Mansura

In collaboration with Tal Nisim / Studio This is IT

Tel Aviv Jaffa, 2017
Size: 150 sqm
Commercial

South to the city center, in the evolving area of Salame st, an old building's ground floor illustrates urban evolution in motion;  What once consisted of an old auto repair shop, then turned into a plant and flower shop, is now Mansura restaurant.
After breaking down the inner partitions; High ceilings, beams, concrete floors, and corrugated metal curtains were the elements left as the initial canvas and a memory of what once was. 
The bar was the first and foremost segment to be figured out, for it had to be the linking element between the kitchen and the diners. It was decided to position it as a semi-circular curve, allowing the room to enwrap around it, creating various seating areas.
The interiors unravel a synthesis between old and crude, with contemporary and neat;  An iris blue metal grid covers the walls leading from the entrance all the way to the kitchen's window and forms the bar display. The grid composes a linear backdrop for plants and neon-like light tubes- a repeating element in different variations, throughout the space. Across are remains of an exposed silicate brick wall and a peeling plaster wall, on which again, linear light tubes are inlaid with brass details, above a seating area.
The bar's oval form is emphasized by a hovering curve made of elongated light tubes, suspended above the bar's Udaipur green marble surface. These frosty white light tubes were all custom designed by Lighting designer, Naama Hofman, specifically for the location. The furniture, a mix of restored and new, create a subtle nostalgic atmosphere.
In the restroom area, berry red locally produced Terrazzo tiles intersect with Hofman's hand-made  "Light Object 003", a fluorescent lighting panel on an acrylic base; This mélange accentuates contrasts between traditional crafts and contemporary ones.

Photography: Matan Katz