"One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well." -Virginia Woolf

How do we measure well-being and happiness? The happiest communities all share these common elements: a sense of social support, freedom to make life choices and a culture of generosity.

Our firm was honoured to be part of a select group of designers to present a unique dining space installation for an annual event which celebrates design talent and raises awareness and funds for Design Exchange, Canada's foremost non-profit design museum and Casey House, an HIV/AIDS care facility in Toronto, Canada.

Tasked with creating a memorable dining experience, we set out to create a futuristic, yet functional space that would host an unforgettable feast. The concept was to build volume out of one continuous piece. Wrapping around the ceiling, floor, and running through the table, the goal was to encase patrons in luminous design experience, with no beginning or end.

The inspiration came from a desire to explore the concept of a Möbius strip that would wrap the entire area and also serve as the dining surface. Our intent was to make the strip the focus of the space and to make an enclosure that would dematerialize. We wanted a dramatic contrast between void and mass.

Ultra-modern details to the futuristic design included a solid white aggregate table top, capable of wirelessly charging electronics, white aluminum chairs, and laser-cut acrylic vignette place settings.

Our design team volunteered their time after office hours to develop their concept and work with several custom millwork shops to develop the structure. By taking the approach of working in smaller groups focused on specific areas of the installation (design, technology, project execution) the team was able to fine-tune the details of the 12x12x12 foot space from every angle.

The entire project was conceptualized over three months, and installed at a local museum within a single day. Millworkers, electricians, and volunteers donated their time, expertise, and materials to help construct this breathtaking piece. The final installation was enjoyed by more than 600 people, raised funds for two local non-profit organizations, and offered our firm the opportunity to share our vision within our community.

The success of our dining concept design lies in its simplicity, with minimal materials we were able to produce a dramatic dining experience. Utilizing the entire 12x12x12 foot space was integral to the strategy, which is why a Möbius strip presented itself as the leading concept. The area, enclosed with black lacquered wood, transformed into the solid white aggregate table top, capable of charging electronic devices. Soft LED lighting circled the entire structure, illuminating the space and creating a gentle, yet futuristic scene. The seating vignettes were composed from black acrylic, contrasting the white table top and aluminum frame webbed chairs added to the surreal environment.