Extended Play is a conceptual dining experience centred around live music, reimagining the iconic Night and Day Café in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. Sparked by a recent noise complaint that jeopardised the venue’s future, this project envisions a sound-insulated space where music and hospitality can coexist. In collaboration with Wong EnQi, an architecture student at the University of Manchester, we proposed a redesign that preserves the spirit of the original while ensuring its longevity—hence the name Extended Play. The concept blends architecture, branding, and storytelling to honour a beloved cultural landmark.
Based on research and a recent visit to Le Fresnoy in Lille, France, designed by Bernard Tschumi Architects, EnQi discovered that soundproof rooms often avoid parallel walls to prevent sound particles from bouncing directly between surfaces. This insight highlighted the importance of form in acoustic design, prompting EnQi to experiment with architectural shapes that not only symbolise music but also enhance its experience within the space.
This exploration led to a deeper consideration of the interiors of musical instruments—their curved, wooden structures—as inspiration for creating a dynamic and acoustically engaging environment, particularly envisioned for a restaurant setting.
The technical provisions for insulation ensures that the music remains a central focus without causing disturbances to the surroundings.
The logomark was made through abstracting the architectural form of the guitar-shaped floor plan, and developed into a wordmark.
The menu features small bites that are quick to serve yet rich in flavour—drawing from Southeast East Asian street food traditions. Designed to be shareable, the dishes reflect the multicultural vibrancy of Manchester’s Northern Quarter and support the venue’s goal of fostering community through food and music.
The menu presentation itself is a tactile, multisensory experience. Designed to resemble a vinyl record sleeve, the menu includes a placemat shaped like a vinyl disc.
