folfol

Distinctions

Discipline : Interior Design

Categories : Hospitality — Accommodation, Restaurant & Bar / Café, Counter Service & Food Court : Gold certification

Folfol — A Contemporary Syrian Identity in Montréal

Folfol is a contemporary Syrian takeout concept rooted in the culinary and cultural heritage of Damascus. Inspired by the spirit of Restaurant Damas, the brand translates the generosity and authenticity of Syrian street food into a modern, accessible urban experience.

Developed by Atelier MIM, the project reinterprets memory through atmosphere, materiality, and spatial identity. Rather than relying on literal references, the design draws from the textures, rhythms, and social energy of Damascus streets, creating a contemporary expression grounded in culture.

Located on Chabanel Street in Montréal—an area historically shaped by textile production and craftsmanship—the project establishes a dialogue between two traditions of making: the layered material culture of the Levant and the industrial fabric heritage of the city.

The interior is defined by a restrained material palette of terracotta, ceramic, and brass, balanced with soft, muted tones. Suspended clay pots reference everyday architectural gestures found in Damascus, while a custom geometric floor reinterprets traditional patterns in a modern composition. Wood and ceramic surfaces, along with soft arches, introduce rhythm and continuity, structuring both space and experience.

To offset this warmth, the seating introduces a bold teal—a colour that feels both contemporary and rooted in the Mediterranean palette. In Damascus neighbourhoods, painted shutters and doorframes punctuate earthy tones; here, teal plays a similar role, bringing energy, lightness, and a fresh contrast tied to Montréal’s present-day vibrancy.

Natural light enters through corner windows, shifting across the geometric floor throughout the day. A mirrored wall amplifies this movement, reflecting suspended pots and patterned surfaces to create depth and visual expansion. Light becomes an architectural element—refining edges, activating materials, and shaping atmosphere.

Craft is central to the project’s identity. Precisely laid tiles, finely assembled clay surfaces, and carefully positioned ceramic elements reflect a commitment to material integrity and execution. Beyond form, the project expresses the care embedded in its making.

Atelier MIM approaches the project as a synthesis of brand, culture, and spatial performance. Each element is carefully considered to create clarity, coherence, and emotional connection.

Folfol demonstrates how a modest-scale intervention can generate strong identity and impact—transforming a simple takeout space into a meaningful urban presence rooted in heritage, yet firmly contemporary.

The project in images