For 20 years our focus has always been on enriching the way people live, work and play through architecture.
Avenues
The Architecture of Dining
March 2024
Who doesn’t love heading out for a meal, catching up with a friend or colleague over a coffee or craft beer? As interior designers and architects frequently designing in the hospitality sector, we know it is seldom only about the food.
Next time you are enjoying a restaurant, café or bar, take a minute to consider what makes it special or comfortable for you. Which of your senses are being activated?
Dining can be theatre. Open kitchens are more popular than ever, where the chefs are on display. The sounds and aromas of food being prepared and cooked in front of you can be part of the whole experience.
For some restaurants, the food IS the ultimate focus with décor intentionally neutral to minimise distractions from the main event. I recall when we refurbished Pescatore Restaurant we designed plain white tables that appeared to float above the black carpet. This created a blank canvas for the chef to create his art – it was all about the food.
Conversely, in other establishments the emphasis is for an atmosphere in which the food and drinks are only a part of the holistic experience. The Churchill Bar at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel on Auckland’s Queen St has been designed to maximise its location on the 20th floor of the hotel. Extra height to the ceiling allows for generous views out over the city, and the bar takes centre stage with its curvaceous form, elegant lighting and plush fittings.
Even in more “everyday” venues, the interior design and décor are still critical elements in creating the desired atmosphere. In The Diversity Restaurant in Christchurch’s Ent-X development, the operator’s concept reflects diversity in Asian culture and authentic cuisine. A contemporary interior is balanced with an engaging, full length wall mural along with the textural warmth of bamboo blinds, timber tables and chairs and plants.
Acoustics are also a vital consideration. If all surfaces are hard and reflect sound, then reverberation can make it difficult to hear conversation even from those immediately beside you. But there needs to be a balance as too much sound absorption can make a place that is only half full, feel empty and dead. Wall, floor and ceiling finishes all play a part here as well as the furniture selected.
Architecture and interior design play an important role in creating the desired atmosphere for an enjoyable and memorable dining experience - and with it, the success or otherwise of any food and beverage establishment.
