Republic of the Philippines

WESTERN MINDANAO STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
Normal Road, Baliwasan, Zamboanga City, 7000

RESTAURANT DESIGN

A Research study on Restaurant Design

ABUD, AL-NEEZHAR R.
Project Proponent

AR. FAITH CARIDAD HERNANDEZ

Architectural Design Instructor

Western Mindanao State University

Normal Road, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Del Sur, Philippines
College of Architecture (CARCH)

November 17, 2022

 RESTAURANT DESIGN

In Architecture, a restaurant is a place where people dine in to eat. Restaurant offers

variety of meal courses to eat and to enjoy. It is an establishment essential to human

consumption, from breakfast, lunch, and dinner, to a wide variety of foods to select.

The restaurant industry includes traditional restaurants but also incorporates other

types of business — bars and coffee shops that serve food, gastropubs, fast food outlets and

more. The food on offer might be anything from standard everyday meals to light snacks to

gourmet dishes prepared by classically trained chefs. Restaurants can be stand-alone

businesses, but many are attached to another enterprise, such as a hotel or leisure facility.

Services such as train buffets can also be considered part of the restaurant industry. (RevFine,

2021)

The word “Restaurant” originates in France during the 18th century. Back then, it meant

a meat broth: a literal “restorer” intended to invigorate and fortify the consumer.

Industrialization following the French Revolution caused social changes that paved the way for

more modern dining establishments. The history of the restaurant industry goes back much

further than the 18th century.

Moreover, the term restaurant has change over the years that during the Ancient

Greece, restaurants only offer beverages such as heavy drinks like alcohols and the likes.

Restaurant in different parts of the world has their own of concept to instill the idea of

their trademarks – this ranges from colors, façade, adapted architectural style, design concept,

and the likes.

 HISTORY OF RESTAURANT

The use of the term “restaurant” is dated back during the 18 th century in Paris, France

that later propagated through Italy and other parts of Central American and Europe. However,

the concept of restaurant is not new, since people have been eating outside their residence

way before it appeared.

During the cultural history between 8th BCE and the 5th century AD in Pompeii, there was

a cooking counter called Thermopolium. A thermopolium came from a Greek-Roman term

meaning “a place where hot food is served” and is a commercial establishment that can be

compared to a modern diner today. (Franklin, 2021)

The menu and items offered in thermopolium is like of like today’s date except it has

native recipe being served. The counter is widely used by the people of Pompeii who do not

have the capacity to have a kitchen in their homes.

Additionally, the latter led to issue of the upper classes of Pompeii to take the authority

of thermopolium.

Thermopolium is detached counter from a house, that has a masonry counter on the

top. It consists of earthenware jars covered with flat-surfaced concrete and is often decorated

with fresco with images of roman mythology and other religious imager to assert fanciness –

and to attract the nearby walking-by.

The use of thermopolia is to store ingredients, baked foods, fishes, poultry, to name a

few.

The Thermopolium of Asellina is the most sophisticated thermopolium in Pompeii. It has

complete details, ranging from frescoes and other decorative motifs. There were kettles filed

with water. The ground floor of thermopolium is served for customers to eat, while there are

also guest rooms that can be found.

HISTORY OF RESTAURANT: THERMOPOLIUM OF ASELLINA
 PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF RESTAURANT DESIGN

Restaurants in today’s date are now demanding in terms of concept being used. Many

owners are widely considering the design being conceptualized to the structure due to growing

trends and people are hungry for simple yet sophisticated design used in the restaurant.

There is a psychological impact in relation with the design imposed to their customers.

Will you eat if the restaurant offers world-class meal courses even if it feels like in horror film,

dark thematic architecture, matched with gory elements? Well, it is a no for sure. You may even

puke, but not because of the meal, but solely due to the visual presentation of theme

approached by the owner.

This is why, it is crucial for us to take account what we design for. It may sound enticing

to you but not always for the others. That is why, there is a design psychology in coming up

with a concept for your restaurant.

 Restaurant interior design goes beyond buying beautiful furniture and having a cool

theme. Interior designers go to great lengths to create the right interior for a restaurant using

restaurant psychology as a guide.

