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A moody composition of cool colors contrasting with hard surfaces, this mixed American/Oriental restaurant in Seattle subtly instills an Asian mood without overt or obvious references. Located off the bustling, chaotic atrium of the 76-story Columbia Center, this 2,200-square-foot, 60-seat restaurant is designed as an oasis of tranquility for the upscale professional working in the area.
Just inside the entry a small fountain eases guests' transition from the noisy atrium to the serenity of the restaurant. The slate tile and patinated metal entry introduce the colors - blue green, black, and shades of steely grey - and materials that predominate in the interior.
The space is organized around and focuses on a centrally located free-standing bar and waiter's station composed of cold-rolled hand-brushed steel coated with clear lacquer to emulate stainless at a lower cost. To create contrast, the bar's angles and corners are finished with darker, grittier hot-rolled steel. At left and rear of the bar narrow stand-up tables, also finished in steel and anchored by pairs of narrow steel structural columns extending to the ceiling, separate the dining areas from the bar. Complementing this sense of separation the main dining space is raised two steps as it elevates sightlines.
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