When the Present Meets the Past: A Restaurant Design by Chun Chiao Wu

Embracing Chinese Aesthetics and Culinary Tradition

Chinese culture emphasizes "yin and yang harmony" - meaning balance, and this spirit is perfectly reflected in Chinese food culture. The restaurant, as a carrier of dishes, must embrace this spirit in order to provide the most perfect culinary experience for visiting diners. Chun Chiao Wu, the designer behind this project, understands this deeply and has created a space that embodies the harmony and balance of Chinese aesthetics.

The restaurant, located in Taoyuan city, Taiwan, spans 198.34 square meters and is a testament to the fusion of tradition and modernity. The exterior of the building retains the structure of the original building, combined with Chinese architectural features, making visitors feel as if they are instantly transported to the misty and rainy Jiangnan region thousands of miles away.

Inside, the dining area is adorned with large-scale murals depicting the beauty of tradition, sealing the original appearance of the south. The ceiling is integrated with the grille of Chinese-style wood construction method, strengthening the integrity of the space. Mirrored media is strategically used to add visual magnification, giving the space a new traditional atmosphere that seamlessly integrates ancient and modern elements.

The partition wall between the corridor and the dining area features traditional Chinese wooden doors, showcasing meticulous window grille carvings. This not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also allows for flexible use of the space according to the needs of the restaurant.

Chun Chiao Wu's design ingenuity echoes the owner's persistence and connection with ingredients, creating a dining experience that immerses diners in the space's design aesthetic, which seamlessly blends the ancient and the modern. The result is a dining space that not only delights the taste buds but also engages all the senses.

This exceptional restaurant design, winner of the Iron A' Design Award in 2022, showcases the power of design to create a harmonious and immersive dining experience. By embracing Chinese aesthetics and culinary tradition, Chun Chiao Wu has created a space that pays homage to the past while embracing the present.