TYPHOON RESTAURANT

The restaurant was created to serve the needs of people using and working at the Santa Monica Airport, as well as to be a destination point for others who come from a wide range of nearby communities.  The roof of the dining room was also designed to function as a public observation deck and is frequently used by individuals and families who come there just to watch the planes.

The design attempts to capture a sense of flight and aviation technology.  The plan of the restaurant is in the shape of a wing, resembling that of a stealth bomber.  It provides a panoramic view of the runway and on clear days one can see the Pacific Ocean to the west as well as Century City to the east. Sitting on a concrete base the major materials of the exterior are steel and glass.

On the interior exposed Douglas Fir beams and polished concrete floor contrast with more refined cherrywood paneling.  Custom designed copper lamps hanging over the booths incorporate aeronautical weather symbols, as well as riveted construction like that of an airplane fuselage.

Photographer: Tim Street-Porter