Allgemeine Hotel- und Gastronomiezeitung 10.2017

»Gastro concept is key«

The Stuttgart-based architect Frank Dittel talks about the basics of restaurant design, dining area entertainment and the balancing act between aspiration and reality.

Interview: Frank Dittel, Owner and Director of DIA – Dittel Architekten, Stuttgart

Good design is the calling card of a restaurant. But what makes a good restaurant design?

A strong concept unites three points together: Firstly there is the discussion of the gastronomic concept. What selection of meals and drinks would the restaurateur like to offer in the restaurant? What target group does the restaurant want to appeal to?

We consider, in particular, the vision of the individual restaurateur or company. What are the ideas and motivations behind the actual project of operating a restaurant?

We often develop anchor points of identity based on these, which we then incorporate into our creative work. These can be historical references as well as personal inspirations or the interpretation of feelings or memories.

Creative design is no longer limited to space alone, but understands space as a whole. What role do light, furnishings and a laid table play?

For most concepts the »something« that defines identity arises from the connection the room has with fundamental details such as dishes, furniture, special lighting, as well as their feel and appearance. Light plays a significant role in this. It helps to emphasise the atmosphere around the design. While more extensive illumination can support natural light during the day, in the evening light generated from accent lighting creates an exciting and diverse atmosphere. The laid table can also convey a deliberate, additional reflection to the restaurant and emphasise the atmosphere.

How do you meet the growing desire of many guests to have more entertainment in the restaurant?

The issue of entertainment plays an increasingly important role as part of the variety of gastronomic concepts. It should always enhance the concept.

Currently we are working with a customer on a project which focuses on the topic of regionality and sustainability. The guests can pick their own side dishes and herbs from the vegetable garden installed in the restaurant or watch as the chef picks the fresh herbs. Ideas like these can leave a lasting impression on the guest.

Do you also include culinary developments in your designs?

The key of the overall concept is the gastronomic focus of the restaurant. When we see novel and inspiring ways to bring culinary themes into the space, these ideas are incorporated. In general, it is important that everything fits in with the concept and nothing feels forced. It is paramount to have a feel for the space and to understand how an authentic atmosphere is created.

Where does your creative inspiration come from?

There are different starting points: travel, material research, and good as well as bad gastronomic examples – you simply have to perceptively go through the world with open eyes and be receptive to new ideas, trends, places and people. Often brilliant ideas don’t come when you’re looking for something specific, but rather arise unexpectedly.

Keyword: budgets. The client’s desires in terms of creative design are one side of the coin, but the size of the budget available is often the other. How do you master the balancing act between aspiration and reality?

The economic consideration of a design concept stands alongside the creative aspect as an integral focus of our everyday work. The first step of a project is the holistic concept consultation.

We recommend integrating the space concept into the business plan from the beginning.

Thanks to our wide experience in the gastronomic sector, we can use the initial briefing talks to offer an assessment on how the desired goals can be achieved with the budget available. This allows both aspects to be tailored to each other as early as possible, so that there are no sudden surprises.

Quelle: Allgemeine Hotel- und Gastronomiezeitung
Autor: AHGZ
Foto: DITTEL ARCHITEKTEN GMBH