David Adjaye Designs for Knoll Installed in Terzo Piano Restaurant

Following the 2015 retrospective exhibition Making Place: The Architecture of David Adjaye, a mid-career survey of the recently knighted architect, Adjaye’s work has found a new home within the Art Institute of Chicago. The architect’s Washington Skeleton Aluminum Side Chairs for Knoll have been installed in the newly redesigned Italian restaurant Terzo Piano, appropriately located in the Modern wing of the museum. Selected in a grey finish, the Washington Skeleton complements the slate grey walls and translucent tables of the restaurant, which reopened after renovation in February 2017.

Introduced in 2013 as part of David Adjaye’s Washington Collection for Knoll, the Washington Skeleton Aluminum Side Chair reflects a careful study of structure and balance, rendering a seating design that is both functional and sculptural. Dirk Denison, chief architect of the renovations, echoes such synthesis of the practical and the aesthetic in his design of the remodeled Terzo Piano. Featuring moveable elements that allow for the accommodation of large groups or private events, the interior of Terzo Piano maintains a sleek and eloquent appearance.

When discussing the renovations, Chef/Partner Tony Mantuano commented that he “wanted to bring some of the best creative minds back together to elevate our look and feel.” The fine geometric lattice of Adjaye’s Washington Skeleton Aluminum Side Chair is not only juxtaposed against the surrounding rectilinear elements, but also, much like Mantuano’s goal, its design accentuates the entire space.

Adjaye’s Washington Skeleton chairs carry with them the modernist themes present in the Modern wing of the museum, proving to be the perfect fit for Terzo Piano’s new design.

Terzo Piano is located at 159 E Monroe on the third floor of the Modern Wing at the Art Institute of Chicago.  The restaurant is open for lunch Monday – Saturday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., dinner on Thursday evenings from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. and brunch on Sunday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.  The restaurant is also available for semi-private and private events.