Abstract
In this study, we selected 12 typical traditional restaurants in Korea and China and analyzed their application of traditional design approach. Through this analysis, we tried to explore similarities and differences of Korean restaurants and Chinese restaurants in order to determine the preferable way to express their own traditional design. We categorized traditional design approach as cultural elements, designing method, coloring and materials. The results are as follows: First, following a tradition and interpreting a tradition are considered as compelling design methods to express traditional culture. However, when combining a traditional and a modern design approach, it is important to either strongly emphasize traditional design elements or use small number of traditional design elements as focal points in modern design restaurants. Second, when designing a traditional restaurant using modern design elements with traditional focal points, it is more desirable to follow and/or to interpret a traditional elements, rather than experimenting an excessively unconventional design. Moreover, the design elements of exterior of a restaurant shows the identity of the restaurant. Therefore, using traditional elements in the exterior helps recognizing the traditional characteristics and culture. On the other hands, for the interior of the restaurant, it is better to use modern design method and materials for the practical reasons, such as construction cost reduction and ease of construction. We also discovered that it is more effective to use traditional elements to the pattern and color. The results of this study will set a foundation for further research of developing a design guideline for traditional restaurants.
