Sanuk Thai Kitchen
Sanuk represents a fundamental aspect of Thai culture, emphasizing the pursuit of happiness, fun, and maintaining a positive outlook on life. It encourages people to find delight in everyday experiences, embrace humor, and foster connections with others, ultimately contributing to the overall well-being and collective spirit of the Thai people.
Typology: Hospitality
Square Footage: 4,800
Render Platform: Sketchup
Sanuk Urban Kitchen is an international restaurant that draws inspiration from the vibrant nights of Bangkok and the lively street vending atmosphere. The interior design is a fusion of traditional Thai culture and modern food trends, creating a fun and energetic environment. The layout reflects the organic street plan of Bangkok, promoting social dining and flexibility with tables that can accommodate larger groups, mirroring the communal dining culture of Thailand.
The restaurant’s aesthetic transports patrons to the bustling streets of Bangkok through carefully selected materials, finishes, and furniture. Murals with “Bangkok Glow” photographs, backlit by blue LEDs, bring the essence of the city to life in the dining and lounge areas. Low seating in the lounge area provides a contemporary interpretation of traditional Asian dining customs, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the cultural experience.
The lighting design plays a crucial role in capturing the verticality and ambiance of the city. Pendant lights illuminate the dining and bar areas, emphasizing the vertical elements, while sconce lighting on perimeter columns evokes the atmosphere of streetlights and traditional Asian lighting styles. Blue and purple LED strips serve as accent lighting, enhancing the edges of the dining room, bar, lounge, and ceiling clouds.
Ceilings are strategically lowered to various heights, creating a sense of city blocks, and enhancing the vertical emphasis. Suspended from these “city blocks” are vertical pipe lights, reminiscent of the vibrant city lights of Bangkok. The glass kitchen wall allows diners to experience the excitement of street food stalls, immersing them in the sights, sounds, and aromas of authentic Thai cuisine.
