LABe | Digital Gastronomy Lab

Due to the project’s connection to future creation, we delved into the works of renowned local artists like Barrenetxea, Chillida, and Oteiza, who skillfully interpreted the concept of time through their art. Their sculptural masterpieces sparked our vision for representing the duality between the past—honoring the rich heritage of Basque Gastronomy—and the future, where new references and opportunities await. This concept is beautifully embodied in a striking cylindrical centerpiece at the heart of the Lab, symbolizing the cyclical nature of time, around which various overlapping planes define the distinct spaces of the laboratory.

We designed the expansive space across two distinct floors, each with its own objectives.

To prototype the technological innovations explored in LABe within a real-world context, a large restaurant was essential—one where technology serves the experience and comfort of its users rather than being intrusive.

At the heart of the central cylinder lies an immersive experiential room featuring 360º projections, elevating the gastronomic experience into a multisensory journey.

The flow and pathways to the kitchens have been optimized to enhance service efficiency.

This floor, which is more accessible to the public, also includes areas dedicated to partner companies wishing to offer unique gastronomic experiences to LABe users.

The first floor is envisioned as a vibrant coworking space designed to nurture the innovations emerging from the LABe restaurant, attracting startups in the FoodTech sector. This dynamic environment caters to a distinct audience, requiring thoughtfully designed pathways and access points to ensure independence and privacy, while still fostering collaboration through strategically placed connection areas. Here, creativity and innovation can thrive, setting the stage for the future of gastronomy.

Since its opening in 2019, Basque Culinary Center has successfully extended LABe’s reach beyond its walls, sharing its research initiatives with the community and forging partnerships with leading food industry brands that view LABe as an ideal environment for applying their innovations. Additionally, LABe has connected with key FoodTech innovation hubs worldwide. Moreover, it has hosted significant FoodTech entrepreneurship events and strategic training programs offered by the Gastronomic University, positioning itself as a vital player in the global FoodTech landscape.