Septembre: Kialatok

In Paris there is a new flexible space, organized by a single storage wall, which reflects the universe of world cooking, and the diversity of different food cultures.

Septembre Architecture, Kialatok – Atelier for intercultural cooking workshops, Paris, France
Kialatok – a French company offering world cooking classes taught by chefs from different cultures – asked Septembre Architecture to design of their new space in the heart of the cosmopolitan area of ​​Pajol, in the 18th district in Paris.
An important part of the clients brief was that the design should reflect the universe of world cooking, and the diversity of different food cultures.  The clients also wanted a flexible space that could be adapted depending on the format of the cooking class and the different type of events they organize.
Septembre Architecture, Kialatok – Atelier for intercultural cooking workshops, Paris, France
Septembre Architecture, Kialatok – Atelier for intercultural cooking workshops, Paris, France

The project proposed by Septembre translates the brief by a single element: a storage wall where objects for each culinary culture used during the workshops are exposed. Visible from the outside through large windows, the wall clearly communicates the identity of the space. The wall shows the diversity of the cooking classes, not only through the exposition of the different objects used for cooking  (types of utensils, dishes ) but also by the different ways to savor a meal  (around a table, on low stools, on a carpet). The furniture can be stored on the wall to free floor space and make it possible to change the configuration to suite the requirements of each workshop.

This storage wall organizes the space into two clearly legible entities, a public part for cooking workshops and a private part, inaccessible to the public, that contain the technical areas. This part is organized around a staircase leading to the basement which includes dry food storage, changing rooms and administration, and where natural light is not essential.

Septembre Architecture, Kialatok – Atelier for intercultural cooking workshops, Paris, France
Septembre Architecture, Kialatok – Atelier for intercultural cooking workshops, Paris, France

The public part occupies the entire space along the facade; the large windows provide natural lighting and a connection to the street outside. The space is functional, it represent the companies identity, and tells the story of a space of cultural diversity, warm and inclusive.

The selected materials are subtle to highlight the colorful objects exposed on the storage wall. The floor is made of resin, durable and easy to clean (commonly used in large scale kitchens and laboratories). Its light gray color and polished surface reflect light and brighten the space. Stainless steel was chosen for the central island in the kitchen part. The walls and the shelves are in pine plywood, and the table-tops and trestles are made of Larch tree.  The raw concrete of the ceiling and back drop wall has been preserved.


Kialatok – Atelier for intercultural cooking workshops, Paris, France
Program: cooking lab
Architects: Septembre Architecture (Memia Belkaid, Sami Aloulou, Dounia Hamdouch, Emilia Jansson, Lina Lagerström)
Carpentry: Fabric K
Light fixtures: Sammode
Kitchen Furniture: Sie Matic
Area: 140  sqm
Completion: 2015

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