bice’s beach – cannes FR

Although they are not the only Bice restaurants that Delrosso has reinvented – witness the ones in Istanbul (2008) and New York (2011) – these three in particular consolidated the partnership between the architect and the brand’s owners. The ongoing redesign scheme for this chain of renowned “ Italian-style” eateries abroad has proceeded in stages, starting from 2004 with two French outlets in Cannes and Cap d’Ail, which however remained on the drawing board. Conceived as outside extensions of the existing interiors, the additions boasts a certain liberty of expression in the wavy organic structure for the one in Cannes, and in the lean geometries of the second in Cap d’Ail, which hints at the traditional timber cabin. These concepts and the subsequent restyling projects eschew the usual references to Italian gastronomy, in favour of seeking something Italian in the atmospheres, colours, materials and artisan care for detail: a strong reference to the Mediterranean. The giant blow-ups of the “fabulous 1960s” in the San Diego in fact outlet aim for this effect, offering reminders of the beginnings of Italian design and the imagery that came to identify Italy in the collective imagination around the world as the Bel Paese. Once again, Delrosso’s special sense of atmosphere is present throughout these projects. Colours and shapes of sea nature are the principal references for this project hypothesis and they are used in each constituent part and stage aspects, giving to the entire area a deep sensation of overall uniformity. The wave, as a curvilinear element, gives its influence to the choice of the two materials used for the floor and of the cover, realized in light wood structure and PVC curtains. Interior and outside spaces are in visual continuity because of the brise soleil frames system.