MeokBang Premium BBQ: A Futuristic Korean Grill Experience

Designed by Vincent Chi-Wai Chiang, this award-winning restaurant merges primitive elements with modern design

The inspiration for MeokBang Premium BBQ came from the desire to create a "big shock" using the most primitive elements to create a sense of the future. The result is a dining area that feels like a spaceship in a primitive jungle. The walls are adorned with pieces of wood in different shades of orange and red, symbolizing volcanoes, while eye-catching auras above the wood create the impression of a spaceship taking off. The overall effect is a shocking and captivating scene.

One of the unique properties of the design is the clever use of the building's high and low ceilings to create more space. The restaurant aims to share the modern Korean-style grill food culture with diners through a diverse menu served in a relaxing atmosphere. The design also cleverly hides the range hoods, a characteristic feature of Korean grills, behind radioactive woods of different sizes, reducing their visibility and contributing to the overall aesthetic.

The realization of this design required careful consideration of the layout plan for mechanical and electrical equipment, such as exhaust fans, air conditioners, and gas pipes. Adjustable double-headed lamps were installed on each range hood to ensure adequate lighting for checking food doneness, making the food look more attractive.

The restaurant, which spans 4,577 square feet, offers an authentic Korean barbecue experience in a relaxed setting. The entrance is designed like a funnel, concentrating the flow of people and leading them to the dining area of different sizes, creating a visually strong contrast. The service area is placed in the center of the dining area and outside the kitchen, with four wide corridors to facilitate smooth operation and expand space.

The design project, which started in September 2018 and finished in December 2018, was based on a study of Korean culture and Korean barbecue equipment requirements. The biggest challenge was to combine a primitive approach with fantasy to create a sense of harmony and freshness. The result is a restaurant that not only offers an authentic Korean grill experience but also impresses diners with its unique design.

In conclusion, MeokBang Premium BBQ is a testament to Vincent Chi-Wai Chiang's innovative approach to restaurant design. By combining primitive elements with a futuristic aesthetic, he has created a dining experience that is not only visually stunning but also immersive and authentic. The restaurant's success, as evidenced by its Golden A' Design Award, is a testament to the power of innovative design in transforming the dining experience.