2049© describe their studio as “the point where architecture, interior, brand, art, and retail come together.” They offer “innovative space and placemaking to stand the test of time …” and are “focused in the arts, hospitality, festival, experiential design and property development.” Looking at their new Pinco Deli in Adelaide (shortlisted for the 2024 Australian Interior Design Awards), it’s immediately apparent that the 2049© team have a unique perspective on hospitality interior design. I would even go as far as to use the term “radical” to describe their approach. They do too: “Pinco is a sandwich deli inspired by the radical Italian design periods of the 20th century with a fresh Australian spin. The resulting interior needed to deliver a simple, high quality product while keeping a nostalgic ‘vibe dining’ experience.”
Pinco Deli’s tagline, “now and forever,” feels like a good fit. The cinematic interior is giving just enough post-modern weirdness to appeal to design obsessed progressives and panini-lovers alike. The narrow space manages to contain a thematically-appropriate, monolithic counter that announces itself via a marbled, Yves Klein Blue base and steel top. This volume tetris-es with a counter in multilaminar wood veneer by Ettore Sottsass, that stretches the length of the space at three height variations. Overall, this dynamic element recalls retro Italian espresso bars, while functioning as a spot to pick up take-aways. The same materials are applied to a high table at the back of the interior, which concludes with an illuminated blue threshold to the bathrooms. Opposite the counter, a red, stained oak bench connects with a 70’s brown banquette seat, steel cafe tables and Pigreco chairs by Tobia Scarpa (naturally, the maestro of post-modern interiors gets a seat at Pinco’s table).
Nostalgic aesthetics continue in decorative items and lighting — which plays a crucial role in the space via acrylic panelling on the ceiling, a hallway inspired by James Turrell’s work, and neon accents on the artwork behind the counter. There’s also some steel planters, Sottsass-esque vases dotted around, and a tubular coat rack.
Bravo, 2049©, Rupert Piccoli and Shannon Wark, your Pinco Deli is something else. It’s fun, intelligent, efficient and it suggests 2049© will be serving up plenty of cool in future (which you aptly describe as “dateless stateless”). My only critique is that Pinco Deli should transform into a cocktail bar at night, playing exclusively Italo-house. Don’t you think that blue counter is begging for some DJ decks?