Under the sign of the restaurant
The restaurant Vroom recently opened its doors a stone’s throw from Geneva’s famous banking district. Stepping inside this unique establishment is a moment out of time, far removed from a noisy, stressful daily routine. For those privileged enough to be able to hear, the calm reigns and the atmosphere is soothing. Between the seated guests, hands are waving as signs of non-verbal communication, and the movement of lips replaces speech. At first sight, the situation is astonishing, but gradually embarrassment gives way to quietude, admiration and wonder. In this haven of peace dedicated to the deaf, an encounter – during a culinary aside – with a singular world brimming with emotion and energy, where exchanges are made with signs and glances.
© Vroom
Unification
With its large picture windows, the arcade housing the brand-new restaurant is bathed in natural, comforting light. While the coffee machine makes a deafening noise, paradoxically a small group sits around a screen to follow a presentation conducted in sign language. Constructed from wood, the rounded bar has nothing to envy of traditional cocktail counters. No detail was left to chance in the creation of this establishment, ensuring that disability is not synonymous with isolation, but rather with unification. “Everything has been designed so that people working on site are completely self-sufficient, and the environment as a whole promotes visibility,” reveals Elodie Ernst, Vroom’s communications manager. The floor and ceiling are covered with sound-absorbing materials, round tables encourage eye contact, the professional kitchen opens onto the room to facilitate communication, and call lights send signals to staff. In the near future, tablets containing video tutorials will be provided for an introduction to sign language.
© Vroom
Social cohesion
With seating for around 50, Vroom is a truly contemporary, modern restaurant with minimalist architectural features. Beyond its decor, it’s a place where social barriers come down by promoting diversity and equality. “Our aim is to deconstruct stereotypes around disability and deafness, while creating greater social and professional cohesion”. What a magnificent achievement!
