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Will These See-Through Shields Be the Future of Restaurant Dining?

Photo credit: Christophe Gernigon Studio
Photo credit: Christophe Gernigon Studio

From House Beautiful

UPDATE: This weekend, the French Sitour company has officially begun production of Christophe Gernigon's shields. The manufacturer will make the single model pictured above as well as a double model for couples.

Like many of us, Christophe Gernigon is worried about the future of restaurants. After extended closures due to the coronavirus pandemic, many restaurants are struggling financially—not to mention, the concept of reopening is especially complicated for establishments whose entire existence is based on many people sharing food in a small space. So, Gernigon, a Paris-based designer, decided to find a solution. Enter the Plex'Eat.

A plexiglass cone designed to fit around diners' heads, the Plex'Eat hangs from the ceiling much like a pendant light. With a shape similar to the protective visors frontline workers wear to shield themselves from germs, the Plex'Eat would similarly create a sort of cone of safety from nearby diners.

The concept was the result of hours of late night musings. "I imagined, during the nocturnal creative wanderings of these months of confinement, a new way of welcoming customers of bars and restaurants in search of outings," Gernigon shares on his website.

After many prototypes were made and approved, Plex'Eat production has begun. Considering the elegance of Gernigon's design, we can imagine this being a measure certain restaurateurs and restaurant designers will adopt. If nothing else, the concept proves the importance that good design can play in restoring some normalcy to our lives post-pandemic. Here's to creative problem solving!

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