Wu: A Unique Chaoshan Cuisine Restaurant and Club

Challenging Architectural Values and Igniting Imagination

Located in Shantou, Guangdong, Wu club is a fusion of a Chaoshan cuisine restaurant and a club. It is not just a place to dine or party; it is an experience that transports visitors to another world. The design team, led by Xie Peihe, aimed to create a space that is surreal, dramatic, and abstract, reminiscent of a futuristic film set.

The design of Wu club is characterized by irregular geometric shapes that break away from convention. These shapes represent an exploration of undefined order and a quest for self-worth. The space itself is conceived as a broken and void sculpture, creating a sense of drama and artistic tension.

Light plays a crucial role in Wu club. The designers have used light as a visible substance to convey the spiritual world. It produces a mysterious and tranquil ambiance while evoking emotions and creating illusionary effects. The materiality of light becomes a medium through which the designers tell a story and connect a series of activities within the space.

One of the challenges faced by the design team was creating a balance between dynamic and silent spaces. Wu club is a multi-functional venue that includes a dining area, bar, cigar room, and tea room. The designers had to carefully consider how to blend these different spaces to create a harmonious and immersive experience for visitors.

The realization of Wu club involved the creative and experimental use of materials. The design team used foamed aluminum, Moorgen Smart System, metal net, rock slab, paint, timber floor, and SIKI lighting to create contrasting textures and visual interest. The combination of solid and soft elements, cool and warm tones, adds depth and richness to the space.

Wu club was completed in July 2020 after months of meticulous design and construction. It has since been recognized for its outstanding design and creativity. In 2021, it was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category. This prestigious award acknowledges designs that demonstrate technical and creative excellence, contributing to improvements in quality of life.

Wu club is not just a restaurant and club; it is a work of art that challenges architectural norms and ignites the imagination. It is a space where Chaoshan cuisine, Western design order, and Oriental spatial qualities converge, creating a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors.