Rechtvaardige Rechters by Juma Architects

Restaurant Rechtvaardige Rechters on the Saint Bavo Square in Ghent needed a thorough makeover. The original arrangement of the tables was disorderly and the chairs looked rather ungainly. The colour palette was wrong, the lighting was inadequate and the checkout counter, which mainly consisted of open cabinets, left a sloppy impression. Urgent time for a couple of much needed interventions.
JUMA first wanted to add some structure by introducing a long, custom-designed, leather bench along which all the tables could be arranged. The bench was finished in a warm cognac colour and exudes a pleasant and inviting feel. The wooden tabletops provide a natural accent that contrasts with the refined design of the typically black Thonet chairs.
To emphasize the youthful character of the place, graphic designer Valentine De Cort was commissioned to make a large, playful wall drawing of the life surrounding the ever-impressive Saint Bavo Cathedral.

Customers will indeed be able to recognize many prominent figures in the drawing! Hiding amidst all those characters, for example, is the thief of the missing panel of the Ghent Altarpiece from which the restaurant takes its name.
JUMA’s lighting design combined a variety of different types of light fixtures that together create a cosy feel. Especially the big brass spherical hanging lamps attract attention while the sleek white ceiling fixtures with their movable spotlights remain discreet.
A number of walls were covered in a soft, shiny fabric that is also used in the new transition area that leads to the toilets. The checkout counter was renewed and shelves were designed onto which wine bottles can be displayed. The walls here were painted black, while the ceilings were given a white colour.
The icing on the cake is the stone cladding of the existing bar. The veined, polished stone gives the restaurant the allure it deserves.

JUMA Architects