In August, Chicago city officials knew that strong gusts of wind and freezing temperatures were only months away from deterring residents from eating out, and would in turn devastate many of the restaurants and bars in the city. city. According to the National Restaurant Association, restaurants using outdoor patio areas have derived 44% of their income from alfresco dining since the start of the pandemic.
To imagine how restaurants could survive the winter, the city of Chicago and global design firm IDEO put together more than 600 ideas for the future of winter cookouts. Rather than seeking the expertise of a limited group of stakeholders, the city and IDEO opened the contest to anyone, be it a resident of Chicago, Stockholm, or elsewhere, in the hope that innovative solutions could be extended to others. cities. throughout the country and the world.
“I would say [the climate and pandemic challenges] were quite complicated,” said Catherine Corbin, executive director of IDEO Chicago. And while there were no “easy answers,” he says the competition spawned some thoughtful ideas that balanced keeping customers warm, safe, and providing owners with enough capacity to make the operation worthwhile.
The judges, a mixed panel of stakeholders from local restaurants, community members and government officials, were tasked with narrowing down the entries to three winners, whose ideas are outlined below.
Ubiquitous in Japanese homes, the heated table is undoubtedly an inexpensive way to keep customers warm when the temperature drops below freezing.
The idea, created by Ellie Henderson, only requires the following: a table (restaurants can simply reuse existing ones), a blanket, a heating device, and another flat surface. The heating device, be it a specific Kotatsu heater or another method, such as a heating mat, would be placed under the table.
Simple enough. Will it really keep the cold out? standard way. Seating for this type of table design generally includes pillows or lawn chairs if they sit Japanese style, but restaurants can also use chairs if they prefer.
A small enclosed cabin that can fit inside a standard parking space, the “cozy cabin” is not much different from some of the “igloo” or “greenhouse” designs that have appeared from time to time.
Inspired by ice fishing cabins and “warm and bright cabins,” according to Amy Young, who presented the idea on behalf of design firm ASD | CIELO, these cozy cabins would include underfloor heating along with vents in the ceiling that allow air to circulate. The cabin walls are transparent, allowing customers a sense of community while remaining socially distant. Provided the cabin interior is thoroughly cleaned after use, you should check the boxes regarding COVID-19 safety protocols.
However, if customers are too cold, each block can be fitted with a curtain to provide insulation and pack in the heat. The blocks can also be attached to fit different party sizes.
As this idea moves into the prototyping phase, the details about cost and construction will need to be defined.
The three winners will receive $ 5,000 along with the opportunity to try the ideas at restaurants throughout the city. Now begins the process of prototyping, pilot testing and reiteration, which will be overseen by the Illinois Restaurant Association and funded by BMO Harris Bank.
