Cruise & Ferry Review - Spring/Summer 2025

137 Designing a dining venue is a balance between aesthetics and functionality effective air extraction system instead. Staff must also be clean and neutrally scented out of respect to the guests. The choice of materials and colour, although influenced by the venue’s identity, must not be oppressive. Colours that are too bright can be overly invasive, while those that are too dark can be oppressive and make the guest feel exposed. A good balance of materials and colours will ensure a more pleasant experience. Lighting can either make or break a restaurant too. In general, the lighting in a restaurant must be well distributed and soft but should also be able to be adapted for different events without creating dark areas. A mix of light sources is needed for an efficient lighting plan, along with a common dimming function. An architect also needs to consider how to provide a high level of lighting for any maintenance operations. To avoid unpleasant or overly loud noises throughout the restaurant, architects can use several methods of sound absorption. For instance, they can increase the proportion of carpets compared to hard flooring and use absorbing materials and a sound-dampening design for walls. The ceiling can also often amplify sounds, so it is important to avoid big, flat surfaces by using features such as steps, breaking shapes or absorbing materials, where possible. Custom furniture is another necessary element for a successful restaurant project, although there are some important considerations to make. Chairs, for example, must be easy for both guests and staff to move as well as comfortable to sit in. Curtains are indispensable, as they prevent the sun from glaring in the eyes of guests during lunch. Dividers are another element to consider, as they offer a dignified way to create more intimate spaces and absorb noise. To bring together all of these different elements, a restaurant designer must possess skills in a wide range of disciplines, as this enables them to work with and understand different professionals. This allows them to represent the owner effectively in the complex negotiations of shipbuilding, helping them to achieve their targets and deliver a fantastic venue. “ A smart architect will know how to transform a purely functional space into one that delights the senses”

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