Design Statement The assignment was to design a bar and bistro in Mexico which I have named “May~Kico”. The chosen location for this project is in site of the ancient Mayan ruins, and of approximately 3000 sq. feet. It is to be a part of an existing resort hotel, which caters to affluent single clientele. With this in mind, the idea was to create dining area in an intimate seating that is conducive to socializing. This facility should include (A) a bar area consisting of 18 seats, (B) a dining area for a minimum of 50 guests and (C) a small lounge area. The design concept interprets the feeling that is captured in the ancient Mayan ruins with modern esthetic ideas. By examining the world of Maya, I found they symbolized their beliefs in a very imaginative way. The symbols express their way of understanding the world and their surroundings. This idea is repeated over and over again, and in this design I was trying to give respect and recognition to the power of these ancient symbols. With this in mind, copper was chosen to present the ancient and somewhat mysterious past of the Maya, and the wood in order to warm up the environment. I was looking for a link that would create a unified setting. When you look at the Mayan ruins you see mainly the remaining structure of an amazing culture. My symbol was found, using the monolithic stone structure was a way to create a symbol that will repeat throughout the space and again will be a wonderful reminder of the ruins of the Maya. When you come through the doors of “May~Kico”, you interact with three-dimensional walls that look like a modern version of brick construction. This modern wall is in contrast to the significant massive structure of the Mayan ruins, but at the same time creates an ongoing dialog between the old and the new, between our way of symbolism and the ancient symbolism. Architecturally, glass was used to divide spaces in the restaurant. The idea was to create distance between the now and the then, but at the same time allowing the viewer to reflect on what was and what shall be.