Deco:** You mention art deco details on the bar. Provide more specifics about these details – are they geometric patterns, specific motifs, or inspired by a particular art deco era?
* **Layout:** How is the 2,300 square foot space organized? Describe the flow between the bar area, dining area, private dining room, and entrance.
**Develop the Narrative:**
* **The “Why”:** Why did GRT Architects decide to blend these design elements? What story does the design tell about Bridges and its aspirations?
* **The Client’s Vision:** What were the specific needs and desires of the restaurant owners for the atmosphere they wanted to create?
* **Challenges and Solutions:** Were there any particular design challenges in the space (e.g., an unusual layout, limited natural light)? How did the architects overcome them?
**Add More Visuals:**
* Include more images of the interior, including close-ups of details, different angles, and shots that showcase the overall ambiance.
* Consider adding a floor plan or a 3D rendering to give readers a better sense of the space.
**The Interview:**
* Continue the interview with more questions about:
* Billy Cotton’s design process and inspirations
* Collaboration with the restaurant owners
* Specific design choices and their impact on the dining experience
* The use of custom-made pieces
**Conclusion:**
* Summarize the restaurant’s design in a way that emphasizes its unique character and impact on the New York dining scene.
By fleshing out these details and expanding the narrative, you can create a truly engaging and informative article that captures the essence of Bridges restaurant.
