February 12th, 2013 – James & Mau Arquitectura Created a contemporary tapas restaurant called Estado Puro across from the Prado Museum in Madrid, Spain. The architects were given the challenge of using a small space to create a Spanish style eatery without making it too folky or kitsch. Chef Paco Roncero influence of “typical Spanish” was the starting point in the creation of architectural concept “pure state”. It is redefining the Spanish imaginary giving a twist to “traditional” to achieve a chic and sophisticated aesthetic.

James & Mau dressed the rectangular space with a series of white laser cut elements that have “teeth” which allow them to connect together to create a ceiling feature. The shape of the unique white elements are inspired by a crown-like hair piece on the head of a Spanish girl, which is visible on imagery on the focal wall. In the evenings, the connecting feature is back lit with bright yellow lighting to add interest to the space and grab the attention of people passing by. The architects used primary colors in the flooring, walls, and seats, to really zero in on a Spanish vibe. The space is a true culinary creative renewal of traditional tapas bar, which is a reinterpretation of the most traditional Spanish cuisine from an avant-garde kitchen.