Kylin Sheng Restaurant | Jianyu Jiang

Currently, the new catering strategic model is undergoing evolution, and capturing customers' "mental resources" has emerged as a crucial marketing asset. The diners' yearning for spiritual fulfillment has become increasingly pressing. Daxiang Design employs the auspicious animal "Kyilin" from The Classic of Mountains and Seas to portray the ambiance of "Zhongyuan Restaurant · Cloud Sea Secret," seamlessly integrating various culinary delights into a poetic interplay of light and shadow.

Upon entering the restaurant, an amalgamation of light and shadow creates an immersive experience where stark contrasts take center stage in the hallway. Within this dimly lit space, a colossal cloud formation captivates visual attention while warm, gentle lighting permeates through the narrow corridor. Together, clouds and light set the tone for the entire establishment's atmosphere. Two kylin sculptures are strategically placed in the hallway; not only do they pay homage to etiquette culture but also serve as guides for visitors' navigation throughout their journey.

By depicting dynamic cloud characteristics from inception to dissipation within scattered areas, we showcase nature's essence while transforming intangible elements into tangible structures that reflect our intention behind workstation design – evoking imagery of rising clouds. Additionally, garden framing techniques are employed on functional windows to further enhance aesthetics.

The designer incorporates the five-petaled plum blossom as a fundamental motif, generating framed landscapes, lamps, utensils, tableware, and floor coverings along with other installations that harmonize in terms of spatial layout and furnishings. These installations materialize unforeseeable elements, thereby concluding the space poetically while perpetuating the ambiance.

The rest area exudes a warm autumn atmosphere through the utilization of dark grey natural textured stone, a wooden tea table, vermilion cloth tea stools adorned with decorative paintings depicting rosy sunrises, and an accompanying flickering fire within the stove. Furthermore, the outdoor resting platform seamlessly connects to the secondary entrance. As night descends upon us, plum blossom motifs and arc elements outline both light sources and scenery alike; thus enabling individuals to embrace the cold autumn without fear while basking in the radiance emitted by stars and moonlight.

Technical sheet

Project name: Kylin Sheng Restaurant

Area: 1550㎡

Design team: Jiang Jianyu, Yu Huaming, Lou Ting, Liu Yongliang, Jin Jiayu, Qin Yue, Zhang Hanjie

Accessories: Daxiang lotus

Lighting design: Hgld lighting design

Design time: 2022

Completion time: 2023

Location: Zhengzhou, China 

Photographer: 404NF STUDIO, Fang Wenchen