Located in Geneva, Switzerland,  a former restaurant was renovated by Sapid studio, in order to house the firm “Sando”, a Japanese inspired burger bar.

As the functional needs were met, architects made precise demolition and renovation of key elements in the place aimming to give it a new identity.
During the design process, the Japanese concept of “boro boro” was followed, which refers to materials that have been repaired or stitched back together to create a multi-layered patchwork effect.

Sando is a Japanese inspired burger bar located in Geneva, Switzerland.

The term Sando comes from the Japanese word ‘Sando-icchi’ or sandwich, which is traditionally served on bread called ‘Shokupan’.

The spatial design process involved the renovation of an existing burger restaurant in the same location. Given that many of the functional needs of the space had already been met, the project centered around the precise demolition and renovation of key elements within the space to reflect Sando’s identity.

The Japanese concept of “boro boro” was at the forefront of the design process, which refers to materials that have been repaired or stitched back together to create a multi-layered patchwork effect.

Inside the space, a large bar is clad in brushed stainless steel and draws inspiration from omakase counters, creating a strong relationship between diners and staff. The bar is punctuated by a series of hanging textiles with Sando’s characters stitched onto them, fabricated with recycled fabric by Lundi Piscine.

Eight bar stools in natural, brown and dark stained birch line the bar, while a table height counter wraps in front of the windows on the opposing side of the space. The design references traditional Japanese ramen counters and is fabricated with alternating panels of natural and brown stained birch, matching wood tones throughout the project.

It is the re-working of an existing element, stitched together with surgical demolition, alterations and additions, that creates the unique patchwork that is Sando.

Credits & Details

Project: Sando
Design: Sapid studio
Location: Geneva (CH)
Date: 2023
Photography: Alicia Dubuis

About Sapid Studio

Sapid Studio is a design collaboration. It is an acronym of the founder’s names, Cecile-Diama Samb and Michael Piderit. It also refers to a culinary term to describe something with pleasant taste. It reflects the studio’s desire to collaborate on spatial projects that nourish and sustain.

The studio aims to develop a unique outcome for every project; utilizing research, drawing and making as tools throughout the design process. Sapid’s work ranges from objects to small-scale architecture, and everything in between.

Sapid Studio aspires to collaborate with a wide range of disciplines to develop thoughtful, contextual work. The studio’s approach is rooted in rigorous attention to detail, in an effort to realize its ideas in physical form.