Trust building

Extensions of home

Another segment working hard to get people back through their doors is the restaurant industry. Designing for this sector, architects tend to take their cues from residential design. Architect James JJ Acuna, founder of the eponymous firm JJ Acuna /Bespoke Studio, notes that as more people entertain at home, they are incorporating more "food and beverage" elements into designing residential spaces. By the same token, restaurants are becoming more inviting while allowing for social distancing to be maintained.

"In lobbies and lounges, seating groups provide opportunities for discussions with strangers," Acuna notes. "Our design for Xiao Ting Chinese restaurant at Four Seasons Macao includes living room settings that are friendly, refreshing extensions of home." Its design was inspired by Macao's trading past. Elements derived from Lingnan culture and art such as birdcage stools and brass inlay work on tabletops also figure.