Interview about Xin Ming Yuen Restaurant, winner of the A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award 2020
The entrance is a parade of contrasting materials, structures, and colors. The reception area is a space of tranquil comfort. Auspicious patterns encounter playful decorations. Behind is a dynamic bar area within a resting context. Traditional Chinese character Hui pattern led lights adds a sense of futurism. Going through a delicately adorned roofed cloister is the dining area. Decorated with floral, carb fish images, embossed stained glass screens and the ancient herbalist Bai Zi cabinets, it is a visual journey through time and cultural relics in fashion.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsBalancing traditional Chinese elements with modern aesthetics was central to our vision for Xin Ming Yuen. We drew inspiration from classic motifs, such as the traditional Chinese brick house, and reinterpreted them using contemporary materials like wood and stone-like varnish. The brand logo, prominently displayed in red, anchors the space in cultural authenticity while serving as a modern design element. By carefully selecting materials that retain the essence of traditional design yet adapt to a modern context, we achieved a harmonious blend that resonates with diverse patrons, ensuring cultural authenticity remains at the forefront.
The entrance design was inspired by the concept of creating an inviting yet intriguing threshold that reflects the vibrant cultural tapestry of Shanghai, where East meets West. The contrasting materials, such as the wooden relief wall reminiscent of traditional Chinese architecture and the modern glass and steel mesh screen, create a captivating visual dialogue that draws guests into the restaurant. This bold approach not only emphasizes the restaurant's unique identity but also sets an energetic tone for the dining experience. As guests transition through this visually dynamic entrance, they are immediately immersed in a harmonious blend of traditional Chinese aesthetics and contemporary Western influences, preparing them for an exciting culinary journey that celebrates both heritage and modernity.
Our approach to modernizing the Hui pattern involved a careful balance between innovation and reverence for tradition. By incorporating energy-efficient LED light tubes into the design, we not only maintained the pattern's cultural significance but also embraced an eco-friendly approach. This choice enhances the visual appeal while inviting a new audience to appreciate traditional motifs in a contemporary context. The result is a design that honors its roots and engages with today's aesthetic sensibilities, all while promoting sustainability in our design practices.
We chose water jet cutting technology for its precision and ability to realize intricate designs that are characteristic of traditional Chinese patterns. Our desire to incorporate these traditional motifs into the flooring required custom-made solutions, and water jet cutting allowed us to achieve this seamlessly with marble, which aligns perfectly with our overall concept of blending East and West, particularly in the vibrant context of Shanghai. This method not only enhances the restaurant's aesthetic by integrating elaborate designs but also pays homage to traditional craftsmanship. Additionally, the durability and high-quality finish provided by this technology ensure that the flooring remains both beautiful and functional, complementing the upscale ambiance of Xin Ming Yuen.
The "time travel" concept at Xin Ming Yuen is designed to transport guests back to the charm of old Shanghai. This is particularly evident in the main entrance, where we feature a wall made of traditional Chinese house bricks, complemented by bright yellow moldings that reflect Western design elements, along with modern mirror partitions. In the reception area, we utilized a distinctive Chinese green with a high gloss finish for the traditional-style reception desk, enhancing the cultural ambiance. The ceiling design incorporates a Chinese grid pattern at varying levels, crafted from modern materials, further blending the old with the new. Throughout the restaurant, every element is a mix and match of Western and Chinese influences, with some features deeply rooted in traditional Chinese style. This thoughtful combination creates a narrative that enriches the overall dining experience, allowing guests to appreciate the harmonious coexistence of history and modernity.
The Bai Zi cabinets and embossed stained glass screens were chosen for their historical significance and aesthetic appeal. The Bai Zi cabinet, inspired by the legendary doctor Hua Tuo from the Three Kingdoms period, features over 400 drawers designed to mimic his traditional medicine bags. This cabinet symbolizes generations of Chinese medicinal knowledge and represents the importance of fresh ingredients in our cuisine. Their thoughtful arrangement throughout the restaurant creates focal points that invite guests to engage with the rich cultural narrative, enhancing their dining experience and connection to Chinese traditions.
The transition from a glass ceiling to treated steel plates, while initially a regulatory challenge, ultimately enhanced the overall design aesthetic by introducing a unique texture and depth to the space. The steel plates, with their intricate corrosion patterns, add a modern industrial touch that contrasts beautifully with the restaurant's traditional elements. This creative solution not only complies with regulations but also contributes to a cohesive visual narrative, reinforcing the fusion of modernity and tradition throughout the restaurant.
In designing the bar area, our key considerations included creating a vibrant atmosphere while ensuring a sense of relaxation. We incorporated lively patterns and colors, such as the auspicious ‘回’ pattern illuminated by LED light tubes, to energize the space. At the same time, we maintained harmony through the use of balanced textures and materials that resonate with the overall design theme of the restaurant. This thoughtful approach allows the bar area to serve as a lively gathering spot while still feeling integrated into the tranquil dining experience.
The design of Xin Ming Yuen pays tribute to the golden decades of modern China by incorporating elements that evoke the nostalgia of the 1950s and 1960s, such as the use of traditional materials and motifs like the Bai Zi cabinets and the Hui pattern. These elements reflect the craftsmanship and cultural richness of that era. However, we adapted these features using modern techniques and materials, such as treated steel and LED lighting, ensuring that they resonate with contemporary diners. This fusion creates a space that honors the past while providing a fresh and relevant experience for today’s clientele.
The success of Xin Ming Yuen serves as a blueprint for future restaurant designs that seek to bridge cultural heritage with modern aesthetics. By demonstrating that traditional elements can be reinterpreted through contemporary design practices, we hope to inspire other designers to explore their cultural narratives in innovative ways. This project highlights the importance of storytelling through design, encouraging a dialogue between the past and present. As more designers embrace this approach, we can expect to see a growing trend in creating spaces that not only celebrate cultural heritage but also resonate with the evolving preferences of modern diners.
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