Restaurants can pose a number of unique design challenges to create dining and entertainment spaces that must be both comfortable and energetic. The space should facilitate conversation but also allow relaxation. With multiple conversations happening at once, noise from the kitchen, and often live entertainment, creating an acoustically comfortable and well-lit space is a tall order.
Combining these two elements — lighting and acoustic comfort — and integrating them into the design of the restaurant can take the space from a boring and outdated design to one that is modern and elevated.
“Modern Café” Featuring: SoftSpan™ by Arktura
In this innovative design, SoftSpan® 24 mirrors the look of a closely gridded coffered ceiling with an integrated skylight — but it’s not really a skylight! Panel lights are integrated with this system to bolster the natural light that streams in through floor-to-ceiling windows. Soft Sound® coffer panels are available in a range of colors, including wood look panels that enhance the trellis look. Panel lights in this design are not acoustic, but SoftSpan 48 and SoftSpan 48A offer an acoustic option.
“Iron Whale Asbury” Asbury Park, NJ, TSG Design (Architect), Nemo Tile Co. (Photographer), Featuring: Atmosphera by Arktura
Each restaurant is designed with a unique vibe in mind. For this earthy design that plays on natural tones and textures, Atmosphera® Swell’s softly undulating Soft Sound Wood Texture baffles pair beautifully with the rattan lamps, dual-tone chairs and wood floor accents to create a warm and inviting space.
“Karv” Chamblee, GA, Mark Williams Design Associates (Architect), CatMax (Photographer), Featuring: Softgrid Flux By Arktura
The days of the standard drop ceiling to control noise have given way to more decorative and functional options. Now, keeping a space open and inviting is a priority, and SoftGrid® Flux allows this priority to become a reality by adding acoustic comfort without obstructing the restaurant lighting design. These intricate modules can stand alone or be connected together to create a custom design for an open and inviting space.
“Baku Flame Towers” Baku, AZE, HBA – Atlanta (Architect), Featuring: Alluvia Custom by Arktura
Intertwining design with function has become increasingly possible with today’s technology and custom solutions. For this music-forward lounge, an Alluvia® Custom ceiling installation resembles chimes and allows lighting to be integrated as tubes. These are easily removable, creating the opportunity for an integrated restaurant lighting design.
“Two Guns Restaurant” El Segundo, CA, Gensler (Architect), Grani Installation, Inc.(Installer), Featuring: SoftGrid® Wave by Arktura
To infuse an air of energy, look no further than SoftGrid® Wave in White. The wave pattern flows easily across the ceiling to create the illusion of motion. This system can be installed as individual modules or connected together to span the ceiling and create a vibrant setting.
“Ancora Restaurant” West Vancouver, CA, SmartDesign Group (Architect), Solterra Construction (Installer), Featuring: SoftGrid® Skyline by Arktura
The inverted skyline design of SoftGrid® SkyLine creates the industrial look of a continuous cityscape or smaller city blocks. Made from Soft Sound material, it will drown out the noise to create acoustic comfort while providing the perfect space for unique restaurant lighting ideas. Paired with one-of-a-kind chandeliers, these acoustical trellises will be sure to turn heads.
“Starr Hill Beer Hall” Richmond, VA, 510 Architects, Coppertree Construction (Installer), Featuring: Atmosphera® Rise by Arktura
While some designs take pains to conceal infrastructures like HVAC systems and electrical wires, others place those elements center stage, making them a design feature in their own right. Rather than concealing the lighting above the baffles, consider letting industrial filament bulbs drop below acoustic installations, like the Atmosphera® Rise seen above, to create a more intimate and well-lit space.
“71 Above Restaurant” Los Angeles, CA, Tag Front (Architect), Featuring: SoundStar® by Arktura
Grounded by an imposing central light fixture, the ceiling is a multifaceted landscape of hexagonal SoundStar® coffers that add geometric dimensionality and disrupt sound’s ability to travel across a space. With a flexible, modular configuration, this adaptable solution can be used on the entire ceiling or in targeted areas depending on the acoustic needs of the space
“Arnis” Indianapolis, IN, Rowland Design (Architect), Michael Firsich Photography, Featuring: SoundEdge by Arktura
For a streamlined modern look, SoundEdge® offers a sleek single-fin design that can be customized in numerous configurations and color patterns. Matching unique lighting colors, like red and gray in this design, to the colors of the acoustic fins creates a cohesive atmosphere that is both acoustically comfortable and visually impactful.
“Pinkberry – LAX” Los Angeles, CA, Branded Works, Inc., Rittiluechai Architecture PC (Architect), Featuring: Solutions Studio® by Arktura
The self-supporting canopy that defines this space is an innovative cellular structure from Solutions Studio® that is prefabricated off-site and then shipped as a system that can be assembled in a few days. Integrated lighting makes this system an all-in-one restaurant lighting design that is both functional and charming.
Arktura offers seemingly endless acoustic panels, baffles, fins and trellises that can be integrated with restaurant lighting design ideas. For a custom design, our Solutions Studio will work with you to design the ideal space to offer your patrons the perfect place to gather.
Contact our experts at Arktura today to create a truly unique restaurant design that promotes acoustic comfort and stunning lighting.
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