Interview about DaMingDingDing Chinese Hot Pot, winner of the A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award 2021
This is a Chinese hot pot restaurant in Fuzhou. The designer uses the characteristics of the light strip and the titanium plate to reflect the light source, to outline the sense of indoor space. Using linear light to outline the entire space, through the light and shadow of the titanium plated metal plate, the designer has created a cheerful light field. Take a time machine to travel through time and space, and enjoy the food at this time. The light particles converge into layers of light, beam, showing the sense of speed through the lines, and marking a splendid time for you and us.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsOur design choice of light strips and titanium plates is based on the hope that the interaction between titanium plates and lights will create a dazzling feeling, to express the brilliance and dazzle of the Chinese palace, and also cleverly use changes in light and shadow to enhance the dining experience. The dynamic light effect of the light strip simulates the beating of the flame, and the metallic luster of the titanium plate echoes the "fire" and "gold" elements in Chinese culture. The overall design not only makes the dining environment full of vitality, but also allows every diner to enjoy While enjoying delicious food, you can feel the warmth and enthusiasm from traditional culture. This design enhances the atmosphere of the restaurant, allowing diners to fully immerse themselves in the dining process and enjoy a double feast of vision and taste. Symbols of fire and lamps: In Chinese culture, flame is not only the core element of cooking, but also symbolizes passion, energy and vitality. As a classic Chinese food culture, hot pot emphasizes collective dining and a warm social atmosphere. We simulate the beating and changes of the flame through the dynamic changes of the light strip and the luster of the titanium plate. This design allows diners not only to feel the heat of the food during the meal, but also to appreciate the spiritual symbol brought by the flame, further Enhance the immersion of dining. Changes of light and shadow: Patterns such as window grilles, carvings and screens, which are common in traditional Chinese architecture, usually emphasize the interaction of shadow and light. In the restaurant design, we used the light reflection properties of titanium plates and the light adjustment of the light strips to create an effect similar to a traditional Chinese screen, allowing light and shadow to flow in the restaurant, which can not only enhance the dining atmosphere, but also allow diners to feel the traditional culture The aesthetics of "light and shadow".
Main motivating reasons: Cultural inheritance and modern innovation: Combining palace aesthetics and modern design not only retains the exquisiteness of Chinese tradition, but also improves modern comfort and practicality. Cultural exploration of young diners: Modern young people have a strong interest in traditional culture and are also eager for novel and personalized experiences. This fusion of time and space just caters to their needs. Visual and emotional resonance: The design not only focuses on visual aesthetic impact, but also allows diners to experience a cultural immersion experience while enjoying delicious food. Resonance with young diners in Fuzhou: Demand for a sense of ritual: Young diners like a ceremonial dining experience. Ancient palace elements and exquisite design can enhance the overall atmosphere and are in line with their pursuit of high quality and exquisite enjoyment. Social media check-in needs: The unique design provides young people with visual highlights for checking in and sharing, becoming a hot topic on social platforms. Combination of cultural confidence and modernity: This fusion allows young people to not only feel the pride of local culture, but also experience the perfect combination of modern fashion and high-end catering. In short, such a design can create a dining space that is both modern and culturally profound while retaining Chinese classical aesthetics, attracting the attention of young diners and enhancing their dining experience.
