01/01/2026
Khao San
Uttara, Dhaka
Khao San Uttara is the third outlet of a Thai restaurant brand. Rather than replicating an existing interior language, the project explores how a brand can evolve spatially while maintaining continuity.
The brand was approached with the understanding that it may expand over time. Each outlet is conceived not as a copy, but as an evolving process, responding to its specific context and conditions. When viewed collectively, all Khao San outlets read as individual: different in character, yet threaded together to form a cohesive brand identity.
The design draws inspiration from Thailand’s vivid contrasts, its vibrant street life and its quieter moments of serenity. Khao San Road in Bangkok, known for its layered signages by day and neon-lit energy by night, becomes a key reference. The interior embraces bold colors, playful elements, and visual storytelling to reflect the celebratory spirit of Thai street culture in a contemporary setting.
Uttara’s dining demographic leans heavily toward families and larger groups, prompting a layout that prioritizes flexibility. The plan accommodates 15 tables with the ability to merge seating during peak hours. Long seaters support group dining, while centrally placed six-seater tables ensure larger parties remain visually and socially connected to the space. A transitional foyer near the entrance functions as a waiting area, photo zone, and online pickup point, ensuring smooth circulation without disturbing seated guests.
Color plays a central role in shaping the ambiance. Building on the brand’s primary orange and royal blue, the palette expands into warm peach-toned walls and soft baby blue ceilings. These muted yet warm surfaces act as a canvas for plants, furniture, neon signage, and illustrations, creating a vibrant environment without visual fatigue. Strategic moments of calm and visual “breathing space” are intentionally introduced to balance the intensity of colors and décor.
Black metal mesh partitions recall street-side separations while maintaining visual permeability. Custom-designed lantern-inspired light fixtures. The elephant integral to Khao San’s logo, continues as a recurring visual anchor across all outlets.
A defining feature of the Uttara outlet is the tuk-tuk installation. What began as a painted mural element in the first outlet evolves here into a physical artifact, sourced from original tuk-tuk parts and reinterpreted in color.
Lighting is designed to respond to the day–night shift of the space. While natural light dominates during the day, enhanced artificial lighting ensure the interior retains its vibrancy at night. Reflective silk-finish walls further amplify light and color. All materials and fabrication were locally sourced.
Executed under an extremely compressed timeline and without conventional visual renders, the project relied heavily on on-site decisions, and close collaboration with local fabricators. The result is a space that is fun, welcoming, and urbane.
Photography: Prantography
