KKArchitects

T. Studio is a food photographer’s workspace located on the ground floor of a discreet apartment building in the western suburbs of the city. K&K architects were asked to redesign the space to make it more functional and, at the same time, more vivid and inspiring. The aim was to combine the photographic equipment of the studio with a fully functional kitchen. Storing a vast number of props was also something the brief called for because, during photo shooting, an open, unobstructed plan is a must.

The kitchen island placed on one end of the perpendicular plan is a hybrid space serving for cooking and food styling but also as a studio for culinary art videos. Part of its wooden surface can be replaced by surfaces of other material, color and texture. On its background there is a black perforated steel surface covering the wall, which can also be decorated to fit the needs and the different style of each production. For the photos presented here the architects embroidered an apple and a lemon.

The collection of props is stored behind a 6meter long curtain. The food stylist –like a magician pulling a rabbit out of her hat– always brings something new, either a platter or a fabric or even a wooden surface which will make the food, which is always the protagonist, stand out. We always try to experiment with new materials especially when they prove to be both effective and money saving. For this project we used black polypropylene ground cover which proved to be a super functional space divider. What we didn't expect is the fluorescent green stripes that were highlighted when back lit. They were matched with the lime green kitchen island. We used a shade of burgundy for the cupboards and the big cooker hood that is hanged above the island from green climbing ropes. All of the elements seem to float on the turquoise pvc floor.

Shooting food is a meticulous and time consuming procedure. The photos show real, steamy food that sometimes arrives a few minutes before shooting. The space simultaneously hosts the photographer and his crew, the food stylist the chef and his help and more often than not, the client. It is a procedure that requires professionalism but it is also fun. Therefore the sitting area is designed as a cozy living room with vintage, freshly upholstered, furniture and lots of green. People can relax, discuss, read the latest editions on culinary arts and of course eat gourmet food, while the subtle presence of music provides with the necessary rhythm.