CASE STUDY
presence reinforces a strong material identity and anchors the restaurant within its context, while giving it a distinct personality within the brand’ s portfolio.
Particular attention was also given to acoustics. The configuration of the space— mineral surfaces, glazing, and open volumes— created challenges related to reverberation. Integrated sound-absorbing elements, concealed within darker finishes, were implemented to ensure acoustic comfort without altering the spatial perception. lead down toward the bar; from the lobby, interior activity becomes visible, inviting entry. The space opens visually without losing its identity.
This openness also introduced a lighting challenge. The brightly lit lobby risked disrupting the more intimate atmosphere desired for the brasserie. Close coordination with building management allowed for adjustments to lighting levels, creating a gradual transition between the two environments. The result is an entrance that maintains transparency without compromising the restaurant’ s ambiance.
Updating the codes of the brasserie Materially, the project aligns with the identity developed across Chez Lionel locations, with the aim of evolving the image of the French brasserie while maintaining recognizable references. The design approach balances classical elements with contemporary interventions.
The project proposes a more open interpretation of the traditional brasserie, where the repositioning of the bar, the opening of circulation paths, and the integration of existing constraints redefine movement and ways of inhabiting the space. A diversity of seating— including banquettes, tables, and lounge areas— supports this transformation, allowing for a more flexible use of the space, from dining to aperitif.
With this new Chez Lionel location, Cléo Katcho demonstrates that a project finds its strength not by erasing constraints, but by integrating them to the point where they become the starting point of the experience.
About Cleo Katcho Design Architectural Inc. Cleo Katcho Design Architectural Inc. is a design studio specializing in corporate, commercial, medical, funerary, multi-residential, and hospitality projects. Its approach focuses on creating spaces that are both functional and human-centered, while meeting performance requirements and supporting operational efficiency and long-term value.
Photo credit: Maxime Brouillet
Brick, combined with metal accents, introduces a more urban dimension, while gold finishes, custom crystal lighting fixtures, and mesh bar details reference traditional brasserie codes. This combination preserves familiarity while updating the formal language.
Vegetation, integrated in a structured manner, evokes the grand glasshouses of European brasseries. Its more controlled and refined treatment reflects a contemporary aesthetic focused on clarity and legibility.
Certain building constraints were embraced as integral components of the design. Granite floors and columns were preserved for both structural and identity reasons, as altering them would have compromised the character of the space. Their www. cleokatcho. com
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