The RKO Temple Theatre in Rochester, New York, is one of those lost historical treasures that defies understanding as to how it could have disappeared in the first place. Despite its brilliant eclectic architectural design, this magnificent theatre, later converted into a cinema, did not survive the passage of time. Opened in 1907 as a vaudeville theatre, it was demolished in the early 1950s to make way for a car park.

At Diabla, we couldn’t help but wonder, what would the RKO Temple Theatre be today if it still existed? Would it remain a cultural space or be converted into a commercial gallery? Would it maintain the solemn geometry of its façade, or undergo an artistic update or intervention? If it had been preserved, could it have contributed to the configuration of a valuable architectural environment or the creation of a public space for citizens?

Based on the graphic and historical evidence of its existence, Diabla speculated that the RKO Temple Theatre would have served as the perfect place for 21st-century Rochester urban planners to design an open-air public space in front of its entrance, in the form of a contemporary plaza. Diabla’s design proposals for this unique imaginary plaza include two types of seating islands: one more formal, terrace-like, and the other lounge-style, with relaxed, casual seating.

Our urban open-air terrace proposal revolves around the MONA tables, specially designed to withstand the elements in commercial spaces and capable of adapting to any style thanks to their different sizes, formats, and colour options. Their aesthetic versatility is complemented by a varied repertoire of chairs: the chameleon-like VENT by Made Studio, the simple and timeless EASY by Rocío Gambín, the fun and original TUBA by Samuel Wilkinson, and the fresh and sinuous PLIER by Oiko Design Office.

Our outdoor lounge proposal features a combination of modular LILLY sofas designed by Democràcia Estudio and COSTURAS poufs designed by Teresa Sapey + Partners. All pieces are upholstered in different single-color fabrics and new Diabla prints inspired by the characters of the Italian commedia dell’arte.

Location:

Rochester, Nueva York, Estados Unidos

Collections:

COSTURAS & GOBI

MONA, TUBA, PLIER & VENT

LILLY

SALINE, CITRUS & DIAMOND [GAN]