IE Sushi and Teppanyaki: A Fusion of Art Deco and Japanese Aesthetics

A New Orient Style for Fine Japanese Dining

Globalization influences not only the flavors of culinary but also the interior design. Japanese cuisine, the earliest Asian food to captivate the world, has inspired a new Orient style for IE Sushi and Teppanyaki. Breaking away from the traditional notion that authentic cuisine should be decorated in a traditional way, designer Vincent Chi-Wai Chiang has created a unique and comfortable space that combines elements of Art Deco and Japanese aesthetics.

IE Sushi and Teppanyaki is a fine Japanese dining restaurant located at K11 MUSEA, Victoria Dockside in Hong Kong. Spanning an area of 2594 sq ft, this restaurant offers a luxurious and intimate setting for customers to enjoy sushi, teppanyaki, sake, and cigars. The design of IE is like a mix of Western and Japanese influences, with strong Art Deco elements at first glance and intricate details of Japanese aesthetics upon closer inspection.

The interior of IE is characterized by the massive use of sapele wood, which enhances the sense of luxury. Each room is distinguished by a unique geometric pattern and decorative wood molding, creating distinct zones and spaces. One standout feature is the metallic dragonfly lightbox, which not only serves as an art decoration but also cleverly hides the ventilating system. The balcony area provides a space for post-meal relaxation and is adorned with solar Japanese floor lamps for eco-friendly energy.

The design of IE Sushi and Teppanyaki posed several challenges. Combining two seemingly contradictory styles, the minimalism of Japanese culture and the larger-than-life style of Art Deco, required careful selection and balance. Additionally, the low ceiling height presented challenges in terms of ventilation and sound absorption. However, through innovative design solutions, Vincent Chi-Wai Chiang successfully created a space that seamlessly blends these two styles and offers customers a unique Japanese fine dining experience.

IE Sushi and Teppanyaki is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight. The exterior features a metallic screen and an auto door decorated as a flower petal, both reminiscent of Art Deco. Inside, the sushi bar is designed in a pentagon shape with diamond-cutting bulkheads, reducing the perceived pressure from the low ceiling. The wall behind the bar is a fusion of Japanese royal crest and Art Deco elements, creating a truly unique backdrop. In the VIP room, the chandelier takes the form of the chrysanthemum, the Japanese royal crest, further emphasizing the fusion of cultures. The teppanyaki area is highlighted by grey-painted walls on three sides, drawing attention to the central teppanyaki table.

The IE Sushi and Teppanyaki project began in March 2019 and was completed in November 2019 in Hong Kong. The design team, led by Vincent Chi-Wai Chiang as the Design Director and Sidney Tsz-Tung Lai as the Designer, conducted extensive research to create a design that would meet the trendy and art-focused style of the K11 MUSEA mall. The result is a new design trend in the food and beverage industry, showcasing the successful crossover of Art Deco and Japanese minimalism.

This innovative design has been recognized with the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2020. This prestigious award is bestowed upon designs that exhibit outstanding creativity and resourcefulness, incorporating best practices in art, science, design, and technology. IE Sushi and Teppanyaki exemplifies these qualities, contributing to improvements in quality of life and making the world a better place.

Image Credits: In Cube Design Limited

Intellectual Property Notice: Copyrights belong to In Cube Design Limited, 2020.