1996 Burger is a minimalist space located in Taipei, Taiwan, designed by Habitat Architects. The layout is strategically segmented into three distinct areas, mirroring the structure of a train, while the plaster floor evokes the sensation of a floating, maglev train. This design approach cleverly utilizes the elongated space of the location, offering a unique customer experience. Echoing the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and a nod to Japanese aesthetics, the store’s design incorporates techniques seen in traditional Japanese row houses. Central to this design is an atrium, strategically placed to optimize natural light and enhance the interior with elements of nature. This not only resolves the challenge of lighting in extended spaces but also adds a dynamic visual element.

Reflective surfaces throughout the store amplify this effect, creating a series of evolving visual experiences as customers move through the space. The store’s layout is both intuitive and exploratory, with the atrium acting as a focal point that divides the space into front, middle, and back sections. This division is further emphasized by linear elements like air conditioning vents and counters, which guide the flow of movement within the store. The use of materials is in line with the brand’s ethos of quality and craftsmanship. Kiln-fired bricks impart a sense of warmth, light wood tones subvert expectations of fast food environments, and sphere lights are integrated seamlessly, eschewing the typical commercial emphasis on accent lighting.