i29 has designed the interiors for the Restaurant Felix, located in the Historical Felix Meritis building in Amsterdam. Built in 1788, Felix Meritis was home to the cultural society Felix Meritis established for cultural development in the form of Music, Drawing, Physics, Commerce and Literature. The building itself was meant to exemplify the Enlightenment ideals the society stood for.
i29 has created an outspoken design that puts history in perspective. Every room within the building refers to a specific period in the building's history, to create their own identity. Together they form a collection of colorful characters in the renewed house of enlightenment. The design of the restaurant is an interpretation of a Dutch period room from the 17th century, including use of historical colors and textile wall covering but in a distinctive contemporary way.
Commissioned by investment group Amerborgh, i29 collaborated with a team of advisors to realize the complete renovation. For the restaurant, i29 invited textile designers Buro Belén to match custom design textiles, materials and colors. An image of a typical Dutch sky has been translated into a tactile wall covering that contributes to superb acoustics. Light installations hang from the ceiling as a modern 'chandelier' and connect the restaurant with the reception area to create a grand entrance at Felix Meritis.
Photography: Ewout Huibers