The concept behind the "Genius Loci Concept Restaurant" is based on the striking palatial buildings of the CoolRooms Hotels hotel chain, which exudes a hedonistic and relaxed style. To connect with these ideas, the studio proposes to reproduce a moment so typical of the local culture such as sitting around the table to eat or drink and, above all, to socialize. An act of gathering and celebration recreated in a space reminiscent of classical forms, but at the same time contemporary in its layout and finishes.

This is achieved through the location of a large central table that becomes the protagonist of the space, combining the preparation surface with others for tasting or meeting and that seeks to bring the chef and the bartender closer to the consumer and open the door to new gastronomic experiences. The table is a versatile piece that vertebrates two different atmospheres inspired by palatial salons, each one associated with a time of day and a way of sitting and enjoying the table. It also evokes, through its tones and patterns, an outdoor space, in cream and green tones, versus an indoor and intimate one in terracotta and wine tones.

The name of this Concept Room comes from the concept of “Genius Loci”, understood as a determining factor of the architectural work when the physical, sensory, natural, cultural and spiritual elements are considered in their entirety at the time of design, giving the place an essence and character of its own. Genius Loci is the intangible quality of a material place, perceived both physically and spiritually. It refers to the protective spirit of a place and the character of the visitor who is attracted to such spaces.


Traveler profiles

To develop this concept, different traveler profiles have been taken into account:

Luxury hunter: a key profile, avid for luxury and exclusive experiences, with a preference for immersive and multi-sensory environments. This profile has a strong interest in authenticity and cultural experiences.


Authenticity seeker: a traveler looking for authentic immersions in local environments and cultures, pursuing not to feel like a tourist.


Silver traveler: a traveler of a certain age (between 60 and 75 years old) with a thirst for knowledge, discovery and new experiences, with free time and a high purchasing power.


Project author

 

 

Founded in 2011 by architects Oliver Franz Schmidt, Natali Canas del Pozo and Lucas Echeveste Lacy, EL EQUIPO CREATIVO is a renowned interior architecture and design studio based in Barcelona specialized in the design of hospitality, gastronomy and brand spaces. Their philosophy is centered on the idea that spatial design should tell captivating stories and inspire people, always based on a solid conceptual approach. They have received more than 70 international design awards, including prestigious awards such as the Restaurant & Bar Design Awards, the FRAME Awards and the BOY Awards. FRAME magazine has recognized them as one of the 20 most influential designers in the world. In 2023 and 2024, their project for the Palau Fugit has already received the Best of the Year Award in New York, and the Master of Architecture Award in Los Angeles. His portfolio includes collaborations with the world's most prestigious chefs, including Michelin-starred restaurants. Some of them, the Disfrutar and Pakta or the hotels Kimpton Vividora in Barcelona and Axel Hotel Madrid.

 


Inspired by

 

 

CoolRooms Hotels is a hotel chain that is characterized by offering authenticity and design with the fusion between history and innovation with a luxury service in unique and emblematic buildings, many of them with a great historical and architectural value. CoolRooms hotels perfectly blend the original architecture of the building with an elegant and modern design, creating spaces full of charm, personality and its own imprint. The chain currently boasts four hotels in Madrid, Seville and Asturias, and plans to continue its expansion with two new openings planned for 2025 in Porto and Lisbon. CoolRooms hotels have received numerous awards, including The Condé Nast Johansens at the Palacio de Atocha in Madrid and the PREIPER Luxe Spanish Luxury Hospitality at the Palacio de Luces in Asturias. In turn, they have been awarded a Michelin key in all their Palaces, in Madrid, Seville and Asturias. Its brand values are based on sustainability and respect for the environment, using sustainable materials in the construction and renovation of its hotels, and offering local and seasonal products in its restaurants. In addition, the brand supports local artists and artisans by organizing cultural and social events at its hotels.


Participating brands

                                                                    

 


With the support of