Restaurant Design in a Historic Building – Brasserie VICO in the Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern

A restaurant design that honours the building’s history

The five-star Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern commissioned an interdisciplinary team to redesign its in-house restaurant, Brasserie VICO. This is the kind of project we really enjoy at DOBAS: complex, multi-layered and full of creative potential. The goal was to merge the two separate restaurant areas – the gallery and the pavilion – into one coherent whole both spatially and atmospherically. The building, which dates back to 1845, is listed as a cantonal historic monument and is one of the few Swiss hotels that has national art-historical significance.

DOBAS did the conceptual work, design and planning, LIGNO in-Raum AG was the project manager for the design, realisation and costs, and Mathias Odermatt AG took care of tendering and construction management. In close coordination with all contractors and the cantonal historic monument office, a restaurant was made that not only does justice to the character of the building but also creates a place that embodies openness, elegance and contemporary hospitality. 

Targeted interventions to foster openness

Niches and benches create different zones, with a chef’s table serving as a central anchor point. Equal parts functional and comfortable, the benches were designed by DOBAS Creation and custom-made by Sitzwerk AG. A raised platform breaks up the longitudinal axis of the former corridor, creating new spatial perspectives. Ceiling elements emphasise the different zones of the restaurant and reinforce the spatial structure. The reception area was also redesigned to provide a clear starting point for guests in terms of orientation and atmosphere. The direct pathway between the bar and the restaurant improves the flow of traffic and creates seamless transitions.

Exclusive and diverse materials

The materials chosen for this project combine high quality with design clarity: earth tones, petrol blue, coral red and brass are colourful accents, while real wood, ribbed glass, leather, and natural and artificial stones lend the space texture and depth. Kriskadecor chain curtains – custom-made for this project – add to the aesthetic and enhance the overall effect of the space. The interplay of these elements communicates the identity of the building in every detail. 

Dynamic lighting design 

The lighting concept was built around the historic chandelier, which has been technically upgraded and preserved as the visual centrepiece of the restaurant design. It is complemented by the custom-made «Cosmos suspension» lamp by Qasar as well as other lamps specially designed by DOBAS Creation and implemented in collaboration with 2F-Leuchten GmbH. Existing elements, such as the stucco work, have been given targeted accents. The zoned lighting creates moods tailored to the time of day and intended use: from bright basic lighting to atmospheric evening settings. 

A tribute to Victor VICO Hauser

The Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern also wished to forge a stronger connection between the hotel’s restaurant and the public space. A reworked signage system makes it easier for guests to find their way around. 

The name «VICO» pays homage to Victor Hauser, who shaped the establishment in its fourth generation. In 1980, he set a precedent for openness with the «Rotonde» restaurant: an attitude that lives on in the architecture of the new Brasserie VICO.