Experience the Metamorphosis: From Dinner to Dance at Le Poisson Volant
The Evolution of a Parisian Hotspot: From Gastronomy to Nightlife
At the newly opened Le Poisson Volant in the 11th arrondissement of Paris, an innovative concept comes to life. What begins as a refined dining experience with soft, ambient lighting gradually transforms into an exhilarating nightclub. The change is marked by a shift in lighting intensity and an increase in musical tempo, creating a fluid transition that redefines the traditional evening out.
A Fusion of Eras and Styles: The Vision Behind the Design
Claves, a Parisian interior architecture firm, meticulously crafted the interior of Le Poisson Volant. Drawing inspiration from Brutalist geometry and the nostalgic charm of 1980s Chinese eateries, the design creates a space that feels both contemporary and timeless. This dual aesthetic, influenced by the former L'International music venue, offers patrons a distinctly different atmosphere between dinner and the late-night hours.
The Creative Minds Behind Le Poisson Volant's Ambitious Concept
The vision for Le Poisson Volant originated with Bertrand Chauveau and Paul Henri, founders of the acclaimed Le Cornichon, in collaboration with chef Yanxin Yin. They re-engaged Claves, the same designers who shaped Le Cornichon, to realize their ambitious plan for the two-level establishment. A key inspiration for the team was New York's iconic China Chalet, known for its seamless shift from Chinese restaurant to a beloved late-night gathering spot.
Integrating Raw Structure with Refined Embellishments
The interior architecture of Le Poisson Volant is anchored by a robust framework of columns and beams, echoing Brutalist principles and the industrial heritage of its surroundings. This strong structural geometry is softened by delicate decorative lines and reflective surfaces. Expansive mirrors are strategically placed to align with the architectural grid, visually expanding the space and creating an illusion of boundless depth.
Ground Floor Dynamics: A Blend of Grandeur and Intimacy
On the ground level, the central focal point is a striking oval bar crafted from patinated steel. It is encircled by custom-built banquettes and walls painted in deep purple-brown hues. Patterned carpeting adds a layer of tactile richness, while high-backed chairs, reminiscent of Charles Rennie Mackintosh's designs, introduce an element of unexpected elegance. Silver geometric motifs adorn the walls and columns, subtly referencing traditional Chinese art and Art Deco styles.
Cinematic Influences: Crafting an Evocative Ambiance
The designers drew heavily from the films of Wong Kar-wai, particularly his use of vivid colors, atmospheric settings, and explorations of reflections and enclosed spaces. Dark surfaces in Le Poisson Volant absorb light, while mirrors capture and refract fragments of the room, creating a mesmerizing visual experience. Under the reddish glow, the restaurant takes on a mysterious, dreamlike quality, evoking a sense of being transported across different eras and global locales.
A World of Ambiguity: Artistry in Every Detail
Claves envisioned the interior as an "imaginary Shanghai by night," where decorative arts and cinema freely intertwine. This sense of ambiguity is further enhanced by hand-painted mirrors that integrate artistic illustrations into the architecture, and a repeating ceiling grid that establishes a distinct visual rhythm. The overall effect is deliberately theatrical, yet the underlying architectural structure remains clear and cohesive.
The Subterranean Realm: A Journey to the Unseen
The staircase serves as a pivotal element, guiding guests between the two distinct levels. A monumental diptych by Chinese artist Shuo Hao, specifically commissioned for Le Poisson Volant, enhances the descent to the basement. This artwork adds its own narrative to the space, marking the transition from the vibrant restaurant above to the more secluded areas below.
Hidden Depths: The Aquarium and Private Sanctuary
The lower level features a DJ booth and a private room ingeniously concealed behind an aquarium filled with mineral formations. Inspired by the aquatic installations of artist Pierre Huyghe, this unique architectural partition provides a captivating visual element, its illuminated contents visible through the glass. Reflections continue across the surrounding surfaces, creating an intimate, self-contained environment that feels far removed from the city streets.
The Art of Illumination: Sculpting the Night's Mood
Lighting, developed in collaboration with Paris-based studio Matière Noire, is fundamental to Le Poisson Volant's transformative nature. Large luminous panels integrated into the ceiling grid provide soft, diffused lighting for dinner, then intensify and sharpen as the night progresses. This geometric lighting design not only reinforces the architecture but also allows for a complete change in atmosphere without requiring physical alterations to the space.
Harmonizing Sound and Light: The Nightclub Emerges
Complementing the lighting, the sound design by FLEiK plays a crucial role in the venue's metamorphosis. As the evening advances, music gradually becomes the central focus. Around 11 pm, Le Poisson Volant fully transitions into its club mode, extending its vibrant energy into the early morning hours on select nights. The same architectural elements – columns and mirrored walls – remain, but they are re-imagined under the pulsating lights, showcasing an innovative approach to hybrid hospitality that effortlessly accommodates two distinct experiences within a single evening.