Retro - Athena

Project idea

Retro Athena is a café concept inspired by the fusion of ancient Greek architecture and contemporary retro-pop culture. The project reimagines classical elements such as columns, arches, sculptures, and decorative motifs through a playful and modern lens using pastel colors, sculptural furniture, artistic lighting, and whimsical decorative pieces. The inspiration came from the desire to create a unique social space where history and pop culture coexist, offering visitors an immersive experience that feels both nostalgic and futuristic. The design transforms traditional Greco-Roman aesthetics into a vibrant and approachable environment that encourages gathering, relaxation, and visual exploration.

Project description

The project is designed as a themed café that combines indoor and outdoor seating areas around a central courtyard. The spatial layout includes a main lounge area, café seating zones, a service counter, kitchen facilities, storage spaces, staff facilities, and customer restrooms. The design language is expressed through custom furniture inspired by classical Greek forms, pastel color palettes, mosaic flooring, decorative columns, artistic sculptures, and fabric drapery inspired by ancient Roman textiles. The outdoor courtyard acts as the visual heart of the project, creating a seamless connection between interior and exterior spaces while enhancing the social and experiential quality of the café.

Technical information

The project utilizes a combination of textured plaster finishes, terrazzo and mosaic flooring, painted gypsum architectural details, custom-made furniture, decorative fiberglass and plaster sculptures, and integrated ambient lighting systems. Large glass openings maximize natural daylight and strengthen the visual connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The material palette focuses on light neutral tones accented with pastel lavender, blue, and yellow elements to reinforce the Retro Athena concept. Indoor planting and decorative landscape elements are incorporated to enhance comfort, visual interest, and spatial quality.