Architectural Cases

Mexická Restaurant in Prague: A Grand Culinary and Cultural Destination by 20-20 Architekti

The Mexická Restaurant project in Prague stands as a monumental culinary and cultural endeavor, a realization of a vision to introduce the vibrant essence of Mexican gastronomy and heritage to the heart of Czechia. Conceived by the Together gastro alliance, a leading name in the European dining scene, and meticulously brought to life by 20-20 Architekti, this establishment is more than just a place to eat; it's an immersive journey into Central American culture. From its inception, the restaurant was designed to blend the dynamism of an open kitchen with the rustic charm of large wood-fired ovens, all within an ambiance reminiscent of a bustling Mexican hacienda. Slated for completion in 2025, Mexická is poised to be the Together alliance's most expansive and ambitious undertaking, highlighting its owners' conviction in the global prominence of Mexican cuisine alongside Asian and Italian traditions.

Prague's New Mexican Jewel: Unveiling Mexická Restaurant

In a bold move to enrich Prague's diverse culinary landscape, the renowned Together gastro alliance, spearheaded by co-owner David Petřík, has proudly presented the Mexická Restaurant. This architectural and gastronomic marvel, brought to fruition by the innovative minds at 20-20 Architekti, is not merely another dining venue but a grand statement on the global significance of Mexican cuisine. Officially completed in 2025, the restaurant spans an impressive 890 square meters, making it the largest project in the Together alliance's portfolio.

The design philosophy behind Mexická was deeply rooted in creating an authentic and immersive cultural experience. From the initial conceptual stages, the architects envisioned a space where the culinary artistry of an open kitchen would harmonize with the traditional flavors imparted by expansive wood-fired ovens. This vision materialized into a lively, "noisy Mexican hacienda" atmosphere, where every detail, from the ambient lighting to the carefully selected wooden furnishings, contributes to a warm and inviting environment. The interior design showcases a thoughtful blend of robust materials like wood and glass, complemented by the expertise of various manufacturers including Carl Stahl ARC and Gastroart, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and functional excellence.

Situated in the historic city of Prague, Czechia, Mexická Restaurant invites guests to explore the rich tapestry of Mexican culture through its comprehensive offerings. Beyond its menu, which promises to deliver genuine Central American flavors, the establishment's design integrates elements that speak to the heart of Mexico. BoysPlayNice's captivating photography vividly captures the restaurant's spacious dining areas, intimate corners, and the vibrant energy of its open kitchen, revealing a space designed for both grand celebrations and quiet enjoyment. The collaborative efforts, including those with INTEKO Sedlec, underscore a commitment to creating a destination that not only serves food but also tells a story.

Mexická Restaurant stands as a testament to the power of ambitious architectural vision meeting culinary passion. It promises to be a vibrant hub in Prague, offering locals and visitors alike an unparalleled journey into the rich traditions and dynamic spirit of Mexico, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of the city's gastronomic scene.

The opening of Mexická Restaurant represents a significant cultural and culinary addition to Prague. It challenges perceptions of what a restaurant can be, transforming dining into an educational and immersive experience. This venture by the Together gastro alliance, designed with such careful attention to cultural authenticity and architectural grandeur, sets a new benchmark for themed restaurants. It highlights the importance of creating spaces that not only satisfy the palate but also engage all senses, fostering a deeper appreciation for global cultures.

Nine Exquisite Apartment Transformations within Oscar Niemeyer's Architectural Masterpieces

This article showcases nine exemplary apartment renovations nestled within the distinguished architectural works of Oscar Niemeyer. It delves into how these iconic buildings, celebrated for their unique design philosophy and historical significance, offer a fertile ground for contemporary architects to reimagine interior spaces. The transformations highlighted demonstrate a deep respect for Niemeyer's original vision, while introducing modern functionalities and aesthetic sensibilities. From the expansive Copan Building in São Paulo to other residential gems across Brazil and even in Berlin, these projects underscore the timeless appeal and adaptability of his architectural legacy.

For many, residing in a structure conceived by a celebrated modern architect represents the pinnacle of urban living. Such distinguished projects draw new inhabitants who appreciate not only the creator's distinctive style and the building's rich history but also the ingenious architectural solutions that initially propelled these designs to prominence. Oscar Niemeyer's works, in particular, are characterized by their remarkable fluidity and inherent flexibility, attributes that present significant opportunities for architects undertaking renovations within these esteemed properties.