1. The texture and light and shadow of titanium metal combine with golden luster: The golden color of titanium metal can naturally reflect light, create a warm and non-glaring light and shadow effect, and enhance the visual hierarchy of the dining environment. Combination of high-gloss and matte surfaces: Some titanium metal partitions can be polished to highlight the luster; the other part can be matte-finished to avoid being too dazzling and achieve a balance between luxury and comfort. 2. Noble and modern design language with royal elements: The design pattern of the partition can be integrated into classical patterns, such as traditional Chinese dragon patterns, phoenix patterns, or modern geometric shapes to highlight elegance. Brand personality: Golden titanium partitions paired with restaurant theme colors can create an exclusive high-end image and attract taste-conscious customers. 3. Durability and plasticity of titanium metal. Titanium metal has extremely high strength and corrosion resistance, and is especially suitable for catering environments: Hollow texture design: laser cutting technology can be used to make exquisite hollow partitions, allowing light to penetrate and enhancing the beauty of the space. Transparency and artistry. High temperature tolerance: The hot pot restaurant environment is full of steam and oil fumes. Titanium metal is easy to clean and not easy to discolor, keeping it looking new for a long time. 4. Luxurious balance of socialization and privacy. Design of titanium metal partitions that combines privacy and interaction needs: Dynamic partition design: Use golden titanium metal to create sliding or folding partitions to flexibly adjust open or closed spaces to meet the different needs of customers. Zoned lighting coordination: LED lights are embedded in the partitions to produce a soft golden glow on the titanium surface, enhancing the space atmosphere. 5. Combined with the artistic conception of hot pot culture, the golden color of titanium metal can echo the hot atmosphere of the hot pot and add cultural connotation: Molten gold: The design style of the partition can simulate the boiling soup at the bottom of the pot, adding interactivity and interest. High-end banquet experience: The golden titanium partitions can make customers feel like they are in a luxurious palace. Titanium metal partitions are not only a practical functional element in hot pot restaurant design, but also a symbol of taste and style. They can greatly enhance brand positioning and attract customers who pay attention to details and high-end experience.
The constellation chandelier of Da Ming Ding Ding Hotpot is inspired by the traditional Chinese constellation - the Twenty-eight Constellations, which has deep cultural and philosophical implications. The twenty-eight constellations symbolize the unity of heaven and man and the laws of the universe, conveying the meaning of auspiciousness and protection. The star arrangement and star track design of the chandelier reproduce the image of the night sky, using warm golden and soft white light to create a warm and mysterious atmosphere, allowing customers to feel as if they are under the stars and feel the depth and romance of traditional culture. The design is not only visually striking but also echoes the sharing spirit of hotpot. The constellations symbolize connection and reunion, and the light of the chandelier seems to be guarding the customers at each table, adding a sense of ritual and emotional warmth to the meal. At the same time, the arrangement of the chandeliers combined with the layout of the table area creates a dynamic and harmonious space experience. Modern craftsmanship reproduces the classical star patterns, which not only shows elegant taste, but also allows customers to immerse themselves in the cultural stories and artistic conception in the food. This design achieves the perfect fusion of tradition and modernity, enhancing the style and dining experience of the hot pot restaurant. Connection with the dining experience The design of the constellation chandelier is not only a decoration, but also closely connected with the hot pot culture and dining atmosphere: Cultural immersion: The starry sky image created by the chandelier allows customers to feel the depth and romance of traditional culture while dining, adding to the spiritual of satisfaction. Resonance and connection: Constellations symbolize the connection between groups and individuals, which is in line with the concept of hot pot sharing. The light of the chandelier creates a warm feeling of togetherness. Visual focus: The chandelier becomes an eye-catching focus in the space, attracting customers to appreciate and interact with the environment, and enhancing the ritual sense of dining.
Fiercely competitive market positioning challenge: There are a large number of Chinese fast food restaurants in Fuzhou shopping malls, with affordable prices and fast food delivery, attracting a large number of consumers. Hot pot is a form of dining that requires more time, so how to attract customers becomes the key. Solution: Make the "sharing and ritual sense"** of hot pot the core of the brand, creating a dining experience that is more unique and worth stopping for than fast food. It combines hot pot culture with local characteristics to create a high-end and warm environment, providing a social atmosphere that fast food cannot match. The challenge of creating a visual focus that attracts traffic: Shopping malls are densely populated, so how to attract the attention of passing customers is crucial. Solution: Design an open hot pot bar area at the entrance, where customers can watch the hot pot cooking process in real time, stimulating visual and taste attraction. The exterior adopts a highly iconic design language, such as abstract constellation symbols and warm lighting effects, making Da Ming Ding Ding a visual landmark in the mall. By overcoming these challenges, Da Ming Ding Ding not only achieved the uniqueness of its space and brand, but also redefined the positioning of hotpot in shopping malls. This unique combination of culture and design is the key to our ability to stand out in the market.
