Restaurant Riithalle – Branding, Identity & Experience Design

Right in the heart of Zurich—vibrant, urban, and open-minded—a restaurant with deep roots and fresh spirit has taken shape in the former cavalry stables of the Swiss Army. Known as Riithalle in Swiss German, the venue has grown into a modern classic: a microcosm of its own between the Sihl river and the Schanzengraben canal, home to one of the city’s largest and most beautiful terraces. Surrounded by the cultural energy of the Gessnerallee Theater, the restaurant naturally absorbs and reflects the pulse of its neighborhood.

For this unique place, I developed a holistic branding and lifecycle concept that repositions the restaurant from the ground up. The aim: to preserve the historic charm while introducing a strong, contemporary visual identity that connects with its vibrant cultural context.

The logo draws inspiration from the columned walkway inside the building, capturing the space’s architectural depth and perspective. It subtly references the traditional silhouette of a riding hall, while at the same time evoking a sense of movement, layering, and community—perfectly echoing the dynamic nature of the venue.

I also created a visual system for print and digital materials that allows for high flexibility in mood and content while remaining unmistakably Riithalle. Posters and ads can shift in tone—from bold to understated—but always stay within the recognizable frame of the brand. The website unites all these layers: offering a clean, minimal first impression, and revealing its playful, multifaceted character the deeper you explore.

I continue to collaborate with Riithalle on an ongoing basis. The creative output is consistently inspiring—almost as refreshing as a cold beer in their leafy summer garden.