Mixc Food Hall: A Fusion of Culture and Cuisine

A One-Stop Dining Destination Inspired by Ningbo's Fishing Culture

The overall design of Mixc Food Hall is a testament to the rich fishing culture of Ningbo. Designed by Material Matters, the space draws inspiration from the local fishing community, infusing it with contemporary elements to create a unique and vibrant dining experience.

One of the standout features of the design is the floor-to-ceiling metal mesh adorned with butterfly embellishments. This design element is inspired by the sculpture "Cocoon" created by Zhou Li, a contemporary artist. The use of the metal mesh and butterfly motifs adds a touch of elegance and whimsy to the space, creating a visually captivating environment.

But Mixc Food Hall is not just about aesthetics; it is designed with functionality in mind. The project aims to create an integrated one-stop dining place, catering to a diverse range of diners. By incorporating the local food culture and embracing the trend of "eating at the right time," the food hall offers a dynamic and inclusive dining experience.

The realization of the design required innovative technology and careful attention to detail. The project utilized Class A fireproof materials and common materials, which were transformed through unique techniques to achieve batch production and modularization. The colorful embellishments in the space echo the exotic customs of the people who have gone to sea at the Ningbo port since ancient times, adding a sense of cultural richness to the design.

Despite the moderate cost, the construction of the bi-curved hollow metal mesh presented a significant challenge. Inspired by Zhou Li's sculpture, the design concept was brought to life through hand drawings and 3D models. The installation was carefully planned and split into manageable sizes for transportation and installation, ensuring the successful completion of the project.

Mixc Food Hall was designed from December 2018 to May 2021 and is a testament to the dedication and creativity of the design team, including Eric Yang, Kun Chen, Zhenxi Fang, Xin Jing, Xiaoxiao Liu, Bowen Tang, Shuo Sun, and Ziqiong Shen. Their meticulous research and attention to detail resulted in a space that seamlessly blends culture, cuisine, and design.

The exceptional design of Mixc Food Hall has been recognized with the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2022. This prestigious award honors designs that exhibit outstanding creativity and resourcefulness, incorporating best practices in art, science, design, and technology. The food hall's unique blend of aesthetics and functionality contributes to an enhanced dining experience, making it a worthy recipient of this accolade.