Restaurant interior design psychology is the process of arranging the environmental

conditions to create a controlled and desired environment in a restaurant. It is providing the

right balance of different elements in a restaurant design to give guests the best dining

experience. Restaurant interior design psychology requires a delicate and informed balance of

several factors which we will discuss below. (Kamal, 2018)

The science behind these factors can greatly enhance the interior design of a diner – not

only it is enticing to look at, but it provides a wellness and lifestyle for the customers who want

to dine-in, this is to make them feel safe, and to express food security, and promote well-being

while inside the establishment.

The following psychological factors can aid every designer to provide a relaxation and

boost confidence in dining experience for the guests.

1.) Color – in psychological relationship of the structure has to do with the colors. The

lively choices for interior design are Orange, Yellow, and Red. They are common but

gives a positive impact on the overall ambiance. Red plays an important role as it

boosts appetite, it produces bright signal to the human brain – this is why the most

evident fast food chains are majority red in color – Jollibee, McDonalds, Pizza Hut,

Max’s, Wendy’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Chowking, Burger King, to name a few.

Yellow gives a bright ambient look in the interior, it makes diners to be feel at ease

while enjoying meals. Orange must be used less than others, it would make a great

contrast if furniture were painted to orange. These three are complementary colors

so do not try to blend them too much since it will stray the contrast of overall

design.
 Moreover, grey, black, blue, violet, indigo, and some dark shades, are referred to

as appetite suppressants. They may be great to point out contrast but avoid using

them as base colors in interiors. Green can be a thing, but it can pose leafy

vegetables that can distract customers from eating.

In general, use only a few of color combinations and avoid such unnecessary

color theme since it will give a negative approach in your design.

Figure on the left

poses good color

combination. A subtle

of orange and yellow,

with a contrast leafy

over give the overall

environment a

comfortable to dine in.

2.) Lighting – the lighting sets the mood and the aspect of restaurant clarity. The

following but not limited to are types of lighting techniques to achieve perfect

moody space.

a.) Ambient Lighting – refers to the main lighting area of the place. Many

restaurants offer different ambient lighting. It can be operated in different

hardness. Ambiance dictates how interior should be lit – Full lighting signifies

that the interior is lively and set to a happy pace and is mostly used in fast food

chains, but too much lighting can distract customers, aftermath can cause

temporary blindness; Low lighting uplifts the scale of luxurious fine dining

restaurants, it creates to a more intimate and relaxing mood to the environment.

b.) Task Lighting – refers to the lighting of every activities such as lighting used on

the menu, walk to the bathroom, find their tables, and the likes.
 c.) Accent Lighting – refers to the type of lighting where it creates a strong contrast

and distributes a focal point to every space of interior. Some accent colors can

be red, green, pink, and other neon hues.

d.) Spot Lighting – usually seen on a one-seater tables that offers of strong, focus

lighting to the person.

Figure above shows good lighting techniques. The contrast of ceiling and the walls with respect to the floor clearly

stands out. The use of spot lighting for areas that window lighting cannot travel onto is also a good idea.

3.) Scent – the smell of the place is what it makes the diner to drive into the restaurant.

We should take account of the smell of the interior since it captivates the guests to

make a revisit. Depending on the scent, it can change the perspective of the place,

attracting customers from the inside as if they are being dragged into by the smell.

The scent should always be complimenting, the aroma of the food is one way to

make an instant craving for the guests.

4.) Music – playing acoustics is no longer new but it is a stylized concept to make the

restaurant more romantic and pleasant. The ideal location of the acoustics should be

manifested with a strong focal point so that everyone can see. You would not want
 the music too loud as it can disrupt others from their conversation, nor too quiet

since it will not make everyone sleepy and isolated. A right one can result to an

uplifting mood and offers a background of romance and charm. Be conscious of

what music to play since it also play a vital role on behalf of everyone.

5.) Furniture and Layout – what is the first thing that guests look at when they are

inside the restaurant? If there are available seats for tables and chairs. A clean,

aesthetically pleasing furniture can contribute to the overall wellness and lifestyle of

the establishment. If the design for this furniture has a great planning, it can have an

excellent moment for every customer to enjoy while eating – ensure that every table

is clean, and comfortable to use.

