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Studio3877 Completes the Design For New Italian Market, Radici

Published

9 years ago

March 13, 2015

VMSD Reader

When Bridget Thibodeau-Sasso, importer of wines, oil and food from boutique Italian producers, sought to open a roots-to-table authentic italian market in Washington, D.C., she called upon local architecture and design firm Studio3877 to reimagine the former Silver Spork space for her new retail concept, Radici. David Shove-Brown, co-founder of Studio3877 had taught in Italy and is very familiar with Italian product and overall culture — another reason Thibodeau-Sasso brought the architect and his team in to create a marketplace that reflects the quality and tradition of what Italy does best, food.

The 1,600 square-foot-market and cafe, adjacent to the district’s popular Eastern Market in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, features imported gourmet Italian products such as bread, meats, cheeses, wine, and coffee. Shove-Brown and his project team drew inspiration from the brand’s name “Radici,” Italian for “roots” as well as authentic Italian markets, cafes, and restaurants. For Radici, the team developed a layout featuring extensive millwork, lighting and sustainable materials intended to transport guests to old world Italy.

The firm flipped the layout of the former Silver Spork space to create a more seamless flow of shoppers through the market. At the entrance, a cafe serving fresh coffee and pastries greets customers as they step inside. Radici features a communal table and benches for those wanting to grab a bite to eat (paninis and salads are made in-house) within the new cafe. As shoppers venture further, a variety of Italian-made products including pastas and breads are displayed on custom shelving made from reclaimed wood. The firm chose an earthy color palette to evoke the old world Italian authenticity of Radici’s brand and products. Terra cotta tile, brick, wood tones and custom millwork can be found throughout, creating a rustic atmosphere for shoppers to wind down with a glass of wine, pick up simple, delicious ingredients for their family's dinner, or pick up an espresso on the run. Decorative glass lighting fixtures complement the space’s natural textures, creating a warm glow throughout.

Radici is located at 303 7th Street SE in Washington, D.C. For more information, please visit www.radici-market.com.

The firm has several projects on the boards including hospitality, residential, retail, fitness spaces, and more. To learn more about Studio3877, the latest project news, and the firm’s involvement in industry events, organizations, and associations, visit studio3877.com. For all of Studio3877’s happenings, be sure to follow the studio on Twitter and Facebook.