Not too long ago, architects and interior designers would work with their clients to created designs that translated a distinctive vibe for each restaurant – and price was rarely a concern. An upscale establishment keen to position itself as a period era destination would seek for the space to be impeccable and richly detailed with timeless accents. A QSR would merge aesthetics with practicality, while an all-day diner would exude urbane chic vibrations.
However, things shifted slightly during the pandemic. While architects and designers still endeavour to mirror a restaurant’s ethos in the design elements, they are trying to infuse utility and economic viability. Moreover, they need to future-proof these spaces.
Ajay Arya, Founder and Interior Designer, A Square Designs harks back to his experience of designing Sly Fox all-day dining restaurant in Kolkata. When commissioned by owners, Karan Chhawchharia and Rahul Dalmiya, he could allow his creative juices to run riot. Whether it meant suspending hand carved wooden chandeliers from the 22-feet high ceiling or lavishing classic accoutrements around a tree that stood smack in the center of the restaurant – the promoters agreed with the aesthetic touches he suggested.
In contemporary times, though, more establishments favour simple, yet classic, details, keeping an eye on the budget as well as safety requirements necessitated by the pandemic. Vinita Bhatia questions Arya how long this trend is likely to continue and the changes it will entail for designers.
What are some dramatic design changes that restaurants have incorporated because of the pandemic, be it QSRs or fine dining establishments?
One of the key things that one now has to factor in the design format is the pandemic. Kitchens are designed to foster hygiene and minimal contact or touch points. At the same time, if the kitchen and food services areas are well planned and logically placed, social distancing protocols will make things even better for the future.
Hygiene will become a basic ‘hospitality’ protocol going forth. Today, the idea is to maintain better social distance between guests. Hence, the number of heads in a restaurant is coming down.
However, spaces should be designed so that changes can be easily made later. This is to help the establishment keep pace with increase in capacity once the pandemic is under better control.
As an architect and interior designer, I advise them to ensure better ventilation and air purification along with the air conditioning. Providing some natural lighting is also good and saves on electricity costs!
How can restaurateurs adhere to social distancing norms given the space challenges and high rents?Â
They can do this by adopting various simple design changes. For one, the tables can be spaced out a bit. Temporary partitions, especially those using acrylic, also work well. Many countries are already using it now.
Live kitchens have always intrigued guests. With the heightened awareness about safety, this is another trend to stay, as guests would like to see the theatre of their food being prepared.
Restaurants could increase their outdoor seating if they have additional space near the entrance or towards the patio. Another viable option is starting a drive-in facility, if possible – this is one trend that has really picked up!
While many restaurants across Asia have installed partitions between diners to protect their guests, will this trend pick up in India, since dining out is a social engagement?Â
Yes, it has already picked up. Diners will feel safer and more assured once the tables at a restaurant are placed at a safe distance or have some sort of a divider. Moreover, this gives a modicum of privacy.
Will restaurants start incorporating greater space for take-out and delivery pickups given the nature of intermittent lockdowns?
Pandemic or not, there is no denying that takeaways will always work well. So, having a dedicated area for this is a good idea, provided space is available.
Many new-age restaurants and bars came up with open-plan and community table concepts in 2019. Will this trend make way for more intimate private seating?
This was a big hit with youngsters and office goers. For the time being, the communal seating may not work given these difficult times where social distancing is the norm. We could see it come back hopefully when things get better.