While it is enticing to look

at the furniture, the color

choice is bad as if it is

asserting dominance over

one another, it does not

create a subtle element of

design, alongside with the

green accent lighting.

 THE USE OF NARRATIVE IN A RESTAURANT DESIGN

While we consider the psychological factors, we also need a narrative that will play a

vital role for the restaurant itself. The narrative will dictate what is the overall design of the

interior and how enticing it is when it comes to tell a story to the guests.

There are many narratives that you can play with, think of it as a concept style that you

will manifest to your establishment.

Every aspect of building, not only restaurants, portrays a story to tell about its

philosophy, origins, interpretation to the environment, and even materiality.

Keep in mind that the story is yours to narrate, but the structure will interpret it. With

conveyance, it can bring a background to your restaurant.

A design narrative is brought upon on different details in both interior and façade, from

the furniture used, to thematic scenic view. A story will encapsulate how consistent your design

is and will fit into a more coherent objective of your restaurant. It balances subtle yet powerful

image to the guests – just like in real life, you will not be bored if someone tells you a story, a

fascinating story – this is why your narrative must be consistent and does not provide

loopholes.

To create the perfect story, the restaurant must have the ideal customer in mind. A

restaurant cannot cater to everyone so there must be a clear picture of the target customers

when designing and deciding what the story of the restaurant will be. When you know who

your customer is, then you can start to design and set up your restaurant to attract this type of

dinner and give them the best experience when they visit.

One thing to consider is the activities and operations in the establishment. Plan a

simple, clear, yet impactful design that will confuse your guests. This way, they can connect and
relate to the spaces inside the restaurant. Create a seamless design that will the flow easy for

them to track and works with alignment of the staff and customers.

TYPES OF RESTAURANTS

While the psychological factors help restaurants to boost their design, it is also

important to know what type of structure that we offer these factors to.

Restaurants can be intricate to design and offers variety of concept. Entrepreneurs tend

to be more active when opening their own restaurants, and as designers, your job is to know

which specific establishment you are going to design.

Planning a structure is not a limbo-guessing game but rather it is technically laid out to

carry out effective task for the spaces thus it can lead to a more refined and seamless style.

Determining types of restaurants requires strategically thinking and impose in-depth

analysis because planning poses a road to success for the restaurant. Poor strategic plan leads

to imbalance and futile journey.

The following but not limited to are some types of restaurants.

1.) Fast-food Restaurant – refers to a fast-food, or quick serving restaurant (QSR). This

type of restaurant offers packaged food serve on the go without waiting a longer

time than of that in fine dining resto. Whether it is dine-in, delivery, or drive-

through, Fast-food restaurants offers a versatile working environment. Some menus

offered can be Cheese Burgers, Fried Fries, Fried Chicken, and others.

This type of restaurant provides average profits to storeowners, since the menu

recipe is fixed and availability is on-time, and the menu is affordable for guests.

The most popular fast-food chain in the Philippines are Jollibee and McDonalds.
2.) Casual Dining Restaurant – offers a large variety of recipe and wide options of meal

courses. This type of restaurant has specifically independent spot-on locals.

Definitive characteristics of Casual Dining include:

a.) Table service, and complimentary snacks,

b.) Seats are generally big to cater more customers.

c.) Theme-specific interior decoration

d.) Ambiance lighting

e.) Offers more menu and recipes.

The most prominent examples of Casual Dining Restaurants include Tiffany, Louis

Vuitton Dining, and others.

3.) Fast Casual Restaurant – is a combination of Fast-food and Casual Dining. It is with

no full table service but offers more expensive menu that of that in Fast-food

restaurants. Fast casual dining consists of a more inviting sit-down ambiance, and

often, the ability to build your own meal. The menu consists of better-quality

ingredients that can be found at most fast-food establishments.

