Founded in 1987, Jumbo Seafood Restaurant opened its branch in Shanghai at the International Financial Center in 2016. With a renowned reputation comes a loyal customer base who values food quality over restaurant design. As the F&B market becomes more diverse and sophisticated, customers expect a more memorable experience from fine-dining. In search for a more recognizable identity, the brand engaged Lukstudio to give the original humble design a facelift. Going back to its root along the east coast of Singapore, Lukstudio has instilled elements from the sea and harbor in the restaurant, immersing diners into a Southeast Asian atmosphere.

Located on the third floor of the IFC Mall, the renovation scope includes the entrance lobby, main dining hall and the private dining rooms. Given the kitchen and BOH are to remain intact, so are the numbers of seats, there is not too much room for major layout change. The design team has turned the original staff locker-rooms along the curtainwall into a small private dining room to better utilize the daylighting. The previous partition between the main dining hall and the private rooms have been changed from glazing to solid walls for better sound insulation and privacy.

Sinuous shapes and nautical materiality composed the interiors, recalling diners their last stroll along the harbor or ride on a boat towards an island. The entrance is marked by a curvilinear perforated metal ceiling and layered wooden wall panels, reminiscing a sailing junk boat and welcoming guests onboard. Passing down the corridor of cascading wall modules and reflective water-textured ceiling, one would be greeted by the bustling “harbor” where small wooden “boats” are docked orderly next to a “cruise liner”. These “boats” are modular booths with undulating wooden partition, together creating a visually dynamic sea-like environment, while transforming the previously open dining hall into semi-private zones. 

The booths are arranged in a staggered manner, leaving in-between spaces for lush tropical greenery, infusing the Nanyang atmosphere. More private dining happens behind the white deck wall with walnut doors. The circular windows are design details recalling cabin doors on a boat.