The design team, led by Xiaobo Ye, aimed to present a unique design that would resonate with everyone. They incorporated cultural elements of the Yellow River into the design concept, creating a 50-meter long passage that mirrors the track of the Yellow River. Along this passage, eight metal boxes of varying heights are attached, each representing a family and named after an insect such as a butterfly, frog, or bee. The finishing of each box reflects the characteristics of the respective insect, providing a sense of ritual upon entering.
Yufengyuan's unique properties lie in its cultural representation and innovative design. The designers imagined that on both sides of the Yellow River in ancient times, many peasant families lived for generations, nurtured and bred by the river. The boundless wheat fields located in the valley of the Yellow River, where many insects lived and enjoyed the maternal love of the river, are symbolized in the design of the restaurant.
The main materials used in the project are terrazzo, steel plate, bamboo, and latex paint. The project covers a total of 1100 square meters. The design team, including XiaoJing Feng, JingLi Zhao, Zongqi Zhao, Changyuan Su, and Peng Wang, accomplished the project in the way of EPC.
The project, which started in March 2019 in Zhengzhou and finished in December 2019 in Zhengzhou, was full of joy and frustration, mixed with confusion and regret. The designers believe that this is the ultimate process of design, filled with reality and challenge. They consider it their greatest privilege to be part of this project.
In conclusion, Yufengyuan is a testament to Xiaobo Ye's innovative approach to design, blending cultural elements with modern aesthetics. The design's unique properties and the challenges overcome during its realization make it a deserving winner of the prestigious Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2020.
Project Designers: Xiaobo Ye
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer Ming Guo, Yellow River Street, 2019.
Image #2: Photographer Ming Guo, Box, 2019.
Image #3: Photographer Ming Guo, Box, 2019.
Image #4: Photographer Ming Guo, Box, 2019.
Image #5: Photographer Ming Guo, Toilet, 2019.
Project Team Members: Xiaobo Ye
XiaoJing Feng
JingLi Zhao
Zongqi Zhao
Changyuan Su
Peng Wang
Project Name: Yufengyuan
Project Client: Xiaobo Ye