Hong Kong McDonald's pilots "an experiment in non-design"
Concrete tables and atmospheric lighting feature inside this Hong Kong branch of McDonald's, designed by branding consultancy Landini Associates as an alternative to bright and colourful fast-food restaurants (+ slideshow).
![Non Design McDonald’s by Landini Associates](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/12/Non-Design-McDonalds_Landini-Associates_Hong-Kong_dezeen_936_3.jpg)
Described by the Sydney studio as "an experiment in non-design", the neutral tones of the McDonald's at Hong Kong's Admiralty station are intended to provide a more comfortable setting for customers.
![Non Design McDonald’s by Landini Associates](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/12/Non-Design-McDonalds_Landini-Associates_Hong-Kong_dezeen_936_4.jpg)
"The colourful graphic environments that became the signature for McDonald's internationally, are now replaced with a simpler, quieter and more classic approach," explained Landini Associates.
"The intention is to hero the food, the service and the people who come to enjoy it, and to create a 'recognisable neutrality' that allows this to happen," it said.
![Non Design McDonald’s by Landini Associates](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/12/Non-Design-McDonalds_Landini-Associates_Hong-Kong_dezeen_936_2.jpg)
The redesign includes the restaurant interior and kitchen layout, wall graphics, product packaging and staff uniforms.
![Non Design McDonald's by Landini Associates](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/12/Non-Design-McDonalds_Landini-Associates_Hong-Kong_dezeen_936_11.jpg)
The biggest change is the shift from a closed kitchen to an exposed cooking area. Customers are able to watch the entire process of food preparation, including the grilling of the meat and the assembling of the burgers.
![Non Design McDonald’s by Landini Associates](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/12/Non-Design-McDonalds_Landini-Associates_Hong-Kong_dezeen_936_13.jpg)
Very few areas are concealed from customers, but those that need to be are screened behind a wall of precast concrete panels.
![Non Design McDonald’s by Landini Associates](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/12/Non-Design-McDonalds_Landini-Associates_Hong-Kong_dezeen_936_7.jpg)
Customers can either order their food at a standard counter, at a computerised kiosk, or at the table. There is also a cold service bar for salads, deserts and drinks.
![Non Design McDonald’s by Landini Associates](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/12/Non-Design-McDonalds_Landini-Associates_Hong-Kong_dezeen_936_10.jpg)
Tables feature surfaces of concrete, zinc and oak – described by the design team as a "palette of Miesian simplicity". Some are more suited to families, while others are designed for either groups or individuals.
![Non Design McDonald’s by Landini Associates](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/12/Non-Design-McDonalds_Landini-Associates_Hong-Kong_dezeen_936_1.jpg)
A computerised lighting scheme changes the brightness of the space at different times.
"This calmer, more intimate solution delivers a relaxed nighttime experience for the diners and a sharper quicker one for the day," said Landini Associates.
![Non Design McDonald’s by Landini Associates](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/12/Non-Design-McDonalds_Landini-Associates_Hong-Kong_dezeen_936_17.jpg)
The firm is now working on adaptions to the design to suit branches in Australia, China, Singapore and elsewhere in Hong Kong.
![Non Design McDonald’s by Landini Associates](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/12/Non-Design-McDonalds_Landini-Associates_Hong-Kong_dezeen_936_19.jpg)
This isn't the first time McDonald's has turned to a designer to overhaul its restaurants. Patrick Norguet was brought in to rethink the look of branches across France, while Mei Architects recently completed a golden restaurant in Rotterdam.
Meanwhile, Burger King opened a garden-inspired restaurant in Singapore in 2011.
Photography is by Ross Honeysett.