The newly opened Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles boasts the striking Skywalker Grill, a creation by Rockwell Group that eschews traditional right angles for fluid curves, featuring cherry wood interiors that enhance its organic aesthetic. Inspired by MAD Architects‘ biomorphic architecture, the restaurant continues these sweeping forms throughout its interior.
Drawing inspiration from the warm wood aesthetics of George Lucas‘s Skywalker Ranch, located in Marin County, California, and emphasizing cherry wood design, the restaurant offers panoramic views of the Los Angeles skyline from its fifth-floor position. With its name drawn from the famed sci-fi saga, the Skywalker Grill invites both museum-goers and the general public to enjoy its offerings for lunch and dinner.
The Elegance of Cherry Wood Interiors
The design team emphasized that the absence of 90-degree angles aligns the restaurant with the museum’s distinct architecture. Walls curve gracefully while each wood panel is uniquely crafted. Finger-raked columns mirror the tambour banquettes that encircle the room, adding to the organic feel of the interiors.
Upon arrival, guests are guided through a corridor lined with cherry panelling that extends seamlessly across the ceiling, exemplifying the restaurant’s signature style. Seating areas feature dynamic partitions that rise and fall naturally, creating pockets for intimate conversation.
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A central island is surrounded by green crushed velvet banquettes matching the booth upholstery. Circular tables and soft grey freestanding dining chairs complement the ensemble. Cherry-wrapped columns angle upward like tree limbs, converging on a beige plaster ceiling illuminated by cove lighting, contributing to the extraordinary skywalker museum design.
The chic bar area showcases a glossy, white serpentine counter enhanced with fluted crystal silver leaf tiles. The backdrop is crafted from illuminated Corian, adding a modern touch. A large ovoid window opens towards an outdoor terrace, presenting stunning views of the University of Southern California and Downtown LA.
According to the team, the restaurant combines cinematic storytelling elements such as framing, light, and scale with a blend of high-tech materials and handcrafted details. The menu echoes its Californian roots, featuring locally sourced ingredients like Wagyu beef and honey ricotta from Skywalker Ranch.
Situated on a 13-acre site near Exposition Park, the Lucas Museum is a storytelling haven with galleries, theaters, and educational spaces. Clad in over 1,200 curved panels crafted by MAD and Stantec, the museum’s design resonates with the futuristic imagery of Lucas’s films and complements the interiors of the Skywalker Grill.
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Known for crafting immersive dining environments, Rockwell Group has also designed an art deco Manhattan steakhouse, a rotating restaurant above Times Square, and a unique “cathedral of fried chicken.” The striking photography capturing this innovative project is by Tom McGovern.
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the design theme of the Skywalker Grill?
The Skywalker Grill’s design theme is defined by fluid curves and cherry wood interiors, inspired by the biomorphic architecture of MAD Architects and the warm wood aesthetics of George Lucas’s Skywalker Ranch.
What is unique about the seating arrangements in the Skywalker Grill?
The seating areas feature dynamic partitions that rise and fall naturally, creating pockets for intimate conversation, which enhances the organic feel of the interiors.
What views can diners enjoy at the Skywalker Grill?
Diners at the Skywalker Grill can enjoy panoramic views of the Los Angeles skyline, as well as views toward the University of Southern California and Downtown LA from a large ovoid window opening towards an outdoor terrace.