One Shenzhen Bay: Redefining the Staff Cafeteria Experience

A Modern and Vibrant Space for Dining and Relaxation

One Shenzhen Bay is a high-end urban complex in China that combines offices, residences, hospitality, and commerce. Among its many accolades, it received the prestigious Bronze A' Design Award in 2021 for its outstanding interior space design. The designers at YuQiang and Partners aimed to disrupt the conventional perception of canteens as humid and sultry environments. Instead, they integrated fashion, modernity, and rhythm into a simple, open space, taking advantage of the unobstructed seascape and sunshine to create a unique staff cafeteria.

What sets this design apart is its focus on change and identity. The designers used a virtual block structure to break up the long, monotonous space, creating vertical gaps that enrich the visual hierarchy. This organization structure not only adds visual interest but also provides endless fun for those passing through during peak hours. Vibrant colors and geometric patterns with different textures replace the traditional grey-white palette, creating a bright and lively atmosphere that successfully reduces visual noise.

Functionality was a key consideration in the design process. To accommodate 500 people dining together, the designers strategically placed serving access points in the noodle area, Chinese food area, and salad bar to avoid congestion and enhance the overall dining experience. Additionally, the use of mineral and wool panels on the ceilings and walls helps absorb sound and noise, creating a more peaceful dining environment. The selection of wood grain non-combustible panels ensures compliance with fire safety regulations.

The design specifications of the One Shenzhen Bay staff cafeteria further enhance the overall dining experience. An arch-shaped chandelier achieves a balanced effect within the square configuration, playing off the spatial scale of the ceiling. The beige tables, warm yellow lighting, colorful chairs, and bright colors intersect in concise lines, creating a free concept and an organized central dining area. The circular island with its neat signboard design connects different cuisines, while the strategic placement of spotlights, wall lights, and light strips allows different ingredients to exert unique effects in the environment.

The design team at YuQiang and Partners aimed to create a space that not only serves as a cafeteria but also provides a place for immersion and relaxation during the workday. The addition of a bar into the spatial experience allows for discussions, gatherings, and sharing. The layered light and shadow, combined with a warm dining atmosphere, make the space tranquil and harmonious. Whether you're a staff member or a visitor, walking into this bustling cafeteria will ignite a passion for life and food.

The One Shenzhen Bay staff cafeteria project started in May 2018 and was completed in September 2019 in Shenzhen. The designers conducted extensive research on existing cafeteria designs, including the IKEA restaurant and Tencent canteen, to ensure they avoided common pitfalls. By carefully considering the setting of dynamic lines and the ratio of bar seats to ordinary seats, they were able to create a space that maximizes utilization and meets various dining needs.

The One Shenzhen Bay staff cafeteria is a testament to the creativity and technical expertise of the design team at YuQiang and Partners. Their ability to transform a traditional cafeteria into a modern and vibrant space sets a new standard for workplace dining. This project has not only received recognition through awards such as the Bronze A' Design Award but also showcases the attributes of Shenzhen as a city that values organization and innovation.