Supa Fama - 保利广场

From the moment you leave the shopping mall public area and step into the space, you are immersed in another world – a luscious garden of plants flowing from all sides. Our latest Supa Fama restaurant is an exploration of the machine-made vs the natural, the geometric vs the organic; it is conceived as a steampunk version of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

 Like the tales of travellers arriving at the Gardens recording their first impressions of its splendour and wonder, we wanted the restaurant to be as awe-inspiring as much as it is a cosy place to dine. We wanted to allow the customers to have the feeling of being lost, forgetting the stress of the modern world and be temporarily transported to another place, another time.

 At the entrance a sense of grandiosity is immediately apparent. Customers take in the whole space at once, and as they move through, the intricacies slowly reveal themselves. A narrow bridge runs along the outward-facing perimeter, whose continuous stream of hanging plants invites customers to pass underneath, as if entering through the gates of a walled ancient city.

 The L-shaped floor plan is loosely divided into two zones, the bar and the dining hall. The bar faces out towards the shopping mall public area, so that it can still operate after dinner hours.

 The bar is a horse-shoe shaped central element where guests can sit and get a drink before being directed to their table. It is a point of rest and recuperation. The industrial iron work that supports the bottle shelves above give hints at what is to come further inside.

The dining hall opens up on a central courtyard with a ‘river’ of greenery flowing down the centre. Blackened steel posts define a circulation ring around the courtyard and facilitate the traffic of customers and wait staff alike, as food is delivered from the adjacent open kitchen. The posts are decorated with arched iron lattice-work, recalling the impressive conservatories of Victorian-era Britain. Plants provide screening between the tables, giving a sense of privacy for the guests. Above the space is open, visually connecting to the upstairs dining area. The balconies surrounding the courtyard drip with foliage, the atmosphere akin to a bustling hub.

Access to the second level is provided by two staircases, one clad in reclaimed timber with its landing resting on a vintage water wheel, referencing the industrial age of hydro power, the other a blackened wrought-iron spiral stair, sitting at the pivotal point of the entire restaurant, acting as an anchor for the whole design.

Upstairs the mood is calmer, though still vibrant as shadows dance across the rough concrete walls. Dining tables sit under an industrial canopy of iron mesh, filled with yet more plants. Custom-designed pendant lights hang over the tables, made from vintage glass insulators suspended from angled black iron SHS pipes, creating a wave-like pattern and adding a rhythmic layer of movement. Along the back wall, after climbing a few more steps, there is a row of private dining rooms accessed by a balcony that forms one side of the courtyard. Being the highest level of the restaurant, from here guests can survey the whole space. Each private room has its own horticultural theme, such as Vintage Flower Shop, Seed Warehouse and Greenhouse.

The architectural materials and flora are both essential elements in the design; they represent opposite directions in their lifecycles. We chose materials such as steel, concrete, and reclaimed timber, that visibly age towards their death, gradually transforming through oxidation, rust, and patina. In contrast, plants start their lifecycle from a seed and mature into free-form shapes, constantly changing as they interact with their environment. The juxtaposition between these two elements creates a fascinating dynamic in the design, where the enduring qualities of man-made materials contrast with the ephemeral nature of living organisms. This interplay between materiality and nature brings a unique sense of depth and timelessness to the space, elevating the design beyond mere aesthetics.

The decorative lighting in the dining spaces have been custom designed to enhance the overall atmosphere and aesthetic. By custom designing the lighting, we were able to control the illuminance, material quality and colour, to achieve an effect that complements both the steampunk and historical themes. The result is a space that is not only functional but also visually stunning, providing an immersive and memorable experience for guests.

Being our third collaboration with the Supa Fama brand, we paid special attention to developing a visual identity that is unique to this location, yet still adhere to the brand essence that can be traced through all locations. Emphasis on fresh ingredients, healthy lifestyle, happiness and relaxation remain at the core of their identity, and are present in each design, each in its own way.