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Portobella Symphony Primarna funkcija: Restoran by Aysel Mahmudlu

Portobella Symphony Primarna funkcija: Restoran by Aysel Mahmudlu is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Сребрна награда A' Design Award in Дизајн ентеријера и изложбених простора Competition Category.


СребрнаЕнтеријер· 2026

Portobella Symphony Primarna funkcija: Restoran

by Aysel Mahmudlu

Client: Restaurant Project-Portobella

Сребрна награда A' Design Award Winner in Ентеријер Category

Colors

The Design

About Portobella Symphony Primarna funkcija: Restoran

Tekst knjige: Ovaj projekat odlikuje se retkom kombinacijom ručno izrađenih štuko plafona koji prekrivaju čitav prostor i koncepta otvorene kuhinje koji unosi transparentnost i teatralnost u doživljaj obedovanja. Svaki ornament na plafonu i detalj na stubovima izvajali su majstori zanatlije, dajući restoranu kvalitet nalik muzeju. Zajedno sa kristalnim lusterima, zidovima u pastelnim tonovima i nameštajem izrađenim po meri, dizajn spaja klasičnu raskoš sa savremenim ugostiteljstvom, stvarajući profinjenu, a ipak gostoljubivu atmosferu.

The Recognition

About the Сребрна награда A' Design Award

Portobella Symphony Primarna funkcija: Restoran је добитник Сребрне награде A' Design Award, изузетно престижног признања које се додељује врхунским, предивним и импресивним дизајнима. Добитници Сребрне награде неизмерно су бриљантна и изузетно креативна дела која илуструју изузетну стручност, таленат и оштроумност својих дизајнера. Очекује се да Portobella Symphony Primarna funkcija: Restoran буде дивно, узорно дело, запажено професионално и дубоко иновативно. Овај дизајн награђен Сребрном наградом A' Design Award веома је запажен, дивљен изум који користи и помера границе уметности, науке, дизајна и технологије. Portobella Symphony Primarna funkcija: Restoran је творевина којој многи завиде, која буди жеље, доноси позитивна осећања и изазива чуђење и дивљење.

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.
Patents
Copyrights belong to Aysel Mahmudlu, Azul Bureau, 2024. All rights reserved.
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

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