Portobella Symphony Lehen Funtzioa: Jatetxea by Aysel Mahmudlu

Portobella Symphony Lehen Funtzioa: Jatetxea by Aysel Mahmudlu is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award in Barruko Espazioa eta Erakusketa Diseinua Competition Category.

ZilarBarrualdea· 2026

Portobella Symphony Lehen Funtzioa: Jatetxea

by Aysel Mahmudlu

Client: Restaurant Project-Portobella

Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award Winner in Barrualdea Category

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The Design

About Portobella Symphony Lehen Funtzioa: Jatetxea

Testua: Proiektu honek konbinazio ezohiko bat aurkezten du: espazio osoa estaltzen duten eskuz landutako iges-igeltsuzko sabaiak eta sukalde irekiaren kontzeptua, jatorduei gardentasuna eta ikuskizuna ematen dizkiona. Sabaiko apaingarri bakoitza eta zutabeetako xehetasun oro artisauek zizelkatu zituzten, jatetxeari museo baten kalitatea emanez. Kristalezko argi-sortekin, tonu pasteleko hormekin eta neurrira egindako altzariekin batera, diseinuak handitasun klasikoa harrera modernoarekin uztartzen du, giro dotore baina abegikorra sortuz.

The Recognition

About the Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award

Portobella Symphony Lehen Funtzioa: Jatetxea Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award irabazlea da, goi-mailako, zoragarriak eta liluragarriak diren diseinuei ematen zaien ezohiko aitorpen prestijiotsua. Zilar-mailako irabazleak lan oso distiratsuak eta sormen biziko lanak dira, beren diseinatzaileen aditutasun, talentu eta zorroztasun nabarmenak erakusten dituztenak. Portobella Symphony Lehen Funtzioa: Jatetxea erakusleiho-lan zoragarria, nabarmenki profesionala eta sakonki berritzailea izatea espero da. Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award irabazi duen diseinu hau asmakizun oso nabarmena eta miretsia da, onura ekartzen duena eta artearen, zientziaren, diseinuaren eta teknologiaren mugak zabaltzen dituena. Portobella Symphony Lehen Funtzioa: Jatetxea jende askok inbidia duen sorkuntza da, desirak pizten dituena, sentimendu positiboak ekartzen dituena eta harridura eta txunditzea pizten dituena.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: The project combines hand-crafted stucco ceilings extending across the entire space with an open kitchen concept that introduces transparency and a sense of performance. Each ceiling ornament and column detail was sculpted by artisans, highlighting cultural heritage. Crystal chandeliers, pastel-toned walls, and custom-made furniture establish a dialogue between classical references and contemporary hospitality, resulting in a refined environment with a welcoming character.
Dimensions & Packaging: The restaurant covers 800 sq. meters with a ceiling height of 7.5 meters. Floors feature wood-imitation ceramic tiles, complemented by hand-crafted stucco moldings and a custom staircase with brass accents. An open kitchen fosters transparency, while acoustic adjustments ensure comfort in the double-height space.
Tags: Luxury Restaurant Interior, Handcrafted Stucco Ceiling, Bespoke chandeliers, open kitchen dining, European elegance, cultural heritage design, contemporary luxury, architectural molding, fine dining experience, Baku design landmark,Azerbaijan restaurant
Production Technology: The project features hand-crafted stucco moldings for ceilings and columns, decorative plaster wall finishes, and ceramic tiles imitating wood for durability in a high-traffic space. Marble-effect porcelain defines key surfaces, while bespoke metalwork with brass accents shapes staircases and railings. Custom lighting fixtures highlight details and enhance atmosphere.
Design Challenge: The main challenge was to reinterpret traditional stucco and molding techniques within a contemporary restaurant setting, balancing artisanal craftsmanship with modern construction standards for durability, acoustics, and functionality. Another difficulty involved integrating an open kitchen into a refined dining hall while coordinating large-scale custom ceilings executed entirely by hand.
Research: The project draws on research into European palatial interiors and the tradition of handcrafted stucco. Historical molding techniques were reinterpreted with modern materials to ensure durability while retaining artisanal character. The design integrates cultural heritage with contemporary hospitality, creating a multisensory environment where tradition meets modernlifestyle.
Inspiration: The design draws inspiration from European palaces and the tradition of artisan craftsmanship. It revives hand-crafted stucco work within a contemporary restaurant setting, while incorporating an open kitchen to emphasize transparency and interaction between chef and guest. The project aims to create a cultural dining space where heritage and modern lifestyle converge.
Project Duration: The project was conceived in 2021 and completed in 2022 in Baku, Azerbaijan, establishing a restaurant that blends European influences with the city’s dining culture.
Operation Flow: The open kitchen reveals the cooking process, reinforcing transparency and trust. The layout supports smooth circulation, while coordinated colors, textures, and lighting guide guests intuitively through the space. The design balances hospitality and efficiency to enhance interaction.
Team Members: Aysel Mahmudlu, Lead Designer and Creative Director, Azul Bureau
Image Credits: Photographer: Akbarov Eldar
Interior Design: Azul Bureau, Aysel Mahmudlu
Project Direction: Aysel Mahmudlu