Amico BJ is a fine-dining restaurant in Sanlitun, Beijing. The design focuses on the creation of “light” and expresses the creative and high-end sense of the Italian-Japanese fusion cuisine in an art museum-like atmosphere, so as to provide visitors with a unique and non-daily dining experience.
The restaurant is located on the ground floor of an office tower, facing the inner street, with an irregular L-shaped space. The architect arranges one wing of the L-shaped space with natural light for the dining area, while the other wing serves as a private room that needs privacy and a deeper back kitchen space. The iconic bar, where the chef enjoys talking with customers, is arranged at the corner of the L-shape. One side of the bar counter can be easily communicated with the back kitchen, while the other side makes it easy for the chef to see the dining places.
The design concept focuses on how to present the food better. In this issue, the role of "light" is better than other forms of matter, which makes architect naturally think of art museums. Although the objects presented in restaurants and art galleries are different, the use of light is essentially the same.
A hanging track integrates all the lighting requirements: the linear up-lighting light strip slightly illuminates the center of the arch, thus forming a soft atmosphere after diffuse reflection. The down-lighting spotlight with a narrow beam angle can freely adjust the position and angle to focus the beam on the dining table and food.
The arch is also extended to the outside, making it an entrance canopy while extending the indoor space. As the key element inside the space, these lightly illuminated continuous arches are visually enhanced on the facade, thus becoming the unique landmark of the restaurant.
