Uptown African restaurant in Montreal
Anchored in the concept of "Origins," this project utilizes neuro-architecture to transform a dining space into a cognitive sanctuary. The design strategy reduces cognitive load through aggressive biophilia, enveloping guests in a "jungle" canopy that lowers cortisol levels and mimics the restorative qualities of the natural world. The focal installation of Batonga baskets introduces a soothing visual rhythm through fractal-like repetition, satisfying the brain’s innate need for organized complexity. By reviving previously "dead zones" with tactile wood finishes and dappled lighting, the environment engages the parasympathetic nervous system, shifting the user’s state from urban alertness to ancestral grounding.