# KOI Restaurant Architectural Transformation in Staré Mesto SOA Architekti revitalizes a historic corner building into a modern culinary destination. - **Source:** [ArchDaily Global](https://brifing.si/source/b856ce4a-b51b-4705-954b-40620e034caa) - **Published:** 2026-11-01 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/96f28077-a513-4821-b541-c4d4d989cefd ## Historic Urban Repurposing The KOI Restaurant project occupies a prominent corner building located in the historic city center of Staré Mesto, Slovakia. Previously utilized as a retail space for clothing and furniture, the 407-square-meter site underwent a complete architectural transformation. The project was officially completed in 2026, marking a significant shift in the building's functional urban identity. ## Generational Design Philosophy The business is operated by a father-son duo, which heavily influenced the architectural brief. The father prioritized family tradition and personal experience, while the son pushed for a contemporary gastronomic approach. This collaboration resulted in a venue designed to serve as an all-day social hub rather than just a traditional dining establishment. ## Material and Brand Integration SOA Architekti curated a specific palette of manufacturers to define the interior aesthetic. Key brands utilized in the construction include Pedrali, Casalgrande Padana, and Flos for lighting. Additional structural and aesthetic elements were sourced from CE.SI. Ceramica, HAY, and Master & Master, ensuring a high-quality finish that aligns with the modern urban concept. ## Technical Lighting and Acoustics Lighting design was managed by U1 Lighting, complemented by custom installations from CTRL_space to enhance the atmosphere. To manage the soundscape of the busy social venue, the architects implemented acoustic spraying provided by Noise Control Products. These technical interventions are essential for maintaining comfort in a space designed for high-frequency daily social interaction. ## Architectural Leadership Roles The project was led by architects Štefan Šulek and Lucia Kráľ, who oversaw the spatial reconfiguration of the corner site. Graphic design elements throughout the restaurant were developed by Tomáš Eisner. Their combined efforts ensured that the interior layout reflects both the historical context of the building and the modern energy of Košice. ## Spatial Layout and Functionality Spanning 407 square meters, the floor plan was optimized to transition from a retail environment to a hospitality-focused layout. The design team focused on creating a versatile space that accommodates diverse culinary influences. By removing previous retail fixtures, the architects opened up the interior to better facilitate the flow of guests throughout the day. ## Visual Documentation and Documentation The project was documented through photography by Matej Hakár, capturing the final 2026 state of the interior. These images highlight the integration of furniture from Paged and KB-BLOK, alongside metalwork by MN Metall. The visual record serves as a primary reference for the successful conversion of a historic retail shell into a modern restaurant. ## Strategic Urban Impact The KOI Restaurant represents a broader trend of adaptive reuse in historic Slovakian city centers. By blending traditional family values with a contemporary urban lifestyle, the project demonstrates how architecture can revitalize underutilized commercial corners. This development serves as a case study for balancing heritage preservation with the evolving demands of modern hospitality. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.archdaily.com/1187623/koi-soa-architekti — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._