Commissioned to reimagine Le Du in celebration of its recognition as the Best Restaurant in Asia and its 10th anniversary, the design process began with a thorough understanding of Chef Ton, the esteemed Thai chef renowned for his inventive culinary approach. Chef Ton’s distinctive style integrates local ingredients and draws inspiration from traditional Thai dishes, transforming them into contemporary expressions through innovative techniques and modern presentation. The design philosophy has been crafted to align seamlessly with this unique culinary perspective.
The name “Le Du,” meaning “Seasons” in Thai, inspired the exploration of a design that reflects the vibrant tapestry of Thai flavors and colors as they evolve throughout the seasons.
A significant challenge of the site was its low ceiling, characterized by an irregular beam pattern. Rather than opting for conventional concealment methods, the design chose to embrace these irregularities, drawing a conceptual parallel to the berm patterns found in Thai rice fields—a central reference point in the design’s development.
At the heart of the design is a site-specific ceiling installation, meticulously crafted to evoke the beauty of Thai rice fields through the seasons. This installation features thousands of glass tubes filled with curated Thai 'seasonings' and beads, arranged in flowing curves and integrated with glass tube lighting fixtures. These 'seasonings' visually represent the changing seasons in Thai rice fields.
The installation is illuminated at night, creating a captivating display visible from outside the property, just above the fence. The glowing horizontal curves attract the attention of passersby, while enhancing the interior space and creating the illusion of a larger environment. Restaurant patrons are drawn to the spectacular ceiling feature, often overlooking the low ceiling. In areas above the communal seating, the installation curves down low enough for guests to view the colorful ingredients within the glass tubes. This intentional design encourages guests to inquire about the contents, providing an opportunity for staff to explain the concept and engage visitors as they await their dishes.
Each component of the installation symbolizes a distinct season: the fiery red of dry chili represents the hot season, the lush green of pandan leaves, Kaffir Lime Leaves, and green beans signify the rainy season, and the golden hues of soybeans, golden rice, and caraway capture the essence of winter. As guests journey through the space, they experience a visual representation of the rice farming cycle—from the seeding period during the Hot Season at the entrance, through the Rainy Season, to the Harvesting Season of Winter in the dining area.
This installation transforms the inherent beauty of Thai rice fields across seasons into a captivating and multisensory ceiling feature, creating a rich intersection of design and gastronomy. The design for Le Du embodies a collaborative creative approach with Chef Ton—utilizing Thai materials, drawing from local narratives, and reinterpreting them with contemporary techniques.
