Spanish designer Lucas Muñoz has created an innovative cafe installation for Design Mumbai 2025 using almost entirely reclaimed materials sourced from an abandoned hotel. The Park cafe represents a groundbreaking approach to sustainable design, demonstrating how discarded materials can be transformed into dignified and functional spaces.
Muñoz described his process as "mining" materials from the abandoned property, which was recently purchased by The Park Hotels after being left in disrepair for five years. The designer aimed to create what he calls "one-of-a-kind improvisations" that would minimize environmental impact while maintaining the aesthetic dignity of a high-quality hospitality space. His goal was to transform underappreciated materials from their abundant source into something valuable and appreciated in a new context.
The centerpiece of the cafe is a large central table constructed from coffee tables topped with entire sections of walls cut directly from the hotel. Surrounding this focal point are chairs covered in hotel sheeting that has been washed multiple times to achieve a clean, refined appearance. The designer strategically placed day beds made from the hotel's original beds and desk lamps around the perimeter, while actual hotel doors were positioned at the edges of the space to maintain the hospitality theme.
The lighting system showcases Muñoz's creative approach to repurposing, featuring spotlights cut directly from the hotel's ceiling and suspended from wires throughout the cafe. All furniture pieces were assembled without adhesives or permanent fixtures, instead using innovative clamping and tying techniques that preserve the original integrity of the materials. This approach allows the pieces to be disassembled and potentially returned to their original purpose.
The entire extraction and transformation process was completed in just six days, presenting significant logistical challenges. According to Muñoz, the tight timeline required his team to extract, reactivate, and repurpose materials while working in a location with poor conservation conditions. The designer emphasized the importance of preserving the original state of elements as much as possible to maintain their historical significance and character.
With the exception of rope, chatai floor mats, and cushions used for the day beds, every material in the cafe was sourced from the abandoned hotel. This commitment to sustainability extends beyond environmental considerations to include cultural and historical preservation. Muñoz, who was recently highly commended at the Dezeen Awards for his interior design of the CoLab creative laboratory in Madrid, hopes the installation will inspire visitors to consider similar approaches in their own projects.
Looking toward the future, Muñoz expressed his wish that visitors could take pieces of the installation for their own use. While The Park Hotels will retain certain elements, other components are planned to return to the original hotel property. The designer hopes the project's spirit will influence future sustainable design practices and demonstrate the inherent beauty of using materials with history and experience.
This project continues Muñoz's commitment to sustainable design practices, following previous works including a restaurant in Spain created from upcycled materials and construction waste, and a converted 1960s office space transformed into a furniture showroom. Design Mumbai 2025 runs from November 26-29, providing visitors with the opportunity to experience this innovative approach to sustainable hospitality design firsthand.
