Monti Italian Restaurant: A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity

Rockett Studio's Award-Winning Design Combines Italian Luxury with Singapore's Skyline

The design inspiration for Monti Italian Restaurant comes from the Italian Rationalism architectural movement of the 1920s and 30s. This movement juxtaposed a new modern architectural language with the opulence of traditional Italian aesthetics, resulting in bold interiors that married raw industrial methods with rich colour and texture. The Villa Necchi Campiglio, a sublime masterpiece in the centre of Milan, served as a primary source of inspiration for the restaurant's design.

The unique properties of Monti's design lie in its successful exercise in contrasts. Contemporary dark blue cross-cut veneers used on the walls contrast with the luxurious traditional Italian burl veneers used on the dining tables. Smooth and indulgent monochromatic Italian marble surfaces playfully clash with the industrial copper used on the bar tops and to highlight the rhythmic architectural columns.

The design realization of Monti focused on the guest experience. The original bar was relocated to one side, opening up the space and allowing for dramatic views across the water to be visible as soon as guests walk into the restaurant. The upper deck area was extended so that all guests could experience the impressive views, regardless of where they were seated.

The restaurant's design also had to be fully flexible to accommodate the client's request for the space to be hired out for private events. This meant that all furniture had to be loose and the space had to be adaptable for various uses, from regular dining settings to large weddings and corporate events.

The design of Monti faced several challenges, the most significant of which was to pay homage to both Singapore’s glimmering skyline and Italy’s unmistakable charm in one of Singapore’s most iconic spaces, The Fullerton Pavilion. The breathtaking 180-degree views of the Marina Bay area had to be centre stage, and the interiors had to compliment, not dominate, the new Italian restaurant.

The Monti Italian Restaurant is a testament to Rockett Studio's innovative design approach, successfully merging traditional Italian aesthetics with modern architectural design. The restaurant was awarded Silver in A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2017, a testament to its outstanding design and innovation.