CONTEMPORARY FOOD COURTS / RESTAURANTS

A food court is a collection of multiple food vendors or

restaurants gathered under one roof, typically with a shared
seating area. It essentially functions as a self-service
marketplace for food, where diners can browse various cuisines,
order from their preferred vendor, and then enjoy their meal in a
shared communal space.

Origin: The concept of a centralized dining area with multiple

food options can be traced back to ancient markets and bazaars
where different food stalls were set up in one location.

Evolution:
The food court emerged in the 1970s, primarily in the United
States and Asia. These early iterations were primarily found in
shopping malls and airports, catering to the need for quick and
convenient dining options for busy shoppers and travelers. The
focus was on efficiency and affordability, featuring mostly fast-
food chains and familiar, standardized fare.

Layout and Design:

Early Designs: In the early stages, food courts often featured a
basic layout with simple seating arrangements and a central
dining area surrounded by food stalls.
Modern Designs: Today, food courts are designed with more
attention to aesthetics, creating visually appealing spaces with
comfortable seating, attractive lighting, and sometimes even
greenery. The layout is often open and spacious, allowing for
easy navigation and accommodating a large number of people.
Seating Arrangements:
Communal Seating: incorporate communal seating
arrangements, with long tables and shared spaces, fostering a
social and interactive dining atmosphere.
Variety in Seating: There is a focus on providing a variety of
seating options, including high tables, traditional dining tables,
lounge-style seating, and sometimes outdoor seating.
.
CONTEMPORARY FOOD COURTS / RESTAURANTS

Architectural Features:
Unique Architecture: such as skylights, atriums, or creative use of
materials, to make them stand out and create a distinct atmosphere.
Themed Designs: In certain cases, food courts are designed with
specific themes, reflecting the cultural or historical context of the
location or offering a cohesive aesthetic that ties in with the overall
design of the surrounding space.
Integration of Technology:
Digital Displays: Many modern food courts incorporate digital displays
for menu boards, promotions, and interactive elements to enhance the
customer experience.
Ordering Kiosks: Some food courts have integrated self-service
ordering kiosks, allowing customers to place orders electronically for a
more efficient and streamlined process.
Sustainability Considerations:
Green Practices: In response to the growing emphasis on sustainability,
some food courts integrate eco-friendly design elements, such as
energy-efficient lighting, recycled materials, and waste reduction
initiatives.
Locally Sourced Materials: The use of locally sourced and sustainable
materials in the construction and design of food courts is becoming
more prevalent.
Adaptation to Urban Spaces:
Urban Integration: Food courts are not limited to traditional mall
settings. In urban areas, food courts may be integrated into transit
hubs, office buildings, and public spaces, requiring designs that
complement the surrounding architecture.
Flexibility in Layout:
Modular Designs: Some food courts are designed with modular or
flexible layouts that can be easily adapted to accommodate different
events, themes, or seasonal changes.
Accessibility:
Universal Design: Ensuring accessibility for all patrons is a
consideration in modern food court architecture, with features such as
ramps, elevators, and wheelchair-friendly seating areas
CONTEMPORARY FOOD COURTS / RESTAURANTS

PSYCHOLOGY OF MATERIALS, TEXTURES, AND COLORS IN EATING SPACES

Material:
Warmth and Comfort: Natural materials like wood, stone, and brick
evoke feelings of warmth and comfort, creating a relaxed and inviting
atmosphere. Think cozy cafes with exposed brick walls and wooden
furniture.
Modern and Sleek: Polished metals, glass, and concrete exude a
modern and sleek aesthetic, often associated with fine dining
establishments. They create a sense of sophistication and luxury.
Playful and Fun: Brightly colored plastics and acrylics can inject a
playful and fun vibe into eating spaces, perfect for casual eateries or
family-friendly restaurants.

Textures:
Smooth and Soft: Smooth textures like
polished wood, leather, and suede feel
luxurious, enhancing the perception of
quality.
Rough and Rustic: Rougher textures like
exposed brick, stonework, and woven
fabrics add a touch of rustic charm and
character, creating a more casual and
earthy ambiance.
Sensory Delight: Textural contrasts,
add visual and tactile interest, keeping
diners engaged and intrigued.

Colour:
Red Hot Hunger: Red stimulates the appetite and evokes feelings of
excitement and energy, making it a popular choice for fast-food
restaurants and casual dining spaces.
Cool and Calming Blues: Blue hues have a calming and relaxing effect,
ideal for fine dining establishments or restaurants focusing on healthy
cuisine.
Green for Growth: Green symbolizes freshness, health, and growth,
making it a popular choice for vegetarian and vegan restaurants or
cafes.

Lighting, music, and even the scent of the space can also influence our dining experience. Warm lighting creates a cozy atmosphere,
while upbeat music can energize diners. Similarly, the aroma of freshly baked bread can whet appetites and enhance the perceived
quality of the food.
CONTEMPORARY FOOD COURTS / RESTAURANTS

STANDARDS: