Designed by Dóra Fónagy, the internationally trend-conscious Central Canteen elevates dining from the realm of bleak, monotonous moments and positions it among the most essential everyday social activities. By Tamás Kiss.
In the diverse urban fabric of Budapest’s 7th district, daytime work-related functions and the vibrant nightlife coexist, giving rise to numerous dining establishments that serve people spending short or longer periods in Erzsébetváros.
Along Wesselényi Street, within the building block bordered by Kazinczy and Síp Streets, a restaurant has moved into the old, turn-of-the-century walls, infused with youthful energy. Architect and designer Dóra Fónagy placed special emphasis on developing an interior concept aligned with international trends, providing the space with a direct sense of homeliness.
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Central Canteen – Architect: Dóra Fónagy – Photo: Tamás Bujnovszky
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Central Canteen – Architect: Dóra Fónagy – Photo: Tamás Bujnovszky
The nearly 300 m² venue is flanked by two inner courtyards. This advantageous setup allows natural light to enter the rectangular space from both sides. Workers from the Síp Street office building can access the dining area through the inner courtyard garden, while external guests arrive via the inner courtyard accessible from Kazinczy Street.
The newly designed interior counters the impersonal world of cafeterias and the neutral appearance of office life. This is a deliberate and strategic element of the concept, closely aligned with contemporary design trends. Armed with these principles, the spirit of the place elevates dining from monotonous, mundane moments, making it a more engaging experience and recognizing it as one of the most important everyday social activities.
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Central Canteen – Architect: Dóra Fónagy – Photo: Tamás Bujnovszky
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Central Canteen – Architect: Dóra Fónagy – Photo: Tamás Bujnovszky
The structural elements present in the space are integrated into the interior design as honest expressions of their raw material beauty. Toward the garden connections, exposed brick walls with windows and patinated steel structural elements are visible, while the old wooden ceiling structure closes the space. The ceiling, along with the mechanical systems running beneath it, is painted in a uniform gray, and the floor is covered with burgundy linoleum.
The restaurant interior is essentially a single flexible space, where the boundaries between functional zones gradually blur, defined by freely floating, box-like blocks. One prominent block contains the restrooms, serving as a human-scaled interior design feature; with its vivid blue color and graphics designed by Richárd Orosz, it occupies a dominant place at the focal point of the space.
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Central Canteen – Architect: Dóra Fónagy – Photo: Tamás Bujnovszky
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Central Canteen – Architect: Dóra Fónagy – Photo: Tamás Bujnovszky
The dining arrangement is organized around a central pillar, creating a kind of central hierarchy within the otherwise elongated floor plan. This arrangement is analogous to a traditional family dining table, fostering a sense of community. Unlike a single long table, for practicality the “large family table” is divided into smaller sections. The hierarchical layout is emphasized by hanging lamps: umbrella-shaped fixtures hang above the main central table row, while simpler Edison bulbs illuminate the smaller tables. Another key feature of the concept is the striking alternation of restored, colorful chairs alongside the tables, which fills the space with youthful energy.
The dining area transitions flexibly into the kitchen zone: on the side opposite the washroom, self-service furniture is designed in a cube-like, screen-like form, while the cash desk floats freely in the space as a separate cube. Finally, a sharp boundary is defined by the serving counter showcasing the restaurant’s culinary stars, beyond which only the actual kitchen functions are located.
By Tamás Kiss