The Hatch Installation

The Hatch, a pop-up installation and architectural eatery, was designed for London Design Festival 2009. Inspired by the colours and patterns of 20th-century art and architecture, the Studio devised a series of giant, hand-painted building blocks covered in Formica laminate. Visitors were encouraged to sit on – and interact with – these sculptural elements. In the dining area, guests had a go at constructing their own mini modernist building, either by copying one of the templates provided by The Modern House or experimenting with their own design. Conceptual food designers Arabeschi di Latte ran an interactive food bar that played on the primary element of creation, the egg. Diners were invited to choose from a variety of Italian egg-based dishes, and given a “kit” with which to prepare it. Each dish was then added to an ever-evolving recipe collection, and those wishing to share their recipe had the opportunity of running their own egg “workshop”.

Photography: Tom Mannion