Source of inspiration: The integration of Chinese food culture and the future. Inspiration from traditional Chinese culture: Inspiration comes from the traditional Chinese philosophy of "Yin Yang and Five Elements". The endless flow of time and space symbolizes the harmony between nature and mankind. As a symbol of shared food, hot pot is closely related to the flow of time. Inspiration from modern technology: Combine the hot pot experience with sci-fi elements to create a dining atmosphere that transcends reality. The light lines imitate the visual experience of intertwining time and space, symbolizing the continuation and innovation of hot pot culture in the modern context. The visual language of the time tunnel: the light lines are arranged in a gradient and dynamic manner, simulating the effect of the tunnel extending forward. The lights gradually light up, creating an immersive experience for customers to enter "time travel". Integration with the hot pot area: The design expands the "tunnel" concept around the center of the hot pot area, making the hot pot area the core of the intersection of time and space, highlighting the ritual sense of hot pot in the overall dining experience. Visual focus: The "time tunnel" in the pot area has become the core attraction of the restaurant, which not only leaves a deep impression on customers, but also enhances the brand's iconicity. Integration of cultural connotation and modernity: When customers taste hot pot, they also feel the cultural journey intertwined between the past and the future, sublimating a meal into a multiple experience of vision, emotion and taste. The "Time Tunnel" design successfully combines the profound meaning of Chinese hot pot culture with the cool effects of modern technology. It has not only become the highlight of the restaurant, but also the core memory point of brand communication.
1. Differentiated functions and experiences between the hot pot area and the private room area Hot pot area: a center of sharing and vitality Open layout: As the core area of the restaurant, the hot pot area is mainly open-plan designed to facilitate multiple people to share meals, creating a lively and warm atmosphere Atmosphere. Time tunnel design: The light lines surrounding the pot area create an immersive "time tunnel" effect, attracting customers' attention and enhancing the iconicity of the space. Dynamic interaction: lighting effects and material selection enhance the visual focus, attract customers to gather, and form a natural social center. Box area: Private and exclusive experience Sound insulation and independence: The box design fully considers the need for privacy, using golden titanium partitions and sound-absorbing materials to reduce external interference. Theme design: Each box combines constellation culture and personalized lighting design to create an exclusive cultural atmosphere and provide a unique experience for business or family dinners. 2. Unified design language and unified material consistency of design elements: both the pot area and the box area are made of golden titanium metal, frosted glass and dark wood materials to achieve visual continuity. Language of light and shadow: The lighting design is the core of unity, with soft warm light as the main theme, and constellation elements running through the pot area and private rooms to form a cultural connection with the overall space. Tone and texture: The overall space uses a combination of dark gray, golden and wood colors, which is both modern and Chinese-style. Smooth sight guidance for space transition: Use ground light strips and ceiling light extensions to realize the visual transition from the pot area to the box, making the space naturally connected. Clever division of partitions: The partition design not only serves as a functional partition, but also maintains a sense of transparency, allowing a vague connection between the pot area and the box area, rather than a complete separation. 3. Overall improvement of the dining experience. The dynamic and static atmosphere design creates a sharp contrast between the vitality of the pot area and the tranquility of the private rooms, allowing customers to choose the appropriate space according to their dining needs to meet diverse experience needs. The combination of culture and modernity: the constellation chandelier, dynamic light and shadow and material selection unify traditional culture and futuristic sense. No matter which area you are in, you can feel the depth and connotation of the design. Multi-functional design to maximize space utilization: the pot area can accommodate multiple people at the same time, and the size of the private rooms can be flexibly adjusted to adapt to dining needs of different sizes and improve the overall square footage efficiency. Efficient circulation planning: The distribution of the pot area and private room area is centered on smooth circulation. The activities of service staff and customers do not interfere with each other, ensuring a comfortable dining experience. Summary: In a space of 220 square meters, Daming Dingding Hotpot successfully balances the needs of excitement and privacy, culture and modernity through the functional zoning and unified design language of the pot area and private rooms. The hotpot area focuses on vitality and social interaction, while the private rooms focus on exclusivity and comfort. The two are connected through unified materials, lighting and themes, providing customers with a high-end hotpot experience that is both unique and consistent.
