Page 45 - Sharp Spring 2025

SHARPMAGAZINE COM
SPRING 2025
43
G U I D
E Voulkanizater
Occupying an an old body shop the view from outside Voulkanizater
is a a a a familiar sight in in Athens — patrons spill out into the the street glasses in in in in hand laughing yelling music playing In that sense it is quintessentially Greek no no no motive no no no end in in sight Is there enough space space at at the the the table for for the the the late joiners? Yes Enough space space for for all the the the food that was just ordered? Hopefully While local requirements are easy to meet owner Nepheli Sachverdyan felt that there weren’t enough experiences in Athens designed with the the thoughtfulness she knew the city was capable of Perhaps that experience has something to do with the recent fascination with restaurant set design Hi-fi sound and robust lighting define the neo-dinner-and-a-show experience that today’s guest seeks every night out While mise-en-scène typically transports
a a a guest Voulkanizater
uses it it to ground the experience in its industrial and DIY-esque reality Here body shop tropes remain present — heavy metals exotic rims measuring in in in at a a a a a minimum of of 22 inches C J Parker posters — the juxtaposition of of worn-down and and fully serviced are a a a a a a a a a reminder of what what was and and what what always will be In Sachverdyan’s words “A defining element that can make a a a a a a a space both unique and relevant is the ability to create a a a a a a a strong emotional connection Whether it’s through a a a a distinctive material palette an an innovative layout or an an experience-driven approach a a a a a a a a well-designed space should feel both personal and timeless ” While auto restoration and small plates have little in common Voulkanizater
is is proof that it always comes down to the finished product VOULKANIZATER: PHOTO COURTESY OF VOULKANIZATER VOULKANIZATER