At Design Variations 2022 by MoscaPartners, the lower ground floor pf Circolo Filologico Milanese also hosts the Caffè del Circolo, the permanent makeover of the bar, by Marialaura Irvine. The focal point of the project is the exploration of materials, their mass, solidity and texture: every element has been selected or designed by the studio to create a cohesive amalgamation and defined aesthetic with different chromatic nuances in every material chosen. 

The project is the result of Marialaura Irvine’s research and includes a selection of products and design objects identified through her in-depth study of materials. The Caffè del Circolo is made up of a bar, a reading room, a lounge and a garden and was made possible thanks to numerous international partners whose contributions brought their unique identities and approaches to the project.

The tables and chairs of the bar area are made by Thonet: from the bar stools to the low tables and chairs of the reading room, to the sofas, some of which are in a pale red-purple colour developed especially for Caffè del Circolo. 

3M, main partner of Design Variations 2022, covers the surfaces of the bar with its architectural films DI-NOC™ in two metallic finishes that reflect the light in different ways depending on your point of view. The floors are covered with Tarkett linoleum whose colour contributes to the pastel palette of the bar. 

The walls are covered with a variety of clay surfaces by Matteo Brioni, which is also applied as decoration to an arched curtain designed by the studio. The natural colours chosen range from cream to pomegranate and are full of texture.

The French brand Métaphores, part of the textile division of Hermès, was chosen for its precious fabrics that were used to upholster the sofas and cushions and to create the splendid drapes in the lounge area. 

Forma&Cemento contributed to the project with an imposing bookcase, textured panels for the walls, and outdoor coffee tables inspired by classical décor, designed by Marialaura Irvine.

A series of lamps by Foscarini furnish and light up the space. One example that stands out is a minimal suspension lamp in cement designed by Lucidi and Pevere, notable for its neutral colour and textured surface. 

Fangorosa, e-commerce brand specialized in handmade Italian surfaces, supplied a series of vases designed by Marialaura Irvine and made of different types of clay that look two-dimensional.

The garden was created in collaboration with the company Fratelli Leonelli, expert in the design and realization of green spaces.
The food and beverage are managed by Cosaporto, the first “Quality Delivery Service” in Italy, already partners with some of the most famous names in haute cuisine in the city. Brothering Milano and Pasticceria Martesana will take care of the everyday service and will supply the products available at Caffè del Circolo.