Locally based interior design studio via. architecture has completed Vanimal, a vegetarian restaurant in Hong Kong’s Kennedy Town neighborhood.
“In designing Vanimal, we wanted to play on the dual identities contained in the name,” says via. architecture owner Frank Leung. “We aimed to convey contrasts, add dissimilar elements, and embrace the way differences can bring surprising results. With Kennedy Town establishing itself as Hong Kong’s restaurant hub, Vanimal will bring something new to the neighborhood, both in its design and dining concept.”
Inspired by the works of iconic artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, as well as Antonio Gaudí’s Park Güell, the 30-seat eatery’s colorful interiors nod to the opposing elements of its name with contrasting materials, such as plush textures and concrete surfaces.
Guests are greeted by an approximately 16-foot-long timber sculpture that depicts a mythical, low-lying Vanimal creature. The curved structure helps to define the dining area and serves as a freestanding counter. An open-style kitchen and bar, which displays jars of drinks and preserved vegetables, anchors the space.
Nature-inspired dining chairs complement a bespoke neon dinosaur installation and an abstract relief sculpture made from colorful Plexiglass blades inspired by the textures of vegetables.
