Project Overview

The competition in the catering industry has been heating up, with buffet, a once-popular form of dining, making a comeback. Alongside this trend, the concept of flexible dining and the enhancement of product quality has been gaining popularity. These changes have quietly influenced diners' choices. This design believes that the true experiential change happens at the dining table. In the upgraded Qian Xiaonu brand Black Gold store, designer Xiao Yizhan seamlessly combines the spatial texture of a hotel bar with the concept of social dining, giving the self-catering experience a renewed appeal, creating a compelling "daily ritual sense".

In the dining area, the overwhelming decorations have been abandoned in favour of a gentle and elegant atmosphere. The use of gold-coloured walls and furniture serves as a backdrop to showcase the fresh and enticing food, redirecting the diner's attention back to the experience of savouring the diverse and delicately prepared seafood cuisine. This becomes the most captivating aspect of the space, akin to a striking piece of decoration.

Silken glass partitions separate the different dining areas, creating a translucent light and shadow effect reminiscent of paper. The interplay of light and shadow, along with the presence of people, adds an evocative ambience to the space. Furthermore, this design choice also facilitates the maintenance and cleanliness of the space, showcasing the designer's thoughtful consideration for post-operational maintenance.seamlessly combines the spatial texture of a hotel bar with the concept of social dining, giving the self-catering experience a renewed appeal, and creating a compelling "daily ritual sense".

In the dining area, the overwhelming decorations have been abandoned in favour of a gentle and elegant atmosphere. The use of gold-coloured walls and furniture serves as a backdrop to showcase the fresh and enticing food, redirecting the diner's attention back to the experience of savouring the diverse and delicately prepared seafood cuisine. This becomes the most captivating aspect of the space, akin to a striking piece of decoration.

Silken glass partitions separate the different dining areas, creating a translucent light and shadow effect reminiscent of paper. The interplay of light and shadow, along with the presence of people, adds an evocative ambience to the space. Furthermore, this design choice also facilitates the maintenance and cleanliness of the space, showcasing the designer's thoughtful consideration for post-operational maintenance.

Organisation

Yizhan Design

Team

Jianxiong Mao, Liya Chen , Zhongtian Wang

Project Brief

The modern buffet originated from the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, permeating daily dining worldwide through cultural exchange. In the construction of the Qian Xiaonu Black Gold Store, the designer strategically incorporates metal materials and warm textures to enhance spatial aesthetics. The luxurious imagination of the Showa era is brought to life, as attention is given to intricate details and a immersive experience. Memories of eating hold a special place in everyone's heart, evoking familiar and comforting images. These emotional connections stem from the varied expectations of family, friends, and loved ones, creating a warm and inviting ambience within the restaurant, and delighting the taste buds of every diner.

Project Innovation/Need

The design of the dining table, with its interweaving of metal, mirror, and glass, creates a continuous feeling of volume and level changes in the space. Despite the limitations of the mall's area and structure, the sense of interior space is mainly conveyed through the relationship between materials, light reflection, and the top surface. The space visually fluctuates between virtual and real, stimulating the imagination of diners and captivating their spiritual world.

In the detailed ceiling design, diffuse light sources like lamp holders are used as the main lighting sources. This intentional disruption of the original unity of the space establishes connections between each shape, ultimately immersing diners in a gentle atmosphere. This gentle ambience effortlessly ignites their anticipation for the upcoming meal.

Design Challenge

Designers faced with a wide range of food categories need to optimize patterns in limited space to avoid congestion during meal times. By arranging the dining areas symmetrically around the centre of an island, people can freely move within the space when making their food choices. Additionally, by displaying different food items in different areas and using prominent signs at the top, diners can quickly locate their favourite dishes in a diverse food selection. This organisation, combined with appropriate lighting, creates a sense of order and reduces the crowded feeling, conveying a pleasant experience that the brand aims to provide to each diner.

Sustainability

Along with adhering to sustainable building principles, our dining spaces are thoughtfully curated with elements from both the past and present, creating a unique experience that delights the senses. Each space is designed to tell a visual story, combining surprises with a commitment to timeless principles of architecture. Our goal is to enrich everyday life, infusing each moment with meaning and a deep appreciation for taste and the art of living.