Located in a new development named West Walk in Alwaab, a local neighborhood in mainland Doha, Juno is an Italo-American Bistro designed by Rawan Muqaddas and Selma Akkari. The duo was approached by a local restaurant group to envisage a concept driven by a love for comfort, nostalgia, food and design. The two assembled a project team and guided the conception of the neighbourhood neo-diner.

Inspired by the classic Italian establishment and the American diner, the interior evokes a warm and welcoming feel that combines materials and remnants from both culinary worlds. The first challenge was to allow the space to feel cosy and inviting despite the double height ceiling that occupies the front half of the restaurant. Through the creation of volumes, the duo was able to deploy larger architectural elements to frame and celebratethe different conditions the space had to offer.

The introduction of the typical glass block tucked away the staircase showing fragments of flow from prep to service in the back of house areas. While simultaneously being incorporated into the larger warm wood volume, the pizza bar and service area are placed under the mezzanine level seperated from the kitchen by a fluted glass window. The tone of the wood was selected as an ode to the use of wood cladding in the classic restaurant environment giving the space a retro feel.

Upon entry, the customer is greeted by a grand facade welcoming light into the bright space. Bi-fold windows were introduced to further open up to the exterior connecting the inside to outside for a wholistic and casual feel. Subtle curves then guide the flow into the restaurant floor, set against subtly textured plastered walls.

Rawan and Selma implimented a refined combination of materials that come together to create contrast and playfulness. The floor is bold made of large terrazzo marble chips cast in dark grey, uncomplicated yet daring. The banquettes hug the colorful tables only at the ends, directing the gaze over to the sun drenched facade. The tabletops, in a high gloss of yellow and peach are edged by bright chrome, reminescent of the oldschool diner. The neo-diner approach was carriedthrough into the selection of furniture and cutlery, capping the tables with wooden chairs by Verges and custom plates branded with the Juno logo.