Dining Time: A Unique European Vintage Restaurant

A Gentlemanly Dining Experience

The design of Dining Time is truly one-of-a-kind. Drawing inspiration from a gentleman's watch, the use of blue and gold tones creates an elegant and refined ambiance. The combination of cultural stone and trim adds a vintage and classic touch to the space. The wave panels on the walls, the inward contraction of the ceiling, and the curved lines of the counter, along with the mood lighting strips, evoke the image of an English gentleman waiting for his lady in a cozy booth. These design elements also symbolize the anticipation and excitement of waiting for the check.

One of the standout features of Dining Time is its symmetrical division of space. The design team used corrugated plates of different densities and various styles of chandeliers to create an asymmetrical design that adds visual interest and depth to the restaurant.

The realization of the design involved careful consideration of color choices. Originally based on a purple and gold watch, the design team decided to use blue instead to create a more gentlemanly style. This decision was made to ensure that the visual appeal of the space would not diminish the customers' appetite. The design team also paid attention to small details, such as hiding multimedia equipment and air-conditioning within the ceiling and using partition walls to cover columns, ensuring a consistent and cohesive design throughout the restaurant.

Dining Time is a 357-square-meter, two-story restaurant located in Taiwan. The renovation of a 30-year-old house transformed it into a dining space with a total capacity of 110 people. The ground floor features a staff area, a self-service area, and restrooms, while the second floor houses three private rooms, another self-service area, and restrooms. The 3.6-meter height of the ground floor creates a spacious and open atmosphere, while the ceiling level design on both floors adds depth to the space.

The design team's research focused on creating a dining space that captures the essence of a gentleman's waiting experience. The use of watch-inspired design elements on the ground floor sets the stage for a gentleman to wait for his lady, while the second floor continues the theme, creating a special meaning for the entire space. The trim and rose gold lacquer convey the elegance of a gentleman, and the high ceiling symbolizes the slender figure of a gentleman. The rhythmic corrugated plates represent the rhythm of leather shoes, adding to the anticipation of a beautiful woman's arrival.

Overcoming the challenges posed by the non-square layout of the original house was a key aspect of the design process. To eliminate any visual discrepancies, the design team used a slanting method on the flooring to create a square visual impression. This required precise measurements and effective communication to achieve the desired result.

Step into Dining Time, and you'll find yourself in a world of elegance and romance. In the blue waiting booth, a gentleman in a suit gazes down at his elegant watch, eagerly awaiting his beloved. The cultural stone walls resemble camel-colored shoes, while the metal lines exude luxury. As the beautiful lady arrives, the couple chooses a window seat bathed in warm yellow light, sharing a romantic dinner. Moving to the second floor, the gentleman's invitation continues. The design maintains the orderly manners of a gentleman, with gray, black, and white tones creating a sweet and intimate atmosphere.

Dining Time is a testament to the creativity and innovation of Wei Chen Lin. This unique European vintage restaurant has been recognized for its exceptional design, receiving the Iron A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2022. This prestigious award acknowledges Dining Time's well-designed, practical, and innovative approach, meeting professional and industrial requirements while contributing to a better world.