christophe gernigon’s suspended shields imagine future of restaurant dining

update 05.25.2020: building upon the original design, christophe gernigon’s XXL plex’eat shields have been enlarged to fit pairs of diners. the initial visors were suspended from the ceiling to hover around – and protect – each individual at the table. now, the designer has expanded the concept to fit both diners at a table for two, providing a safe but social space for the pair. see the original and new designs below.

as life beings to reopen and people slowly yet considerately reconnect during the COVID-19 crisis, restaurants and bars must find a new and safe way of welcoming in customers whilst social distancing. while an amsterdam restaurant places diners in their own individual greenhouses, designer christophe gernigon conceptualizes plex’eat which suspends XXL protective visors around the diners’ heads.

plex’eat surrounds the uperp body of each diner
all images courtesy of christophe gernigon studio

as diners sit around a table in a restaurant, christophe gernigon’s plex’eat hangs down from the ceiling, like pendant lights, to surround each person’s upper body. these shields curve up at the rear to allow users to enter/exit. made from transparent plexiglass, the hanging cones ensure that the diners can still see each other and their meals. they are also lightweight and easy for restaurants to clean between sittings.

but, as we adapt to the new normal, could this really be our future for dining in safety?…

the see-through shields aim to protect the diners and staff

each shield hangs down from the ceiling

the cones curve up at the rear so that users can enter/exit

it is made from lightweight plexiglass 

plex’eat protects both diners at a table for two

the enlarged shield creates a suspended bubble for the pair to sit and dine in

 
the two diners can easily and socially talk to one another

concept info:

designer: christophe gernigon

name: plex’eat