Arousal Effect: The Role of Interior Design in Enhancing Guests
Dining Experience in the Food and Beverage Facilities within a Hotel
A Thesis presented to the
Department of Interior Design
College of Fine Arts and Design
University of Santo Tomas
Dining Experience in the Food and Beverage Facilities within a Hotel
A Thesis presented to the
Department of Interior Design
College of Fine Arts and Design
University of Santo Tomas
Area 1: Lobby Cafe
Design Concept
The café lounge in the lobby runs a traditional ‘open-plan’ design that is ideal for welcoming guests. With soaring ceiling heights and expansive windows, the café invites guests to step away from the lobby and into the café. They are treated to an atmosphere that is elegant yet warm, with a touch of the early 20th century. Adopting a streamlined art deco theme consisting of straight lines and edges for the design aesthetics of the whole space. Furthermore, employing a cool color palette consisting of blues combined with white, gold and grey neutrals, with a few inserts of red, to create a soothing and calm space but still has an opulent touch to it. Making use of different material finishes and lighting to create a strong visual impact in the space. The design layout is composed of movement, with spacious seating that is not too sparse, as guests need to move throughout the café with ease while waiting for their rooms to be prepared, or simply to enjoy a beverage or two. Ultimately, the varied design details come together in a relatively small lobby café and creates an interesting and long-lasting impression.
Area 2: Bar Lounge
Design Concept
The hotel’s bar lounge is designed for relaxation before or after guests’ have dined. With a streamlined deco-inspired look, the atmosphere is glitz and glamour, with cool analogous shades of violet, combined with black, grey and gold neutrals as the overall color scheme. Every subtle but distinct zone in the interior space have different moods, but they are all related due to the harmony of the design elements. From the furniture selections to the glass mirror panels to the sculptural bar design and to the show-stopping curtain of crystals in the ceiling, they all come together to add to the sense of detail and coherency. This helps define the identity of the space which is inspired after high fashion jewelry – the symbol of timelessness, the feel that the designer wants the guests to experience in the space.
Area 3: Buffet restaurant
Design Concept
The buffet restaurant is designed to immerse guests not only in good food and conversation, but also in a mood that is elegant and high end. It offers an inviting atmosphere for the entire family using design aesthetics that is modern with inspiration ranging from the 1920s period. The circular motif in the bar lounge is contrasted by the sharp geometric lines in the buffet restaurant. Soothing earth tones of brown combined with a sumptuous palette of appetizing colors define the space. Long buffet counters surround the main buffet area and help delineate circulation around the restaurant. The space consists of marble clad counters, art deco inspired aesthetics, elegant furniture and banquettes providing the perfect environment for a great dining experience.
Area 4: Fine Dining Restaurant
Design Concept
Sumptuous French cuisine served in the grandeur of art deco ambience, as well as taking inspiration from the elegant and mysterious image of France, is the main theme and look of this specialty restaurant. Staying true to the sophisticated timelessness that is art deco, the space is designed around simplicity and understated elegance. Smooth lines and lustrous surfaces define the space that is firmly rooted in black and white, yet gracefully combined with shades of green along with gold detailing. Opulent furnishings which features upholstered olive green high-backed chairs paired with cool greys and creams can be seen throughout the space. These charming combination of modern textures and colors with a touch of French design treats guests to a comfortable, intimate and upscale atmosphere. The restaurant encompasses the timeless, international and offbeat feel that is desired, the perfect place for elegant dates, eclectic meetings and intimate rendezvous. This restaurant design sets up the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.
