DESIGNING CONNECTION WITHIN CONSTRAINTS

Sometimes you receive a commission with requirements that initially seem almost impossible. But with insight and creativity, this “impossibility” became an inspiring design challenge.

STUDIO &lotte was commissioned to design the interior of HAPPIE040, a new initiative by Springplank. Springplank supports people who have temporarily lost their homes, helping them step by step to regain direction in their lives. HAPPIE040 is a hospitality venue where everyone is welcome to enjoy a warm meal. The brief centered around two key requirements:

Requirement 1:
a 55 m² space for a large-scale kitchen preparing 500–800 meals per day

Requirement 2:
a long communal table for sixty people (!)

You may not realize how many meters of table that actually is, the total length came to 26 meters. Not exactly something that fits into an average living room! This posed an interesting challenge within the HAPPIE040 space: how do you design such a large table without sacrificing atmosphere, comfort, and connection? Moreover, one continuous table was not possible due to the structural columns within the space. By playing with both the spatial constraints and the initial wish, a pattern of tables gradually emerged. The configuration reflects the familiar feeling of gathering around one long communal table.

Because HAPPIE040 stands for connection, this needed to be tangible within the design. From this idea, I created an art installation inviting visitors to reflect on what truly makes them happy. The lighting above the tables moves like a garland through the space, subtly encouraging reflection and conversation.

Near the clearing station, a cabinet filled with games invites people to spend time together. On the opposite side, a wishing wall offers visitors the opportunity to leave a message for someone else. What would you wish for another person? And what message do you want to take with you?

Curious to see how the table layout of HAPPIE040 came together? Click here!