Formant Studio Brings Chicago Tavern References to Nota Tavern in Mexico City's Escandón
Nota Tavern, an Italian-American eatery located in Mexico City's Escandón I neighborhood, features interiors and furnishings crafted by Formant Studio, inspired by traditional Chicago taverns. The establishment, which occupies a former hacienda-style residence, preserves half of the original structure. Co-founder Alejandro Valencia sought a modern take on the Chicago tavern aesthetic. Influenced by the minimalism of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and the modernism of Frank Lloyd Wright, the studio created elements such as black-stained oak tables and metal sconces. The dining area is adorned with Mexican rosewood panels and supported by intricate stone pillars. A spiral staircase leads to a private dining space. Paxwave provided the sound system, while Galería Córdoba curated the artwork. Additionally, Formant Studio designed its own workspace in Mexico City.
Key facts
- Nota Tavern is a two-storey Italian-American restaurant in the Escandón I neighbourhood of Mexico City
- Formant Studio designed the interiors and most of the furniture, including black-stained oak tables, steel bar stools and metal sconces
- The restaurant occupies half of a former hacienda-style residence that was converted into an apartment building
- Design references include classic Chicago taverns, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Frank Lloyd Wright
- Mexican rosewood panels clad the dining room and form banquettes upholstered in black Kvadrat textiles
- Original stone pillars from an entrance portico were stripped of paint and made the centrepiece of the main dining room
- A brown-painted metal spiral staircase leads to a private dining room with a mezzanine overlooking banquette seating
- Paxwave installed the sound system and Galería Córdoba curated the art and antiques
Entities
Artists
- Alejandro Valencia
- Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
- Frank Lloyd Wright
- Fabián Martinez
Institutions
- Formant Studio
- Kvadrat
- Paxwave
- Galería Córdoba
- Dezeen
- Nota Tavern
Locations
- Mexico City
- Mexico
- Escandón I
- Chicago
- United States