Landini Associates has unveiled a new concept for McDonald’s at Admiralty Station, Hong Kong, in recognition of two major anniversaries: 50 years of McDonald’s in the region and 70 years since Ray Kroc launched his first restaurant in the United States.
The location, among the busiest McDonald’s restaurants worldwide, has been transformed with the introduction of the “Mood-Engine”, a 22-metre-long feature that alters the ambience throughout the day. This follows the 2015 launch of the “Project Ray” concept at the same venue. The new installation includes animated content, lighting transitions, and nostalgic ‘McDonald-Land’ visuals intended to reflect the pace and energy of modern urban life.
Photography by Andrew Meredith
“The idea is that an interior investment can be timeless – that a ‘decorative mood’ can be generated and then reflected from a single, central source,” said Mark Landini, Creative Director of Landini Associates. “Our original design for Ray has proven its intent, to be a classically neutral and long-lasting space. This ‘Ray-Naissance’ can now shift from calm to energetic, playfully branded to locally nuanced – forever changing and forever adaptable. The Mood-Engine resonates to the energy required by the guests in the moment. Like a chameleon it responds to its environment.”
A new double-canopy entrance welcomes visitors with a reflective design that recalls the brand’s original roofline. Illuminated yellow feature walls frame the approach, aiming to create a prominent presence akin to McDonald’s early storefronts.
Photography by Andrew Meredith
Inside, a high-capacity Fast Service Lobby is equipped to serve over 1,200 guests per hour. The area incorporates digital kiosks, mobile order pickup zones, and an open kitchen constructed with recyclable aluminium, aimed at increasing customer transparency and operational visibility. The materials throughout have been chosen for durability and easy recycling, including stainless steel and mechanically fixed components.
Photography by Andrew Meredith
A McCafé Bar made from recycled plastic introduces a subdued colour palette. Situated opposite is the McCafé Hideaway, a more intimate, timber-lined space crafted with FSC-certified materials to encourage moments of pause and social connection.
Photography by Andrew Meredith
At the rear, the restaurant has expanded into an Urban Sanctuary capable of seating 330 patrons. Furniture from the original Project Ray design has been reused, alongside new pieces developed by Landini Associates. Tabletops made from recycled laminate pulp and coffee grounds feature throughout, complemented by planted partitions and diffused lighting for a calmer atmosphere.
Both the McCafé Hideaway and the Urban Sanctuary serve dual roles as event venues, with movable walls and modular seating enabling formats for up to 150 guests.
Environmental impact has been a key focus, with materials selected for long-term performance and minimal lifecycle emissions. The design utilises low-carbon concrete, recyclable aluminium panels, and cradle-to-cradle floor tiles. Upholstery uses solvent-free PU leather, and energy-saving features include LED lighting systems and a low-consumption video wall.
