FIRST PRIZE WINNER!
Vidushi Lakshmi, Khushi Shirur & Shreya Dabas
India
Vidushi Lakshmi, Khushi Shirur & Shreya Dabas
Interview with the Winner
Congratulations on winning the Extreme Taste Restaurant Design competition! Can you briefly introduce yourself and your background in design?
Thank you for the recognition in the Extreme Taste Restaurant Design Competition. Our names are Khushi Shirur, Dabas and Vidushi Lakshmi. We are currently third-year students at the School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal, studying bachelors of architecture.
The theme of the competition was "Extreme Taste." How did you interpret this theme in your restaurant design concept?
"The theme of 'Extreme Taste' prompted us to conceptualize a restaurant design that transcends mere culinary experience to offer a profound sensory journey. Our interpretation sought to engage patrons on multiple levels, integrating gastronomy with the surrounding environment and cultural identity. Through architectural elements such as a cascading waterfall, we aimed to evoke serene auditory sensations, enhancing the ambiance. Our use of vernacular materials and regional cuisine not only stimulated taste buds but also stirred nostalgic sentiments, fostering a deeper connection with local heritage. By harmonizing these sensory elements, our design aspired to elevate dining into a holistic and immersive exploration of human perception and cultural appreciation."
What inspired you to create the concept for your winning design? Were there any specific flavors, cuisines, or culinary experiences that influenced your vision?
The inspiration behind our winning design concept stemmed from a profound desire to honour and preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Khasi tribe, emphasizing the importance of conserving their traditional handicrafts and ancestral skills passed down through generations. Our vision was to encapsulate and showcase both the tangible artifacts and intangible experiences intrinsic to this culture, harmonizing form and function within our design approach. Specific Flavors, cuisines, and culinary experiences unique to the Khasi culture deeply influenced our creative vision. We curated special dishes and incorporated local spices to highlight the vibrant flavors of the region. Notably, our design featured a dedicated 'momo deck,' celebrating the distinctive spice profiles synonymous with the area. By intertwining these culinary elements with our architectural narrative, we endeavoured to create a comprehensive and authentic dining experience that pays homage to the culinary traditions and cultural identity of the Khasi tribe."
The competition emphasized pushing the boundaries of traditional culinary experiences. How does your design challenge conventional norms in restaurant architecture?
Our design challenges conventional norms in restaurant architecture by reimagining the circulation and spatial experience within the dining environment. We strategically integrated view decks throughout the seating areas, forging connections between interior spaces and the surrounding landscape to create a seamless visual extension. This deliberate blending of indoor and outdoor elements not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also invites patrons to engage with their surroundings on a sensory level, harnessing all five senses. By prioritizing these experiential aspects, our design transcends traditional boundaries, offering a dynamic and immersive setting that goes beyond mere culinary functionality. This innovative approach aims to redefine the role of architecture in shaping dining experiences, fostering a new paradigm of interaction between guests, cuisine, and environment.
"Extreme Taste" is about creating an immersive dining experience that stimulates all the senses. How did you incorporate this aspect into your design? Can you describe how each sense is engaged within the restaurant space?
Our design embodies the ethos of 'Extreme Taste' by fostering an inclusive and immersive dining experience that engages all the senses. We achieved this through thoughtful spatial planning, ensuring diverse areas catered to various customer preferences, including families, social gatherings, and those seeking cultural immersion.
For sight, our restaurant features scenic views, live cooking counters, and courtyards, accentuated by double- heighted spaces and strategically positioned view decks. This visual richness creates a captivating ambiance that resonates with patrons.
Auditorily, our multipurpose area hosts traditional music and dance performances, enveloping guests in the authentic sounds of the culture. The integration of auditory elements enhances the overall dining atmosphere. The olfactory experience is enriched by the aroma of freshly prepared cuisine and the nostalgic scent of rain- kissed soil, a characteristic fragrance of the location.
Taste is central to our design, celebrating the region's traditional cuisine through curated menus and culinary experiences that reflect local Flavors and ingredients.
Lastly, tactile engagement is fostered through the incorporation of traditional architectural elements and textures, encouraging patrons to connect with the cultural heritage palpably.
By harmonizing these sensory elements, our design offers a holistic and captivating dining journey that transcends the ordinary, creating a truly memorable and multi-dimensional experience for our guests."
Visual aesthetics play a crucial role in restaurant design. How did you ensure that your design was visually striking and captured the essence of "Extreme Taste"?
Visual aesthetics were paramount in our approach to designing a captivating and immersive restaurant space that embodies the essence of 'Extreme Taste.' We meticulously curated the visual elements to evoke a sense of cultural richness and sensory delight.
To achieve this, we integrated lush greenery and plants, alongside furniture crafted from local materials, showcasing the region's unique craftsmanship. Our design embraced contextual sensitivity, blending harmoniously with the surrounding environment and utilizing bamboo's versatile qualities to add an organic and sustainable touch.
Key architectural features such as an open bar, double-heighted spaces, and a well-considered hierarchy of spatial layouts contributed to the visual dynamism of the restaurant. We curated various seating arrangements to cater to different preferences, offering both privacy and opportunities for social interaction.
Through these deliberate design choices, our restaurant presents a visually striking experience that not only reflects the concept of 'Extreme Taste' but also celebrates the cultural heritage and natural beauty of the locale, inviting guests into a visually captivating journey of culinary and aesthetic exploration.
The concept of surprise and delight is essential in delivering an extraordinary dining experience. How does your design evoke these emotions for patrons?
Our design approach prioritizes tranquillity and serenity to offer patrons a genuine escape and respite from their busy lives, rather than relying on traditional surprise elements. We aimed to create a space where visitors can immerse themselves in the authenticity of the locality and truly relax, without feeling overwhelmed by gimmicks or tourist-centric attractions.
By focusing on a sense of place and providing a serene environment, our design seeks to deliver an extraordinary dining experience through genuine authenticity and a deep connection with the local culture. This approach encourages patrons to Savor the essence of the destination, fostering a meaningful and memorable encounter that goes beyond mere novelty or spectacle.
The architecture of the restaurant should reflect and enhance the concept of intense Flavors. Can you explain how your design achieves this goal?
Our restaurant's architecture is purposefully crafted to complement and amplify the concept of intense Flavors. By integrating elements that stimulate all the senses, our design creates a holistic experience that heightens the enjoyment of culinary offerings.
Visually, the use of natural materials like bamboo and local craftsmanship evokes a sense of authenticity, setting the stage for a rich gastronomic journey. The incorporation of lush greenery and open spaces not only enhances the ambiance but also connects patrons with the freshness and vibrancy of the ingredients used in our dishes.
Audibly, our multipurpose areas resonate with traditional music and ambient sounds, adding layers of cultural depth to the dining experience. The interplay of sound and space fosters an atmosphere conducive to savoring each flavor.
The olfactory dimension is elevated through the strategic placement of live cooking stations, allowing the aromas of freshly prepared dishes to tantalize guests as they explore the restaurant. Additionally, the subtle fragrance of rain-kissed soil, endemic to the locale, further enhances the sensory immersion.
Tactile engagement is fostered by the thoughtful selection of furnishings and textures, providing a tactile connection with the surroundings and enhancing the overall comfort and enjoyment of the dining experience. Overall, our restaurant's architecture is designed as a harmonious backdrop that enhances the intensity and authenticity of flavors, offering patrons a multisensory journey that celebrates the art of dining.
Checkout our Latest Competitions
