Estiatorio Milos － Hudson Yards
With locations in New York Las Vegas, Miami and Montreal, as well as London and Athens, Milos is reputed as one of North America’s finest establishments of Mediterranean/Greek cuisine. Estiatorio Milos features fine Mediterranean cuisine at its best and has a longstanding reputation for serving the freshest, most pristine seafood imported daily in all locations. Like all the locations, the chain has become an iconic restaurant in midtown New York. Partnering with The Related Companies, the time had come for the restaurant to continue building its legacy. This time, Milos is now part of the much-heralded Hudson Yards.
Our design approach with this restaurateur, based on a long-lasting friendship, numerous discussions around food (and even Greek philosophy!) has brought us to adapt a chain business model into a more subtle and sensitive response to every specific venue that is added in its portfolio. Each project is different in terms of addressing this critical posture, where site specificity can be addressed as a design attitude, even when it comes to a chain business model.
EXISTING ARCHITECTURAL PARAMETERS
For the Hudson Yards project in New York, the proposed areas, spanning on two floors, presented a very uneven perimeter with short wall sections and are more a result of technical partitioning than any preconceived plan. A very residual space, even if it presented exceptional views of the broader landscape of the west side of Manhattan.
CLARITY
Greek architecture, on the other hand, pursues the virtues of its iconic landscape. It is an architecture of clarity, light and precision. Its shapes are simple. The control of geometry is at the genesis of this beauty, even if it sometimes adopts an organic arrangement. It does not impose itself on the landscape; it is part of it. To reflect these principles, we proposed a simple yet organic composition that enhances the qualities of the space, as it stood initially.
On the 5th floor, the combination of the two retail spaces leads to a linear geometry that is enhanced by a clear delimitation of voids and occupied areas. The 6th floor is also defined by an incisive L-shaped delineation of open and enclosed spaces, adding a sense of simplicity and clarity to the plan.
FIGURE - GROUND
The concept proposes a simple yet powerful intervention. A monumental spiral staircase, wrapped around a circular concrete tower that houses the elevator leading to the upper floor.
The 6th floor composition introduces strong circular elements in the space, starting with the continuity of the elevator tower from the 5th floor. Opposite to the tower, another circular space acts as a second reference point. The floor is terraced on three levels, following the geometry of the curved glass facade, separating the spaces into different zones. The highest vantage point of those zones is the second-floor landing of the monumental spiral staircase. This strategy ensures that the totality of the space is perceptible to the guests as they enter. In a way, it echoes the iconic slope landscapes of so many Greek villages.
The ceiling treatment, a large opening at the center of the space, is kept at maximum height of the existing slab and acts as another reference point in this large open space. A clear L-shaped perimeter is delineated by continuous walls housing different functions perceptible from the main open space. The restaurant service areas are located at the back of this perimeter.
SETTING UP SPECIFICITY
Greece is also about simplicity in its architecture. The use of stone, concrete and plaster is extensive, forming the palette of materials used throughout the Cyclades. Wood is also used regularly for structure and millwork, as well as pergolas and window screens. The constant use of these materials creates homogeneity and specificity that makes the architecture of the islands so powerful and ageless.
The main elements of the architectural composition are built from this “lexicon”. The intent is not to create a faux-replica of this prestigious landscape but rather a contemporary interpretation. Guests thereby will recall the simplicity of the Greek experience. The architecture acts as a perfect “stage” for the simplicity of the cuisine, the essential identity of Estiatorio Milos
