The scents of Asian food meet the genuine atmosphere of an American diner at the new restaurant of the GinYuu chain, launched in Stuttgart and designed by Ippolito Fleitz Group. The aim of the project was creating a unique atmosphere with a strong character and an accurate mix of elements and hues. The spatial topography centres around the core areas of reception desk, bar and kitchen counter. The reception desk is immediately opposite the main entrance, positioned beneath a suspended canopy of lamps. An open kitchen complete with front cooking stations extends along the long wall. Narrow bands of tiles in the Corporate Colour dark violet cover the walls inside the kitchen area. The wall above the counter is decorated with handmade wooden panels of driftwood.

This is one of the many features of the wood theme that reoccur throughout the space. Oak floorboards on the floor and counter front provide a keynote. Violet barstools, dark stained, roughly sawn table tops and bleached ceiling shutters provide accents of colour. A free arrangement of shutter struts and tall metal filters, taut ropes stretched against wooden walls in the cubicles and large ceiling fans are all part of a collage of pan-Asian motifs. Pillars are covered from floor to ceiling in white tiles. Stuttgart-based illustrator Claudia Wagner has visualised the concept and attitude of GinYuu in a series of lively, beautifully executed illustrated motifs. All the illustrations were applied by hand directly onto the tiles.GinYuu offers a differentiated choice of seating. A long, leather sofa with a button back and low coffee tables invite visitors to while away their time. Barstools around a counter provide a more bar-like atmosphere, whereas the tall tables between the bar and counter and along the window façade recommend themselves to a quick snack. And those who prefer a more secluded meal will enjoy dining in one of the cubicles separated by tall wooden filters. The GinYuu materials world is all about wood. A relaxed atmosphere is brought about by the use of different types, colours and surfaces of wood, creating an almost Caribbean beach bar flair. With a differentiated range of seating options, this spatial concept brings the GinYuu crossover of cocktail bar and restaurant chain to life.

INFO: ifgroup.org

PHOTO COURTESY: Zooey Braun