Woodland @ AEON
Nilai Shopping Mall

Set in the biggest Aeon Shopping Mall in Malaysia, The Woodlands food court was an exercise in bringing a bit of nature into this massive built environment. On paper, it may sound like a conventional food court serving a diverse array of food but the environment in which to enjoy these dishes is not ordinary by any means.

The client wanted a space where diners would want to linger even after they finished their meals and what could be more welcoming than being in a lush woodland. To this end, the designers imagined the space as a serene forest glade with towering trees. Full height artificial trees and smaller shrubs were placed randomly throughout the 18,600 square feet space not just to simulate the natural order in which trees grow but also so that diners would experience a different feel (and selfie opportunities) from every angle.

Appropriate since the target customers were students from the nearby universities. Located in the centre of the mall, dining sections with a 500 seat capacity are spread across the floor so while each section has a unique element such as private dining areas festooned with creeping vines, they are still tied to the overall theme with earthy tones and timber veneer.