EIGH-T
Aum is a fusion Thai restaurant whose design concept translates the bold flavors, vibrant spices, and rich colors of Thai cuisine into an immersive spatial experience.
The entrance establishes a warm and inviting atmosphere through a timber ceiling and metal curtain, evoking the familiarity of a typical restaurant while concealing the vibrant interior beyond. Upon turning the corner of the foyer, a compressed, warm-toned entry sequence into an expansive, horizontally oriented dining space. Here, a bold palette of red and turquoise draws inspiration from the vivid hues of Thai dishes, including red and green curry, bringing the energy and vibrancy of the cuisine into the design expression.
The ceiling design further enhances this spatial journey, maintaining a sense of openness along the corridor before gradually stepping down toward the open kitchen and banquette seating area. These variations in ceiling height establish distinct spatial experiences, balancing openness with intimacy and creating a more enclosed, immersive dining atmosphere. Against the vivid color palette, the playful pattern of white rustic brick introduces a textural counterpoint, lending depth and sophistication to the interior. Meanwhile, the existing multicolored ceramic floor tiles are retained in the main dining area, adding character and reinforcing the space's eclectic identity.
At the end of the corridor, a cool blue wall featuring a concave mirror introduces a visual contrast, offering a refreshing counterbalance to the intensity of the main dining space. The playful color narrative continues into the restrooms, where pink and blue distinguish the female and male spaces, respectively. Their tiled surfaces draw inspiration from the distinctive color combinations of traditional Thai roof architecture, extending the cultural references throughout the restaurant in a contemporary and expressive manner.
Through the interplay of color, material, light, and spatial transitions, Aum transforms the visual and sensory qualities of Thai cuisine into an architectural experience. The result is an interior that balances vibrancy with sophistication, creating a cohesive atmosphere that complements the restaurant's culinary identity and engages all five senses.
