HOSPITALITY PROJECT
Reconnect Restaurant Concept
Following the pandemic, Ekkist collaborated with Boxx Design Studio and Karen Haller on RECONNECT: a restaurant concept focused on reconnecting people with each other and nature, while encouraging positive nourishment and optimised well-being.
Restaurants have the unique ability to connect us with one another and nature, and therefore have a fundamental role to play in both our well-being and that of the planet. Until now, this has rarely been considered in combination. However, following the global lockdown, this became ever more important as people re-prioritise their health and wellness.
With this change in behaviour, the opportunity arose for new restaurant concepts to emerge that re-interpreted and acted upon the social and environmental events of the pandemic.
The vision, alongside Boxx Design and Karen Haller, was to design a new restaurant concept that went beyond simply providing a protective space for diners with anti-viral and social distancing measures, but rather one that enhanced human connection and positive well-being
Nature is fundamental for human health and happiness. Studies show that we are healthier, happier, calmer, more immune to disease and less likely to suffer from mental health issues when we reconnect with nature.
Those who have made conscious efforts to eat healthier, grow their own food, or make more sustainable decisions with the extra time in their lives, will be looking to maintain this, rather than rushing back to busy schedules and over-consumption.
Slowing down how we eat has a fundamental role to play in this. Through this concept, people are brought back in touch with where their food comes from and what it really means to reconnect over food: social and physical nourishment.
Materials throughout the restaurant were chosen for either their naturally beneficial, antiviral or anti-microbial properties and limit the need for harsh cleaning chemicals. These ranged from antiviral fabrics for seating, to natural copper and brass worktops, and natural oak, which studies show has a calming effect on the nervous system.
Porous clay plaster was used on the walls due to its proven benefits in balancing humidity levels, of which the latter has been associated with increasing the length of time a virus like COVID-19 may remain in the air.
The ventilation system was designed to deliver the highest levels of indoor air quality using carbon filters and high ventilation rates, as well as to further balance humidity. In addition, there were individual diffusers placed above every table.
The cleaning strategy was focused on natural materials and regular air quality monitoring to understand when additional ventilation is required through the BMS system.
All images courtesy of Boxx Design Studio.