Chu Yan: A Banquet Poem Brought to Life

Hangzhou TEMPs Interior Design Co., Ltd. Revives Shanghai's Historic Shiliupu Wharf

Located at Shiliupu Wharf, a historic dock on the Bund in Shanghai, Chu Yan is a unique blend of history and modernity. The design team has leveraged the site's cultural significance to create an upscale business hospitality and banquet space. The restaurant's design is a tribute to the dock's 150-year history, and it aims to provide a complete expression of the culture through interior design.

The design of Chu Yan is inspired by a banquet poem from the Book of Songs, which describes a scene of people enjoying a meal together. The designers have used a scene-based method to create a space where diners can chat and dine happily. The overall design is connected by the image of an unfolded scroll on the ceiling of the corridor, a typical Chinese impression, making the restaurant not just a dining space, but also a spiritual one that brings together the publicity, education, and multiple functions of Chinese catering culture.

The restaurant's unique features include a large LED wall at the entrance that shows real-time views of the Huangpu River. The interior is adorned with tough lines and marble walls, complemented by various art decorations and murals. The use of artificial marble, which is more environmentally friendly, lighter, and easier to install than traditional marble, adds to the restaurant's uniqueness. Additionally, insulating glass and laminated glass are used to block noise and transmit light, contributing to energy efficiency.

The design team faced several challenges during the transformation and renovation of the original building structure. For instance, the low beams in the lobby posed a significant restriction. However, the team overcame this by using a new type of corrugated material on the top surface to solve the problem of insufficient height. They also used natural gray and wood-grain marble to decorate the wall horizontally, extending the vision and creating an effect reminiscent of an unfolded Chinese scroll.

Chu Yan's innovative design has earned it the Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2022. This prestigious award is given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation, and inspire positive feelings, amazement, and wonder. The award is a testament to the design team's creativity and professional excellence.