The Da Ming Ding Ding hotpot private room is made of titanium material, aiming to create a luxurious, modern and culturally profound atmosphere. The following are the main considerations for material selection and the specific ways how it can enhance the overall dining experience: 1. Considerations for material selection (1) The need for aesthetics and luxury Visual appeal: Titanium has a golden color, which not only exudes a royal atmosphere, It also shows a sense of modern luxury, which perfectly matches the brand's high-end positioning. Material texture: The surface of titanium is smooth and full of metallic luster, providing a dual sense of tactile and visual sophistication, making the box design more high-end. (2) Durability and practicality Anti-corrosion and anti-fouling: Titanium material is durable and easy to clean, suitable for the high humidity and high oil smoke environment of hot pot restaurants, and can maintain a new appearance for a long time. Structural stability: Titanium is lightweight but high-strength, suitable for use in partitions, walls, etc., and is both beautiful and resistant to deformation. (3) The fit of culture and brand symbols Cultural association: Golden yellow symbolizes nobility and prosperity in Chinese culture. The tone and texture of titanium material continue the noble temperament of traditional gold foil decoration, echoing the cultural theme of the restaurant. Modern interpretation: Compared with traditional metal materials, titanium gold has a softer color and a sense of technology with modern craftsmanship, highlighting the brand's innovation and cultural integration concepts. 2. How materials enhance the overall dining experience (1) Create an immersive atmosphere that balances luxury and warmth: The golden luster of titanium exudes a soft but not dazzling light against the light, improving the comfort of the box and allowing customers to enjoy a high-end atmosphere. Relax and enjoy your meal. Sense of exclusivity and ritual: Titanium partitions and wall designs create high-end visual effects, making each box feel like an exclusive private space, enhancing the ritual and exclusive experience of dining. (2) Strengthen the continuation of the overall design language of the space: Titanium material is not only used in the private rooms, but also echoes other design elements in the pot area, such as metal chandeliers and partitions, creating the unity of the overall design language. Interaction of light and shadow effects: Titanium material can reflect light and complement the constellation lighting design in the box, forming dynamic light and shadow changes, adding a sense of layering and interest to the space. (3) Enhance emotional and cultural resonance. Integration of tradition and modernity: Titanium materials allow customers to feel the shadow of traditional Chinese culture in modern high-end designs, evoking a sense of cultural belonging and emotional resonance. Social and memory points: The luxurious box design provides customers with social scenes such as taking photos and gatherings, making the hot pot experience not only limited to the taste, but also extends to the visual and emotional levels. 3. Summary The selection of titanium materials is not only based on aesthetics and practicality, but also fully considers the cultural value of the brand and the customer’s experience needs. It not only strengthens the luxurious atmosphere of the box, but also plays a key role in design unity, spatial hierarchy and cultural connotation. This material choice allows every customer to feel that they are in a unique and high-end dining space, which adds a lot to the brand image of Daming Dingding Hotpot.
The success of Daming Dingding Hotpot not only demonstrates the potential of Chinese restaurant design, but also sets a benchmark for future restaurant interior design that integrates cultural elements and contemporary aesthetics. 1. Emphasize the reinterpretation of cultural elements and the global appeal of culture: As consumers’ demand for in-depth cultural experiences increases, expressing traditional culture in modern language has become an important trend in future restaurant design. Inspired by the Ming Dynasty Ding Ding: With the theme of Chinese constellation culture, it gives new vitality to traditional elements through contemporary materials (such as titanium), lighting technology and geometric design, successfully attracting local and international customers. Future trends: Designers will dig deeper into regional culture and create both localized and globalized spatial experiences from a cross-cultural perspective. 2. The balance between contemporary aesthetics and functionality from pure decoration to multi-sensory design: future restaurant design will not only pursue visual beauty, but also focus on the integration of multi-sensory experiences (touch, hearing, smell, etc.). Inspired by the Dingding of the Ming Dynasty: Through the interaction of light and materials in the "Time Tunnel", an immersive atmosphere is created, integrating cultural connotation with the dining process. Future trends: Restaurant spaces will pay more attention to the shaping of scenes and situations, such as interactive lighting, sound environment and smell design, to enhance customers' emotional resonance and brand memory points. 3. Personalization and flexibility of restaurant design to respond to diversified needs: In the future, restaurants will need to meet more diverse needs, such as quick dining, social gatherings, and private meetings. Inspired by the Ming Dynasty Ding Ding: The flexible division of the pot area and private room area takes into account both sharing and privacy needs, providing space options for different dining scenes. Future trends: Restaurant design will pay more attention to modularity and adjustability, allowing the space to be quickly converted to adapt to diverse customer needs and operating models. 4. The influence of sustainable design. Upgrading of materials and processes: With the improvement of environmental awareness, future design will pay more attention to the sustainability of materials and the environmental impact of the production process. Inspiration from the Ming Ding Ding: Replacing traditional metal decoration with durable, high-quality titanium materials achieves a win-win situation of beauty and practicality, and provides new ideas for material selection. Future trends: More designers will explore recycled materials and low-carbon processes to achieve a balance between environmental responsibility and aesthetic innovation. 5. The transformation of the restaurant as a cultural and social center, a place for socialization and cultural integration: The restaurant will go beyond the dining function and become a place for customers to experience culture and socialize. Inspiration from the Ming Dynasty Ding Ding: The embedding of constellation culture not only provides diners with topics of conversation, but also makes every meal a cultural journey. Future trends: Design will place more emphasis on the role of restaurants as centers for cultural exchanges and social activities, such as designing multi-purpose spaces, incorporating art displays or themed activities. Summary: Daming Dingding Hot Pot demonstrates a new model that integrates traditional culture and contemporary aesthetics, providing inspiration for future restaurant interior design: taking culture as the core of the brand, combining multi-sensory experience with modern design language, and achieving both functionality and emotional resonance. promote. This design not only changes customers' expectations for restaurant spaces, but also redefines the cultural value and market competitiveness of dining spaces.
