An exploration of Axel and Melissa Chay’s spatial dialogue - Devo - with chef Ferdinand Fravega

In the sun-drenched landscape of Marseille, a new sanctuary of design and gastronomy has made its debut. Devo is a sophisticated hybrid venue that blurs the boundaries between a refined restaurant and an intimate bar, offering a spatial narrative that shifts with the rhythm of the Mediterranean day.

The genesis of Devo lies in a strong, intuitive collaboration. Chef Ferdinand Fravega, alongside a close collective of visionaries, sought to manifest a space defined by sincerity and warmth. This vision found its aesthetic soul through the studio of Axel Chay and his wife, Melissa Chay, the studio's art director. Their partnership - born of a shared appreciation for the heritage of the South - has resulted in a venue where the eye and the palate exist in effortless harmony.

A Material Symphony

The design language of Devo is articulated through a curated material palette that anchors the space in both tradition and modernity. Melissa Chay’s artistic direction has sculpted a cocoon-like environment where raw texture meets high-gloss precision. Here, the rugged honesty of stone and the organic warmth of wood are punctuated by the industrial edge of stainless steel and the luminous depth of deep lacquer.

Every element feels intentional, avoiding the pitfalls of over-polishing in favor of a "felt" authenticity. Warm, 1970s-inspired tones envelop the interior, creating a subdued atmosphere where lacquered surfaces capture the fleeting Mediterranean light, and stone volumes emerge from the shadows. It is a space that speaks to the tactile memory of Spanish vermuterías and Italian cafés, reimagined for a contemporary audience.

Spatial Volumes and Object Design

Axel Chay’s contribution extends beyond the architectural, manifesting in custom-designed furniture created specifically for this project. These pieces—graphic, radiant, and timeless—interact with Melissa’s broader vision of lighting and spatial volumes to create a cohesive soul. From the inviting terrace to the intimate interior, Devo functions as a hideaway for every generation—a sincere Marseille destination where design serves as the natural extension of Ferdinand Fravega's culinary artistry.