Completed in 2010, the Studio East Dining, envisioned by the renowned architectural firm Carmody Groarke, expertly intertwines opposing concepts to create a captivating and harmonious space. This exceptional design showcases the seamless integration of ephemeral and enduring elements and the delicate interplay between translucency and opacity.
With meticulous precision, Carmody Groarke crafted a remarkable dining experience transcending conventional boundaries. It offers a visually striking and thought-provoking environment where contrasting elements harmoniously coexist.
Studio East Dining Technical Information
- Architects1-6: Carmody Groarke
- Location: Stratford, London, England
- Total Area: 800 m²
- Project year: 2010
- Photographs: © Christian Richters, © Luke Hayes
Studio East Dining Photographs
Translucent Elegance atop an Olympic Landscape
Completed during the summer of 2010, Studio East Dining was built on top of a 35-meter high multi-story car park within the live construction site of Westfield Stratford City development in East London.
The temporary pavilion provided elevated views across London’s 2012 Olympic site. A cluster of interlocking timber-lined spaces formed the translucent dining room, which framed critical rooftop views and allowed up to one hundred and forty guests to enjoy an intimate dining experience.
The project was designed in collaboration with Restaurateurs Bistrotheque and completed within ten weeks of the initial briefing to opening night.
With a life span of only three weeks, the 800 square meters structure was constructed with materials borrowed from the existing construction site. That included scaffolding boards, scaffolding poles, and an industrial-grade heat retractable polyethylene roof membrane. All the materials were selected for their ability to be 100% recycled after the closure of the restaurant.
Studio East Dining plans
About Carmody Groarke Architects
Carmody Groarke is a London-based architectural studio founded in 2006 by Kevin Carmody and Andrew Groarke. The practice is distinguished by its rigorous design process, resisting predetermined architectural solutions in favor of an in-depth exploration of each project’s unique context and requirements.
With a strong emphasis on the relationship between architecture, site, and client needs, Carmody Groarke delivers process-driven designs across various typologies in the UK and internationally. Their portfolio includes projects for private, commercial, and public sector clients, demonstrating versatility and a commitment to high-quality, contextually responsive design.
The studio has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Emerging Architecture Award from The Architectural Review in 2010 for Studio East Dining. More recently, Carmody Groarke was honored with the RIBA Regional Award and the RIBA London Small Project Award for their work on The Filling Station.
Credits and additional notes
Structural Engineer: ARUP
Services Engineer: Imtech
Main Contractor: Benchmark Scaffolding Ltd.
- Client: Bistrotheque / Westfield
- Function: Temporary Dining Pavilion
- Maximum Occupancy: 140 guests