4.) Contemporary Casual Restaurants - contemporary casual, a relatively new type of

restaurant, is a sit-down dining experience marked by an emphasis on the

 atmosphere and experience. These types of restaurants often balance a relaxed

eating environment with culinary trends popular with today’s consumers, like

sustainability, farm-to-table, fusion cuisine, and craft beverages. Contemporary

casual restaurants offer sit-down table service just like a casual eatery, but they have

an elevated theme, a trendy menu, and picture-worthy decor. Many contemporary

restaurants feature global or fusion cuisine, gluten-free and vegan options, and eco-

friendly practices.

5.) Cafes - a café is — at its simplest — a beverage-focused establishment. Offerings

usually include coffee, tea, and a smaller menu of food or snacks. These types of

restaurants typically offer counter service and prices are low to moderate. Every

country has different traditions for enjoying their caffeinated brews — in the United

States, for instance, coffee is often consumed on the go in infamously large cups. But

around the world, many cultures sit and sip for hours. Australian café-goers love a

flat white (like a latté); Italians love pure espresso; and the French might reach for a

café au lait — and use it as a vessel for dipping croissants.

6.) Pizzerias – another restaurant that offers different menu is the Pizzerias – while

some incorporate other recipes, but the restaurant exclusively serves pizzas. They

can be started at a low-cost investment since the ingredients are simple, yet the

cooking matters in the process. Many pizzerias offer take-away, where the customer

orders their food either in advance or at the restaurant and then takes the prepared

food with them in pizza boxes to eat at another place.

Additionally, pizzerias fall under fast-food restaurant.

7.) Pop-up Restaurant – we are talking about foods trucks, restaurant serve outdoor

using tents – this special type of restaurant expresses new ideas to their menu, but

can only be seen occasionally. The most prominent example of pop-up is food truck

services.
 8.) Ghost Kitchen – this extra-special restaurant offers food but the only exception is

that you cook your own food. It has no personnel to operate hence the “ghost”. You

only drop your payment on the counter or in a box storage. This type of restaurant

imposes honesty.

RESTAURANT ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN IN ASIA

There are many concepts behind of so-many restaurants in different parts of the world.

These range from a resulting of ideas that stabilize the architectural design of an establishment.

A section hereof states that a restaurant has a story to tell, and should be of clarity in terms of

delivering the main design and the objectives that will aid its concept – and Asia is one of them.

Asia is home for different, broad, cuisines. Many chefs have opened their respective

restaurant filled with mouth-watering dishes, that even add the sparkles on the restaurant

design.

For instance, what is the purpose of your restaurant design and its background

contextual framework if the menu serve is a not a class? Same applies to vice versa.

Architecture of restaurant in Asia ranges from native, or vernacular design, to adapting

western cultures.

Well-planned restaurant designs contribute to the success and the profits of any dining

establishment (for all segments and categories: QSR, fast-casual, family restaurants, etc.)

Planning your design begins with market research, continues with understanding market

trends, and concludes with strategic execution. (Aaron and Allen Associates, 2019)

Different parts of Asia have their own distinctive characteristics and quality of cuisine

served, they simple symbolizes pride and a part of social trends that tend to be more

marketable – and a good design of the restaurant shall be a home for these amazing dishes.
 RESTAURANT ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN IN PHILIPPINES

Gorgeous interior design is not confined to the home. Restaurants, bars, and shops

strive to conceptualize and create spaces so charming, impressive, and picturesque that patrons

not only love the experience of eating or shopping but also simply enjoy spending time in the

room.

In the age of social media, these establishments also must keep in mind that their

properties will be photographed and filmed from a variety of angles for the entire internet to

feast on. The more eye-catching and beautiful a venue is, the more likely restaurants are to

attract visitors from what they will see posted on social media.

Even though Philippines is considered as one of the majorities that is inclusive in their

cultural tradition, colonization and adaptation is by far an aftermath of divergent western

architectural style – this is to maximize interior design and landscape, worthy of photographic

capture and popularity, and to gain uniqueness that leads to mass profit.

Image at the left is the interior of Antonio’s Garden in

Tagaytay
 Image at the left is the interior of
Metronome in Legazpi

RESTAURANT ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN IN PHILIPPINES

Stated different restaurants herein shall subject to visualization and exemplification of

the overall concept, they are but not limited to the following.
 Image above is the interior of Antonio’s Garden Restaurant of Antonio’s Restaurant

Group in Tagaytay.

