"Harmony Fusion Hospitality & Lounge": This sophisticated eatery combines a lounge atmosphere with a passion for innovative cuisine, showcasing a modern interpretation of classic dishes through the art of
molecular gastronomy. Guests indulge in a unique dining experience featuring interactive presentations and avant-garde culinary techniques, all within an ambiance that exudes warmth and top-notch hospitality.
The aim is creating a luxurious place where people can gather and dine.
Everything stаrted with the consideration of the location, which is the Netherlands. 90% of the commercial facilities or retail establishments in the Netherlands are in the city center of the city and every venue there is with limited space, duo to the preserved historical buildings. In this case, the building location is way further than the city center of Groningen and in the neighbourhood. There isn’t almost anything, except two supermarkets and two, three shop for bikes. Right across the street there is a venue with the purpose of people giving less money for food, but my idea is to reach luxury with my design and preserve a large part of the original structure of the building, but fully modernised.
Secondly, I considered the climate situation. In the original building, large window are precisely on the other side of the entire glass wall. During the summer season is could be really heated because of the sun coming from there. In this case, blinds could be always added, for less sunlight. However, this is going to be a plus in the winter, because of the heavy minus temperatures.
Why is the name Harmony Fusion between Hospitality and Lounge? Hospitality is more about the restaurant industry (second floor) and the lounge on the first floor.
Why is it a Harmonious Fusion? Not everyone can afford to build something like the “Forum” in the centre of Groningen. Because here, there is no place for establishments like that. If it is hospitality related, it is either just a coffee place, restaurant, bar, but it’s never everything in one. This design is made to combine many purposes in one and use the advantage that the location can offer (not being in the centre) Even tho the building is big, the new design offers a lot for that limited space to accomplish. There is everything from drinking to eating together with the opportunity for the people in the neighbourhood to gather for all kinds of occasions, not just family outing, coffee with a friend, but have a business meeting or celebrate an engagement.
Why Precision? The beams were limiting me, leaving little space for almost anything. That’s why I decided to devise a similar structure, allowing each column to support at least one surface integrated into the furniture construction. This helped with the space issues and allowed me to utilise and think of every inch of the building. Everything is under symmetrical layout and under a grid.
Why Transparency? If we speak literally, starting with the fact that the entire restaurant is visible from the street and people passing can immediately see exactly how the entire building looks from the inside. It’s filled with transparent materials. In a more metaphorical sense, the transparency between the lounge and the restaurant not only reveals everything in terms of uniformity and key materials but also creates an illusion from the outside that it is a two-story bar. Everything being made from a single material but in circular and square forms makes it so reflective, creating a transparent dimension between the two. This way, the first floor can pass for the restaurant and the second floor for the drinking area.
Why Interactive? The literal meaning of ‘interactive’ refers to the ability of something to respond to or influence each other. The building is not just fitting into the neighbourhood but also serving as a place for various events, meeting, study sessions, celebrations, dates and work. It is considered interactive because it actively engages with the community and offers a variety of functions beyond being a simple restaurant. Additionally, the concept of having the food cooked right in front of the customer, based on their choices, adds an interactive element to the dining experience. Customers actively participate in the preparation process, making it more engaging and personalised.