The renowned Copan Building in São Paulo stands as a compelling testament to this potential. Housing 1160 units across its six distinct blocks, the building offers an extraordinary range of living spaces, from compact 25m² studios to expansive apartments exceeding 150m². This diversity in scale within a single monumental structure exemplifies Niemeyer's capacity for versatile design. Beyond Copan, his extensive portfolio encompases other pivotal residential landmarks in São Paulo, including the Montreal, California, and Eiffel buildings. His influence extends further afield, with notable projects in Belo Horizonte and Brasília, and even internationally, as seen with the Interbau Apartment House in Berlin. These varied examples underscore the broad geographical and stylistic reach of Niemeyer's visionary architecture.

The meticulous revitalization of these apartments breathes new life into existing frameworks, harmonizing the historical fabric with contemporary demands. Each renovation respects the foundational principles of Niemeyer's designs, such as the open floor plans and sinuous curves, while introducing updated materials, innovative layouts, and advanced technologies. The result is a collection of homes that honor their modernist heritage yet cater fully to the needs and preferences of 21st-century residents. These projects serve as a powerful reminder that great architecture possesses an inherent adaptability, allowing it to evolve and remain relevant through changing times.

The featured renovations provide a fascinating study in architectural adaptation, demonstrating how modern interventions can coexist beautifully with historical masterpieces. They celebrate Oscar Niemeyer's enduring influence on design and show how his forward-thinking approach continues to inspire and shape residential living. These transformed apartments are not just residences; they are living testaments to the power of thoughtful design, blending past and present into cohesive and inspiring environments.

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Zaha Hadid Architects' AI-Powered Design Exhibition in Shenzhen

The 'Architecture of Possibility: Zaha Hadid Architects' exhibition, currently held at the Museum of Contemporary Art and Urban Planning (MOCAUP) in Shenzhen, China, provides a thorough examination of the evolution of Zaha Hadid Architects' innovative designs over several decades. Running until April 10, 2026, the exhibition is organized into chronological and thematic narratives, highlighting the studio's extensive research and advanced design approaches. A significant focus is placed on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), immersive interactive design tools, and virtual environments, all of which contribute to an expanding digital design ecosystem.

This groundbreaking exhibition delves into the firm's extensive portfolio within the Shenzhen region and its pioneering adoption of Artificial Intelligence technologies. Visitors will experience how these cutting-edge digital tools, including machine learning and data-driven methods, are harnessed to explore intricate geometrical, environmental, and behavioral models, thereby informing and shaping design decisions. The showcase also features the development of cyberspaces and metaverse environments, leveraging video game technologies to enable virtual exploration and real-time configuration of architectural spaces.

ZHA's enduring relationship with China is a central theme of the exhibition, tracing its origins from Zaha Hadid's initial visit in 1981 through five decades of impactful work across the nation. The exhibition highlights over 25 projects completed or currently under development in the rapidly evolving Greater Bay Area. Notable examples include the Shenzhen Science and Technology Museum, the Henderson Tower in Hong Kong, and the Morpheus Hotel in Macau. Ongoing projects like the Shenzhen Institute for Financial Technology, Tower C at the Shenzhen Bay Super Headquarters Base, and the West Kowloon High-Speed Rail Terminus Development further underscore the firm's significant contributions to the region's urban landscape. Cultural and civic initiatives, such as the Greater Bay Area Sports Centre in Guangzhou, GO PARK Sai Sha in Hong Kong, and the upcoming Yidan Center for the Chen Yidan Foundation, demonstrate ZHA's profound engagement with China's dynamic urban development.

The exhibition is structured across five distinct thematic zones: ZHA City: Greater Bay Area District, Metrotopia, Brainstorming, Interactive Plan Configurator, and Exhibition Digital Twin. These zones collectively explore ZHA's innovative approach to cybernetic architecture and its embrace of emerging technologies. The display illustrates how these advanced tools facilitate seamless integration of 3D models with virtual reality, fostering collaborative environments where architects, clients, and stakeholders can experience and refine projects in real-time. Moreover, the exhibition showcases the transformative power of Robotics and Digital Fabrication (RDF) alongside advancements in Architectural Geometries, presenting them as pivotal drivers reshaping contemporary design and construction processes.

Beyond the Shenzhen exhibition, Zaha Hadid Architects continues to make global strides. Recent achievements include winning an international competition to design the Malpensa Hospital in Italy, the topping out of the Yidan Center in Shenzhen, and the nearing completion of the final segment of the Danjiang Bridge in Taipei. These projects collectively demonstrate the studio's ongoing commitment to pushing architectural boundaries and its expanding international presence.

The 'Architecture of Possibility' exhibition serves as a compelling narrative of Zaha Hadid Architects' journey, from its foundational principles to its current pioneering role in integrating advanced digital technologies. It offers a glimpse into how AI, virtual reality, and robotics are not just tools but integral components of a new architectural paradigm, redefining the future of design and construction in the Greater Bay Area and beyond.

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