Dominique Louise

Studio III focused on Restaraunt design. Before we were placed in teams to work on a semester long Restaraunt project (including menu, merchandice, a retail space, an open bar, etc.), we each had a week to put together a Bistro, practicing space planning and different seating arrangements and styles.     

    Bellas Bistro enabled me to learn better space plannig techniques specifically in a restaraunt setting. It also pushed my comfort level in organizing flow. 

    Another aspect of Bellas Bistro was the bar area. We needed to make a spacious bar, close enough to the entry to be a waiting point, but far enough to not be the main focus. Through the use of flooring changes and different wall coverings, I was able to make the bar a seperate entity, while maintaining a tie and visual communication with the rest of the restaraunt. 

    While the major point of Bellas Bistro was to practice and demonstrate effective space planning and flow, we were also asked to put together a palette for the space. The palette needed to be comfortable for users and inviting enough to get people in the door. I accomplished this through the use of simple materials with sleek and interesting textures. I made the palette fairly neutral in order to let the food speak for itself. By using different materials in the bar area, I was able to create a visual heirarchy, leading you first to the sleek backdrop of the bar, then to the comfortable arangement of the other seating spaces surrounding it.