Yuchi Zhang's "Xie Yan": A Culinary Journey in Design

Unveiling the Unique Aesthetic of a Japanese Restaurant Inspired by Crabs

Yuchi Zhang, a renowned designer, has created a unique restaurant layout inspired by the form of a crab. The restaurant's central platform, raised slightly, represents the crab's shell, with a robatayaki bar cleverly embedded within. The seating areas mimic the crab's eyes, while the hexagonal tiles at the entrance and scattered seats near the wall complete the crab's claws and feet. This innovative design approach not only presents a unique visual effect but also resonates with the restaurant's theme of Japanese crab cuisine.

What sets "Xie Yan" apart is its unique blend of novel design ideas, aesthetic skills, and material selection. The design is close to space use, the restaurant's name, and the diner's feelings. It transcends the traditional concept of a restaurant, embodying the business philosophy of the shopkeeper and the business value of the restaurant's IP. The design's unique properties have earned the restaurant enough attention and created a distinct brand image for this Japanese catering business.

The restaurant's realization technology is another testament to Zhang's design prowess. The ceiling features a gradual change from dark orange to light orange, achieved by adjusting the color of the light acrylic sheet and blending light pink into it. The designer interspersed white and colorless triangles into the design, creating an artistic impression of cherry blossoms in full bloom. This design element adds to the restaurant's overall aesthetic and complements the crab-themed layout.

The project, covering a total of 450 square meters, began in March 2019 in Kunming and was completed in June 2019. The design team, including Yuchi Zhang and Beryl Lee, faced several creative and technical challenges, such as building the space atmosphere and theme cornerstone. They overcame these challenges by focusing on the upper space of the building and designing an acrylic art device suspended from the ceiling that echoes the crab on the ground, making the space more complete and three-dimensional.

"Xie Yan" has received several accolades for its innovative design, including the prestigious Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2020. This award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation. Yuchi Zhang's "Xie Yan" is a perfect example of such a design, showcasing a remarkable level of excellence and introducing positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.

In conclusion, Yuchi Zhang's "Xie Yan" is a testament to the power of innovative design in transforming a space. The restaurant's unique crab-inspired layout, combined with its profound aesthetic skills and unique material selection, creates a dining experience that is both visually stunning and deeply resonant with the restaurant's theme. It's no wonder that this design has earned such high praise and recognition in the design world.