WEFT, a creative studio based in the Middle East, has designed a vibrant new restaurant for the famous Turkish food concept Mado. Located in a 40m² space of a lively mall in the heart of Kuwait City, this compact restaurant is filled with distinctive details. The design draws inspiration from the history of the brand; established in 1850 as an ice cream shop known for its unique, stretchy dondurma ice cream—a treat that remains wildly popular in Turkey today—Mado transitioned into an international restaurant chain that offers all-day dining since 1991.

WEFT attempted to capture the essence of Turkish culture and dining through a whimsical lens, imagining Wes Anderson having to reinterpret the city of Istanbul. At the heart of the restaurant's design concept is the dondurma, which inspires the menu and the design. It is further complemented by peculiar elements that are woven throughout the interior—one of such motifs are cats—a nod to the Turkish people's affection for these furry animals. These feline figures appear within the mosaic tiles and are featured in a digital painting on the wall, which animates the still image as if it were part of a Hogwarts gallery.

However, the restaurant offers more than just exquisite decorations. Guests are treated to a theatrical dining experience remindful of a vibrant Istanbul bazaar. This dynamic atmosphere is created by the open layout, where diners can view the action near the wood-fired oven, the preparation of Turkish coffee, the theatrical dessert presentations, the entertaining dondurma ice cream service, and the lively action at the drinks bar.

The restaurant is fitted with locally fabricated elements that were bespoke-designed in order to cohesively channel the restaurant’s playful identity - from custom tables, water-jet granite flooring, ice-cream-shaped cornices and graphic cat mosaics to uniquely shaped steel rod curtain holders and artwork frames, to name a few. The lighting design is curated with custom ceiling fixtures, neon lights and upcycled IKEA wall sconces. Meanwhile, the ceiling features meticulously arranged architectural details, such as custom AC outlet details and linear lights wired through a green, squiggly hose, culminating in a flower-shaped ceiling plate—an imaginative detail that mimics an architectural bloom in the most unexpected placement.

The project was designed using sustainable practices where possible. Local fabrication of bespoke design elements fostered a collaborative approach with the local craftsmen and supported their businesses. This approach was also advantageous due to shorter lead times for special design items, creating a faster turnaround on the project and reducing the environmental impact of transportation. At the same time, it resulted in a highly rewarding design journey—working with local craftsmen and first-hand exploring fabrication techniques allowed us to create an innovative, environmentally friendly, and aesthetically pleasing space.