odile decq: (phantom) opera restaurant paris

french architect odile decq has completed the ‘(phantom) l’opéra restaurant‘, which recently opened in the palais garnier located in paris, france. recessed within the historical building, visitors pass the facade’s original pillars to enter the undulating interior. the mezzanine space is carefully integrated to resist touching the existing structure’s walls, columns and roof. the contemporary addition compliments the classical details of the vaulted stone ceiling without altering history.

restaurant mezzanine overhands into the tall atrium space
image © designboom (also main image)

accommodating and seating 90 guests at one time, the large floor plate is suspended with concealed steel plates. a glass wall encompasses the interior isolating the space from the existing shell. the billowing white structure touches down to the lower level producing integrated organic supports. the striking red chairs, benches, and floors produce a theatrical character reminiscent of the phantom of the opera which was once performed within the auditorium.

view of vaulted ceiling from mezzanine seating
image © designboom

upper level of the restaurant with view to the ground level
image © designboom

(left) mezzanine edge is setback within the palais garnier
(right) voids within the floor plate allow veiws to the vaulted ceiling from the ground level
images © roland halbe

bench seating weaves through interior
image © designboom

(left) stairs to mezzanine
(right) view of mezzanine wrapping the existing walls
images © designboom

corner table
image © designboom

path leading towards preparation area
image © designboom

existing pillar is protects with railing
image © designboom

(left) organic columns support mezzanine
(right) curved high backed benches protect pillars on the ground level
images © designboom

islands of red carpet continue the theatrical color scheme
image © designboom

(left) glass curtain wall protects stone
(right) curved white shell wraps mezzanine
images © designboom

ground level seating
image © designboom

project info:

project: phantom – restaurant of the garnier opera
client: gumery
author: odile decq
odile decq benoit cornette architectes urbanistes
structure engineering: batiserf ingénierie
facade consultants: odile decq –odile decq benoit cornette architectes urbanistes / hda – hugh dutton associates
building services engineering: ms consulting
acoustics engineering: studio dap
fire security engineering: setec
kitchen consultants: c2a architectes
project responsables: peter baalman, giuseppe savarese, amélie marchiset
site: garnier opera, paris, france
program: implement of a restaurant in the garnier opera
surface: 1100 m2
budget: 6 m€ excl. vat
dates: 2008 – 2011
opening: july 2011
digital views: odile decq – labtop
realization pictures: roland halbe – odbc