Collaborations Project

Kikelet × BODOBATS

Kikelet is more than a restaurant to me - it is one of Pécs’ most iconic places, carrying decades of architectural and cultural memory. Originally built between 1936-37, the building reflects the spirit of Bauhaus modernism while overlooking the city from the hillside of the Mecsek. Its atmosphere, history, and connection to the landscape immediately inspired me when I first began thinking about the project.

When Kikelet reopened in 2026 with a renewed interior concept, I was invited to create a series of custom tufted wool wall pieces for the space. From the beginning, I approached the collaboration not simply as an artwork commission, but as part of a larger spatial dialogue - something that would become organically connected to the architecture, materials, light, and atmosphere of the restaurant itself.

The visual direction of the works was inspired not only by the building’s Bauhaus heritage and art deco forms, but also by the close relationship between Pécs, Kikelet, and nature itself. The surrounding hillsides, gardens, plants, flowers, and animal life all became important reference points during the design process. I was especially drawn to the atmosphere of early spring - that quiet transitional moment when nature slowly begins to awaken again after winter.

This connection also exists in the name itself. In Hungarian, the word “kikelet” refers to the earliest period of spring - the awakening of nature after winter, when plants begin to emerge, snow melts, and the world gradually becomes alive again. It is an old, poetic expression derived from the Hungarian verb “kikel,” meaning “to emerge” or “to sprout.” The word is often associated with renewal, hope, and transformation, and appears frequently throughout Hungarian literature and poetry.

While designing the textile works, I consciously incorporated forms inspired by plants that appear during this early spring awakening period - emerging leaves, unfolding organic shapes, soft floral structures, and layered natural rhythms. These references do not appear as direct illustrations, but as abstracted forms and textures translated into wool and textile surfaces.

One of the most important aspects of the process for me was collaboration itself. I deeply believe that the strongest projects are born through exchange - where ideas, functions, and visual worlds influence one another. Every space carries its own rhythm and identity, and I see textile work as something that can respond to and strengthen that character.

The tufted wool panels created for Kikelet are not only visual elements, but also function as acoustic surfaces. Because of the natural qualities of wool and the layered structure of tufting, the works help absorb and soften sound within the restaurant. In a lively hospitality environment, where noise can easily dominate the experience, textile surfaces can introduce warmth, softness, and a more comfortable atmosphere - both visually and acoustically.

For me, this project became a strong example of how contemporary textile art can move beyond decoration and become part of a complete spatial experience. It showed how handmade surfaces, material sensitivity, and collaborative thinking can shape the identity and emotional presence of a place.

I approach every collaboration this way - as a shared creative process where almost anything can be realized through the right dialogue between space, material, and imagination.

Project details

Custom tufted wool wall pieces
Handmade textile surfaces
Bauhaus & art deco inspiration
Early spring botanical references
Acoustic textile panels
Site-specific spatial design
Collaboration-based creative process
Contemporary textile installation

About the location

Kikelet is one of Pécs’ most well-known historical hospitality spaces, originally opened in 1936 on the hillside of the Mecsek. Its modernist architectural heritage, panoramic location, and cultural significance have made it a defining part of the city for generations. The 2026 reopening introduced a completely renewed interior concept while preserving the spirit and atmosphere of the original location.

Kikelet _ entrance

For the entrance area, the intention was to soften the strong Bauhaus-inspired interior with a more natural and tactile atmosphere. Through the textile panels, I introduced elements inspired by the early spring flora and wildlife of the Mecsek hills - plants, birds, and insects connected to the landscape surrounding Kikelet. The works were designed in close connection to both the location and the meaning of the building’s name, bringing a quieter organic presence into the architectural space.

Kikelet _ main hall

For the main event hall, I designed a large-scale textile artwork spanning nearly 7 meters in width. Since the space contains many glass surfaces and regularly hosts events and gatherings, it was important that the piece would function not only visually, but acoustically as well. The layered wool surfaces help soften the sound environment while introducing warmth and texture into the room. The color palette was carefully adapted to the tones of the interior seating, creating a more cohesive atmosphere throughout the space.

Kikelet _ small hall

For the smaller room, I created an additional textile element to maintain visual continuity throughout the interior. While designing the piece, I worked with forms originally developed by the interior architect and integrated references to the snowdrop flower - one of the earliest flowers appearing during the awakening of spring. The result became a softer, quieter continuation of the larger spatial narrative present throughout Kikelet.

Let's create something together!

I believe the strongest spaces are shaped through collaboration - where materials, atmosphere, and ideas come together naturally.

Whether you are working on a restaurant, hotel, private interior, cultural space, or a completely unique concept, I’m always open to new creative dialogues and custom projects.

I would love to hear about your ideas and help bring them into a tactile, material-driven form.

If you have an exciting project in mind, don’t hesitate to contact me directly.