Restaurant Enigma (RCR)

Chef Albert Adrià's restaurant Enigma occupies 700m2 of floor space in the Eixample district. It was remodelled in 2016 by the RCR Arquitectes (Rafael Aranda, Carme Pigem and Ramon Vilalta) studio, which won the Pritzker Prize in 2017. The project sought to combine functionality and beauty in a space shared by diners and chefs, while prioritising the sensory experience and the uniqueness of the place. The floor plan has been designed to create different subspaces specific to the different gastronomic experiences. The dividing elements and furniture are mostly curved, and lend the space an organic feel, which contrasts with the dreamlike atmosphere created by the watery, vaporous effects of the materials. The finishes are in synthetic stone, a new material, and are complemented by translucent panels attached to the floor and ceiling using metal supports. The ceiling is covered by a stunning “artificial cloud” from which the extractor hoods emerge. The floor recreates the colours and textures of abstract watercolours, which have been produced specially for the occasion.