This week we’ve been chatting with Parisa Pour, interior architect at Rstudio for Architecture about the redevelopment of the food court at Väla Centrum.

Tell us how you got involved in the project

The project was architectural competition, which Rstudio for Architecture won in late 2019 with the concept of creating a new space that felt welcoming for all types of people. We had a strong focus on reusing existing materials and making sustainable design choices. The pandemic held up work for around eighteen months, but we restarted again in 2021.

How did you first hear about BAUX?

I found BAUX products when I came across of one of your customer stories whilst researching reference materials for a design manual on another project. I just loved the material, the colours and patterns you can create!

Why did you choose to use BAUX at Väla?

The original food court had some existing acoustic treatments and we knew that we want to improve on this and create the right kind of space, both visually and acoustically. BAUX was a really simple choice with strong functional and graphic potential. For this project we wanted to clad the space with materials that were ornamental and decorative. The patterns and fibres of BAUX materials lend so much texture to the space.

How have the BAUX designs improved the design of the food court

Visually BAUX fits really well with the design concept. You can use the tiles to create patterns that flow between the space and with a motif to tie areas together. The BAUX patterns also fit well with the overall pattern language of the project. You see the patterns from a distance and the fibres close up, so its just a really interesting material to use and work with.

Are the acoustics improved?

The mezzanine level and the BAUX designs have really improved the acoustics and transformed the space. It’s still open and airy, but it feels calm and relaxing.

What would your dream BAUX project be?

I’d love to use BAUX in an art installation and clad everything in a room with BAUX. Floor, walls and ceiling and create furniture with smaller decorative panels!