The design journey of the "Famous Hot Pot Project" from Taiwan to Fuzhou is undoubtedly an innovative process full of challenges and breakthroughs. During this process, there will be many critical moments that will have a significant impact on the final design results. The following are some key moments that may have a profound impact on the entire design outcome: 1. Understanding of market needs and cultural differences In the early stages of the project, the design team from Taiwan to Fuzhou needed to have a deep understanding of the differences in consumer needs in the two places. Taiwan's hot pot culture tends to be diversified and emphasizes the freshness of ingredients and the diversity of soup bases, while Fuzhou has its own unique local characteristics, such as paying more attention to the exquisiteness of the soup base and the harmony of the ingredients. During this journey, the team needed to adjust and integrate these cultural differences, which influenced the final design positioning and ensured that it catered to the tastes of customers in both places. 2. Design evolution of cross-regional collaboration The cross-regional collaboration between the design team in Taiwan and Fuzhou also brought many twists and turns to the final design results. Since the cultural backgrounds, operating models and design needs of the two places are different, the team needs to constantly communicate and make adjustments to ensure that the design can not only meet the needs of the Fuzhou market, but also inherit Taiwan's local characteristics. This kind of cross-regional cooperation often makes the design concept more in-depth and innovative, and prompts the team to break through the traditional hot pot store design to form a distinctive comprehensive space. 3. Branding and Visual Identity Building Branding is a very critical process, especially when introducing Taiwanese hotpot culture into a new market like Fuzhou. During this process, the design team needed to ensure that the brand’s visual language was consistent between the two places without losing the local characteristics. After many visual deliberations and brand discussions, the design team finally established a unique logo design, color matching and decoration style, so that the brand can not only seamlessly transition between the two places, but also attract the attention of local customers. 4. Challenges and innovations in space design In terms of design, the team must solve how to provide the best dining experience in a limited space while conveying the core values of the brand. This meant the team had to balance functionality, comfort and ambience. Certain design breakthroughs, such as the open kitchen, dynamic light and shadow effects, or the design of part of the restaurant as a modern social area, these details played a key role in the process. 5. Design feedback The design plan will go through a series of testing and feedback stages in the early stage. Whether it is feedback from consumers’ dining experience, visual perception, or actual needs from the operation end, the team will make adjustments based on these opinions at every stage. For example, based on customers' reactions to the seating layout or their feelings about the restaurant's atmosphere, the team may re-plan the space layout, or adjust the use of lighting and colors. These repeated design modifications ultimately achieve the final design result. 6. Adaptation and cooperation of the local team In such a cross-regional design process, the role of the local team is also crucial. From design to implementation, the local team played a key role in the selection of materials, technical requirements for construction, and even communication and coordination with the mall. Designers need to constantly connect with local construction teams and material suppliers. Such cooperation can ensure that the design plan not only meets expectations in concept, but can also be realized in actual operation. The accumulation and breakthroughs at these critical moments enabled the final design result to not only successfully bring Taiwan's hot pot culture to the Fuzhou market, but also to demonstrate integrated and innovative design features in detail processing.
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