First new chip shop from studio MOTO opens in Brussels
Tabora, the first new chip shop by the Belgian architectural firm studio MOTO, is first inaugurated. The chip shop at the Antwerp gate is the first chip shop in a series of Brussels chip shops that are being renovated according to the design of studio MOTO, which is located through a mirrored facade and tiles inside.
In 2017, the Brussels city council decided to replace six decrepit chip shops with a new version. To this end, the City of Brussels launched a design competition in collaboration with the National Association of Friturists in search of a chip shop with a contemporary character and identity, which, like the well-known red telephone booths in London, should form an identified icon in the streetscape. Out of 52 international entries, the specific and recognizable chip shop model by the Ghent architectural firm studio MOTO was the winner.
As part of the Belgian chip culture, the chip shops have a symbolic meaning and have been part of the Belgian and Brussels street scene for decades. With its design studio MOTO goes back to the essence of the chip shop, based on the appreciation and respect for the traditional chip shop. The typical elements such as the recognizable rotating awning, the counter and the illuminated advertising have all been incorporated into the new in a fresh and modern way.
The new chip shops are recognizable and typical because of their reflective facades, and thus enter into a dynamic dialogue with the environment, whether open or closed, without forming an obstacle in the neighbourhood. The specific illuminated advertising gives the reflective box its own character and makes it clear to the environment that it is a chip shop. Once the large awning swings open and offers shelter and security to the customers, the chip shop shows its warm character through the reinforcements and the soft lighting.
The basis and shape will be the same for all chip shops, but each illuminated advertisement will be unique and each chip shop will have its own character. Each chip shop is also given a tile color to further strengthen its own other. For example, graphic designer Libeth Antoine was hired for the illuminated advertising of chip shop Chapelle. For the chip shop at the Atomium there is a collaboration with Terry Kritis.