1.) Antonio’s Garden (also known as Antonio) – known for its nostalgic charm, walking

into Antonio’s will remind you of being in your favorite ‘ultra-chic’ relative’s home

for a much-anticipated meal. Filled with dark wood, white walls, leafy greens, and

stunning landscaping, the tried and tested, exquisite Antonio’s of chef Tony Boy has

been a go-to for special occasions, weddings, and any sort of treat yourself just-

because moments in between.

Moreover, it resembles Spanish Colonial Architecture in the history of colonization in

the Philippines. Woods were mainly used with minimalistic interior design matches

with botanical garden on interior and exterior.

 Image above is the Metronome Restaurant in Legazpi.

2.) Metronome Restaurant (also known as Metronome) - Metronome is nothing short

of elegant and sophisticated. Its teal seating, wooden and solhiya details, marble-top

bar, and golden lights exude the artfulness that matches chef Miko Calo's prowess in

the kitchen.

The interior concept design used is light, no intricate details that prevent the diners

to eat at their best comfort (also one of the psychological factors). Psychologically,

white interior makes it even more spacious even if it is not.

Image above is the Champagne Room in the Manila Hotel.

3.) Champagne Room in Manila Hotel - Think gold, cream, and soft muted tones, with

plush seating and curved mirrors, easily evoking memories of French dining halls.

Inside Manila Hotel’s Champagne Room you will find tasseled chandeliers, ornately

printed fabrics, carpeted floors, and archways welcoming you to settle in for a fine

French meal.

Champagne Room is not a literally a champagne-serving restaurant, but the cuisine

served hereof is mostly a based-dish from France.

Color Palette used were yellow, cream, white, and glamorous gold, as for the

furniture, they were blotted with patterned motif.

Image above is one of the three branches of Ember Restaurant from California located in

Greenbelt 3, Philippines

4.) Ember Restauranteur – Chef Josh Boutwood’s newest restaurant, Ember, is a nod to

a retro era with its groovy curved bar, wavy metal fixtures, round mirrors, speckled

tables, and flooring. Simple, clean, and well-appointed, Ember puts the focus on the

food while creating the right ambience to keep you coming back for more. Don’t

miss out on their floating private room encased in funky yellow tinted glass. Though,

the restaurant is relatively small, it still offers variety of menu to eat.

The interior thematic concept used is typical modern look, with a hint of many

different contrasting tinted colors, ranging from the glass to wall – a perfect place to

seize your appetite.

Image above is the Gallery by Chele in Taguig City.

5.  Gallery by Chele – If you are looking a more westernized-look interior and

manifesting cozy design – the Gallery by Chele is perfect for you. It has warm,

wooden, calming, and current are wording that spring to mind when thinking about

Gallery by Chele. Floor to ceiling, from bar to dining room, the expanse is decked out

in gorgeous wooden tones creating a comforting escape from BGC’s hustle and

bustle.

Perfect combination of the color and the contrasting interior concept make it

outstanding.
Image above is the Revolving Restaurant in Pasig City.

6. Seoul Sky-100 Revolving Restaurant - Located in Pasig City, Seoul-Sky 100 Revolving

Restaurant serves Korean cuisine with a 360-degree view of Metro Manila. If you

come here at sunset or at night, you’ll be treated to one of the best golden views of

the city skyline as you enjoy their Korean barbecue, signature beverages, and other

comfort food.
 6. Floating Restaurant – If you are bored eating exquisite dishes in a fancy restaurant

on land, why not on water? This concept is not new, but it can give a freedom to

explore and venture marine sceneries while enjoying your food.

The boat usually round-trip, and is immersive into tropical nature.

REFERENCES

Bibliography

Aaron and Allen Associates. (2019). Restaurant Design. Global Restaurant Cosultants.

Franklin, D. (2021). Origins of the restaurant. Alimentarium.

Kamal, J. (2018). The Psychology of Restaurant Interior Design. Sansa Interior Design.

RevFine. (2021). Restaurant Meaning: What You Need to Know About the Industry. Revenue

Fine, Inc.