isola
West Dist., Taichung City, Taiwan | Interior Designer | Winter 2018
Isola is the Italian word for 'island'.
Isola, meaning 'island' in Italian, was conceived to transport guests into an island oasis. The space evokes the mystery of exploring an island forest, with uncertainty around every turn. The lighting fixtures were carefully designed to emulate the feeling of watching a sunset on the shores. I believe the warmth of the lights encourages appetite while promoting relaxation. Since the restaurant is open in the evenings, the ambient lighting mirrors the sunset hues that colour the city skies at that hour. My goal was to create a haven where urban dwellers could unwind after a long workday. The island atmosphere provides an escape from the stresses of daily life.
As with the House of Su project, Isola challenged me to apply my design skills in shaping not just an aesthetic vision but also an experiential journey. Considerations like lighting and ambience strongly impact how occupants feel in the space. This project reinforced for me the power interior design has to influence people's emotions and mindsets. My capabilities grew tremendously through the process of conceptualising and executing this transportive island setting within the four walls of a restaurant.