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Colorful Le Big TamTam Food Court Delights Shoppers in Hamburg

11.06.24 | By
Colorful Le Big TamTam Food Court Delights Shoppers in Hamburg

At any mall, guests are content to grab a quick bite to eat at a basic fast food eatery, without giving much thought to their surroundings, which are created with grab-and-go utility in mind. At the Studio Aisslinger-designed Le Big TamTam, a new food court in Hamburg, Germany, shoppers enter a culinary hub that delights the senses. “We didn’t want to create a typical marketplace,” says Werner Aisslinger, founder and principal of his eponymous firm. “At Le Big TamTam it’s all about the experience, and the unexpected color combinations.”

A modern cafe interior with colorful chairs and round tables, yellow wall panels, and plants. Bright lighting and a contemporary design.

The food court is located inside Hanseviertel at Große Bleichen, the first heritage-listed mall in the city, which opened in 1980. While most areas of the shopping center still have the same decades-old style, the architects, in collaboration with Tellerrand Consulting, envisioned a vibrant place where guests are encouraged to stay and savor meals.

A modern, circular restaurant interior with a central staircase, surrounded by colorful seating and hanging greenery under a glass ceiling.

Le BigTamTam forms a contemporary food cosmos, with story-driven elements that bring the surprises that are hallmarks of digital environments to an analog world. It’s a spot that emphasizes fun and discovery.

Circular indoor seating area with a blue interior, surrounded by large windows and greenery. A spherical light fixture hangs from the ceiling.

Overhead view of a circular bar with surrounding greenery, colorful bar stools, and a vibrant, modern architectural design in a spacious indoor setting with natural light.

A range of Instagram-worthy nooks attract a clientele of all ages. Custom seating includes booths and banquettes upholstered in alternating solids and fabrics with geometric motifs. Surfaces that are easy to clean are essential in the high-traffic commercial zone. Finishes are mixed and matched to offer subtle texture. Terrazzo and lacquered wood tabletops have a  touch of sheen that complements the matte powder-coated metal stools and light fixtures.

Circular bar with colorful stools and tiered plant displays under a glass dome ceiling.

Under the expansive dome, the farming tower spirals upward, surrounded by ringed planters that hold greenery and herbs. A stairway leads to the highlight of the space – Hamburg’s smallest bar. Patrons can sit in the capsule-like structure, like a modern crow’s nest, and enjoy libations as they take in the buzz of activity below. “Le Big TamTam has become an event that is just as important as the food itself,” Aisslinger adds.

A multi-level atrium with lush green plants and modern design elements, featuring circular walkways and natural lighting.

Colorful kiosk with a prominent "LE BIG KIOSK" sign, featuring a pink and blue design, surrounded by seating areas and illuminated by numerous hanging lights.

Colorful photobooth area with pink and blue panels, circular cut-out ceiling, and illuminated "Foto Box" sign, surrounded by exposed brick and vibrant lighting.

Five top Hamburg restaurateurs offer plenty of delicious fares for every palate, from the Japanese dishes at Momo Ramen to Neapolitan pizza by ÜberQuell. Each station is essentially a unique mini restaurant. A Willy Wonka-esque palette of candy pink, yellow, blue, and green tones enlivens the circular section. Le Big Kiosk is a freestanding pop-up unit for different activations. One moment it is a nail salon, on another day it is transformed into an art gallery. Visitors can take pictures at the attached photo booth as keepsakes of their time at the mall.

A retro-style pink wall display with a megaphone, photos, and a curved shelf inside a bright, modern building.

A brightly colored, modern lounge area with curved seating, round tables, and hanging decorative elements, creating a vibrant, playful atmosphere.

Colorful indoor seating area with red tables, white stools, and green plants. Candles are placed on the tables, surrounded by ambient lighting and brick walls.

Colorful restaurant interior with eclectic decor, featuring a geometric bear sculpture on a tiled wall, vibrant seating, and multicolored lighting.

Colorful modern restaurant interior with wooden tables, cushioned seating in various pastel shades, red accents, and lush greenery.

Modern, colorful cafe interior with green tables, red and white chairs, benches, and overhead lights. Plants and decorative lamps add to the vibrant atmosphere.

A modern bar with metal stools, geometric ceiling lights, and colorful glass walls.

Restaurant interior with a counter featuring a blue and yellow checkered pattern, open shelving, and a menu sign above. Lights and tables are visible in the background.

Modern interior with green tables, blue chairs, and wall planters. Ceiling lighting creates a sleek atmosphere.

For more information, visit aisslinger.de.com.

Photography by Martin Kunze and Nicolo Lanfranchi.

Anna Zappia is a New York City-based writer and editor with a passion for textiles, and she can often be found at a fashion exhibit or shopping for more books. Anna writes the Friday Five column, as well as commercial content.