Introduction to the Moving Kitchen Restaurant by J.C. Architecture

In February 2019, Taiwanese society heavily criticized a new tourism train for being expensive and unattractive. Instead of joining the complaints, JC Architecture responded with an open letter encouraging positivity and change. This led to the opportunity to design Taiwan’s first-ever tourist train, “The Future,” which later won the Japanese Good Design Award.

The Concept Behind the Moving Kitchen

Recently, JC Architecture reimagined the traditional train experience by creating Taiwan’s first railway kitchen, named “The Moving Kitchen.” The logo, “R,” symbolizes “Restaurant, Railway, Reimagination,” aiming to connect culture with the excitement of a new experience.

Features of the Moving Kitchen

“The Moving Kitchen” is a traveling restaurant with seating for 54 people. It includes a full-size kitchen, bars, lounges, and various dining arrangements. Instead of purchasing a new train from foreign companies, the Taiwan Railway Administration allowed the use of 70-year-old railcars, transforming old heritage with new possibilities.

Overcoming Challenges

Transforming an old train into a restaurant came with challenges, such as tripling the power supply for cooking needs and redesigning fixed chairs for comfort. The lighting system was redesigned to highlight the food and complement the scenic views outside. Additionally, a metallic sculptural light was added to create a floral sensation during the dining experience.

Unique Design Elements

Despite not being able to alter the train’s structural profile or add skylight windows, research revealed that Taiwanese trains uniquely travel with mountains on the right and the ocean on the left. This led to an asymmetrical ceiling design, featuring larger windows with black frames on the ocean side and natural wood elements on the mountain side. The design also incorporated concentrated lighting, air-conditioning, and a speaker system into a single profile line, guiding passengers throughout the train.

A New Era for Taiwan Railways

Johnny Chiu, the founder of JC Architecture, expressed the desire to create a unique railway dining experience exclusive to Taiwan. For the first time in the 132-year history of the Taiwan Railways Administration, a new self-identity emerged, bringing confidence and hope to the 15,000-employee organization and revitalizing the conventional railway with innovative design policies on a national level.