The focus of the design was on the history of the area and its natural integration into the surrounding urban culture.

The design of the restaurant world began with the area’s history and maritime location. The mall’s name, “Redi,” refers to a harbor or anchorage, serving as inspiration for conceptualizing the new restaurant world.

The goal was for the new restaurant world to seamlessly blend into the surrounding urban culture, maritime atmosphere, and the space between Teurastamo and Suvilahti event areas.

Through the illuminated gates to a delicious food haven.

The design emphasized boldness and clear entrances, along with the natural guidance of customer flows in the area. The entrance gates were crafted into striking light art pieces to facilitate the discovery of the area.

Each entrance gate of Food Port is unique, making it easy for customers to recognize where they enter the space.

A bold vision led to a sculptural result.

Food Port’s largest and most spectacular single element is its recognizable, wave-like lower ceiling, which guides customers and connects the entire area into a seamless restaurant world.

During the design phase of the ceiling, various implementation options were considered and 3D modeling of the various options was presented to the customer. This visual approach made it easier to make the final choice. We ended up choosing an aluminum construction option, which made the whole thing elegant and even sculptural.

This massive ceiling acts like a huge piece of light art, reflecting lights and undulating movement. The lighting varies at different times of the day, creating a different atmosphere in the area at different times of the day.

Guidance enhances customer navigation in the area.

In designing the area, it was crucial to ensure clear entrances and manage customer flow. Consistent signage for the restaurants was also a key focus. For the Food Port, uniform menu boards and space dividers were created for all the restaurants. Additionally, the mall’s wayfinding signs were enhanced as part of the project.

FOOD PORT
2023
1800m2
Mall Redi, Helsinki

Interior architecture | Concept Design | Furniture Design | Project Management | Service Design | Graphic Design | Lighting Design | Sustainability Reporting

Challenge

The area blends modern urban culture, art, maritime elements, and a new residential area. The restaurant world was expected to seamlessly integrate into this broader context and contribute to the area’s identity and sense of community.

The design aimed to create a unique and striking appearance for the entire Food Port area.

Given the previous challenges with navigation in the shopping center, the design of the new restaurant world emphasized the discoverability, clarity, and ease of navigation within the area.

The Food Port restaurant world will be implemented in two phases. Alongside the first phase, plans included a Street Food restaurant complex, a children’s play area called Skidi Port, as well as public restrooms and signage improvements for the shopping center. The expansion of the Food Port restaurant world is scheduled for spring 2024.

With the client holding a LEED Platinum environmental certification, sustainability was evidently a cornerstone in the design.

Benefit

A bold and sculptural vision came to life when a wide undulating ceiling reminiscent of light art was implemented in the Food Port. The area is now easily recognizable, at the same time sculptural, warm, and inviting. At the beginning of the process, the customer was presented with various 3D model images, which facilitate the final decision-making and ensure that the result meets expectations. In addition to the uniform roof, the space dividers in the area and the illuminated menus of the restaurants were designed to support the unity of the space and enhance customer navigation.

The clear identification of the entrance gates makes it easier to navigate the area and is part of a wider series of light art installations, creating a unique and attractive atmosphere.

The expertise of Kohina was valuable in both restaurant design and the leasing and marketing of spaces. Kohina created a separate Showroom to support the leasing of restaurant spaces, where ready-made material concepts were designed for restaurant entrepreneurs, incorporating responsible and sustainable materials. Kohina’s project management served as practical support for restaurant owners right up to the opening day.

Sustainability was realized in the material choices of the area, offering customers high-quality and sustainable environmental friendliness. In addition, local and domestic partners were favored in collaborations.