Silver Interior Space and Exhibition Design · 2022
Soda Port Restaurant
by Monique Lee
- A' Design Award 2022 Silver Winner in Interior Space and Exhibition Design
- Awarded April 15, 2022
- CLIENT: Macau Fisherman’s Wharf
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 20,687
- Verification code 6BDEC0162E · Verify this award
About Soda Port Restaurant
Soda Port contains a private dining compartment Tato and a main dining hall. Tato features an open kitchen with a pillar figurative of Macao tower. The main hall has a bar section and a dining corner. Bar area is a modern retro space paved with marble stone. Its patterns derive from the flagstone street of Senado Square, while the screen decorations serve to revive classic stained glass patterns. Design of the drinking bar brings back the mood of Macao in the 50s. On its left is a private dining corner in the context of historic Ruinas de Sao Paulo against a Portuguese tiled feature wall.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Macau's unique architectural relics are key design elements. The Interior space is furnished with elements of the cultural heritage of Ruínas de São Paulo, Senado Square, Portuguese style tiles, church stained glass and other vintage materials. All these reveal Macau's unique Chinese-European colonial history.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- The site area is 594 sq.m.
- Tags
- Macau, Open kitchen bar, Fine dining, Chinese European culture, República Portuguesa
- Production Technology
- The use of materials is a combination of modern metallic and traditional construction materials. In the dining hall, the pattern of Flagstone Street of Senado Square is reproduced in marble stones. Meanwhile, the epitome of historic Ruínas de São Paulo is recreated in modern metal. Against it is a feature wall built with traditional Portuguese blue-white tiles.
- Design Challenge
- Wall in the ‘TATO’ is decorated with wooden pillars to create a relief effect. To achieve sound insulation function, suede material is mounted onto each pillar manually. For best air quality in the open kitchen context, ventilation pipes are set on the pillar. Several drawings are made for production, installation and final visual effect. Achieving ceiling design is another challenge. Aluminum planks of various sizes are made to incorporate amplifiers, lighting systems and complete the pattern.
- Project Duration
- G/F., Legend Palace Hotel, Macau Fisherman's Wharf, Avenida da Amizade, Macau SAR, China.
- Operation Flow
- It highlights Macau as a hospitable city, design concept incorporates an interactive mode. The fine-dining compartment is an open kitchen bar while the kitchen in the main dining hall is visible through glass panels. So guests are both diners and audience of chefs' culinary skills.
- Research
- Research materials come mainly from Macau Government Tourism Office's official website information. Design synchronizes with the government's mission to sustain innovative thinking to introduce Macau's culture to the world and shape the peninsula into a world-class city of tourism and leisure.
- Inspiration
- Design concept embraces Macau's unique Chinese European culture which penetrates every corner of the restaurant. Interior layout is done to allow an interactive operation. Visitors and staff are free to communicate without barriers. Diners are not only eaters but also audience of the chef's magical culinary skills. The inviting atmosphere is a representation of Macau's culture to welcome tourists from all over the world to experience this world of diversity, colours, food and entertainment.
- Image Credits
- Main Image: Photographer Antony Tang, Soda Port, 2021.
Image #1: Photographer Antony Tang, Soda Port, 2021.
Image #2: Photographer Antony Tang, Soda Port, 2021.
Image #3: Photographer Antony Tang, Soda Port, 2021.
Image #4: Photographer Antony Tang, Soda Port, 2021. - Patents
- Copyright belongs to Monique Lee, 2018
Colors of Soda Port Restaurant
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Grand Interview about Soda Port Restaurant
To create a harmonious blend of Chinese and European influences at Soda Port Restaurant, I researched Macau's architectural history, identifying key elements from both cultures. I selected features such as curved arches and intricate tile work, interpreting them through a modern lens to create a cohesive aestjetoc tjat respects tradition while appealing to contemporary diners.
The inspiration to incorporate the marble stone patterns from Senado Square's flagstone streets stemmed from a desire to connect the restaurant to Macau's vibrant streetscape. I adapted these patterns by simplifying their complexity and using modern materials, ensuring they fit seamlessly into the bar area while maintaining a nod to historical significance.
Integrating ventilation systems whithin the pillar inspired by Macau Tower presented technical challenges, particularly in maintaining airflow without compromising aesthetics. We worked closely with engineers to design a concealed system that blends into the pillar's structure, ensuring it remains visully striking and functional.
Achieving a balance between modern metallic elements and traditional Portuguese tiles involved careful material seleciton and placement. I used metallic accents as framing elements that highlight the tiles, ensuring they complement rather than compete with each other, creating a cohesive visual narrative throughout the space.
In reimagining stained glass patterns for Soda Port Restaurant, I focused on modern interpretations that evoke the essence of classical church windows while using vibrant colors and abstract designs. This creative process involved sketching concepts that would enhance the dining atmosphere while paying homage to the traditional art form.
Creating an intimate dining atmosphere in the private corner while showcasing the Ruinas de Sao Paulo involved strategic spatial planning. I used soft lighting and acoustic materials t create warmth, allowing the grand achitectural reference to serve as a backdrop without overwhelming the intimacy of the dining experience.
Prioritizing an interactive layout that fosters communication between chefs and diners was guided by the the belief that dining is a communal experience. I designed open spaces that encourage engagement, allowing diners to witness the culinary process, which enhances their connection to the food and the overall dining experience.
In creating Soda Port Restaurant's 594-square-meter space, we addressed the acoustic challenges of combining an open kitchen with comfortable dining areas by incorporating a variety of sound-absorbing materials and strategic spatial planning. We used acoustic panels on the walls and ceiling to reduce noise levels while allowing for an open kitchen layout that enhances the dining experience. Additionally, we designed the dining areas with varying ceiling heights and used soft furnishings to create a more intimate atmosphere. The layout was carefully planned to ensure that the folw of sound from the kitchen did not disrupt the dining experienced, allowing gusetsto enjoy their meals in a comfortable and inviting environment.
The aluminum ceilling design in Soda Port Restaurant was achieved through a meticulous process that balanced technical functionality with aesthetic appeal. We collaborated closely with engineers and desighers to integrate complex systems such as lighting, MVAC, and sound insulation wihtin the ceiling structure. The design involved creating custom aluminum panels that not only served as an architectural feature but also accommodated these technical systems seamlessly. The aesthetic patterns were inspired by local cultural motifs, which were incorporated into the panel design to create a cohesive visual narrative. The result is a ceilling that is both visually striking and functionally efficient, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Looking at Soda Port Restaurant's success in celebrating Macau's cultural heritage, I envision this design influencing future restaurant projects by emphasizing the importance of cultural storytelling through interior spaces. Our designers will increasingly focus on creating environments that reflect local traditions, history, and artistry, allwing guests to connect with the culture on a deeper level. This could involve using locally sourced materials, incorporating traditonal craftsmanship, and designing spaces that evoke a sense of place. By prioritizing cultual narratives in restarant design, future projects can create unique dining experiences that resonate with both locals and visitors, fostering a greater appreciation for the rich heritage of the area.