In the picturesque city of Lucerne, Switzerland, a new dining destination has emerged that transcends traditional culinary experiences. CAAA by Pietro Catalano, designed by the Barcelona-based architecture firm External Reference, presents an immersive environment where AI meets Michelin Star-rated cuisine, drawing inspiration from the breathtaking Alpine landscape.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Location: Lucerne, Switzerland
Architecture: External Reference
Client: Pietro Catalano
Construction Manager, Project Manager and Coordinator: Francesco Sacconi
Photography: Filippo Bamberghi
Nestled between the serene waters of Lake Lucerne and the majestic mountains, CAAA offers more than just a meal; it invites guests into a world that echoes the natural beauty surrounding it. The restaurant’s design cleverly integrates elements of the Swiss Alps, with undulating ceiling forms that mimic the region’s snow-capped peaks and lush trees. This striking feature comprises 63 bespoke panels, each measuring 80 by 80 cm, arranged to create a cascading effect that gently terminates at the columns.
Sustainability is at the heart of this design, with recycled cellulose utilized to craft the ceiling relief, while other materials—glass and wood—further enhance the space’s ecological footprint. This commitment to eco-friendly practices showcases a thoughtful balance between modernity and the natural world, ensuring that the restaurant is not only a feast for the senses but also a responsible choice for the environmentally conscious diner.
At the forefront of this innovative project is the integration of AI technology. External Reference harnessed the capabilities of the AI program Midjourney, feeding it written prompts that generated a range of dramatic hyperreal images. This digital tool played a pivotal role in conceptualizing the restaurant’s visual language, bridging the gap between reality and fiction. Architect Carmelo Zappulla’s approach exemplifies the contemporary shift towards generative design, merging human creativity with AI’s analytical prowess.
However, the use of AI raises questions about the evolving role of human designers. Wanyu He, founder of XKool, emphasizes the importance of collaboration between AI and architects. “AI can provide us with possibilities and analyze different options, but we, humans, should make the call,” he explains. “It’s not about replacing the architect but about co-piloting the design process.” This collaborative ethos is evident in CAAA, where the human touch remains integral to the overall experience.
Beyond its architectural marvels, CAAA promises an intimate dining experience that tantalizes all five senses. With its limited capacity, the restaurant creates an atmosphere where each guest feels connected to the culinary artistry of Chef Pietro Catalano. The carefully designed timber tables and chairs add to the organic language of the space, nodding to traditional Alpine architecture while inviting diners to engage more intimately with their surroundings.
The immersive quality of the restaurant allows the chef’s gastronomical creations to escape the confines of the plate, weaving through the air and enveloping diners in a sensory journey. As guests gaze up at the intricate ceiling, they are transported into a dreamlike Alpine landscape, setting the stage for a memorable meal that transcends mere sustenance.
Ultimately, CAAA by Pietro Catalano stands as a testament to the successful collaboration of architecture and technology. It artfully balances innovation with craftsmanship, ensuring that the ceiling, while visually striking, does not overshadow the intimate dining experience. The designers have succeeded in creating a space where technology, tradition, and the art of gastronomy harmoniously coexist, allowing the restaurant to offer not just a meal, but an experience that lingers long after the last bite.
In Lucerne, CAAA is more than a restaurant; it’s a celebration of nature, creativity, and culinary excellence—an Alpine dream brought to life.
