Jiang Min's design for Wanwea Yun is inspired by the relentless pursuit of flavor in the catering industry. The name "Wanwea" is a homophone for "Wan Wei," which signifies the search for all kinds of food and cooking methods. The restaurant is a testament to the proprietor's 30 years of experience in perfecting the art of roasting duck in Beijing, and it offers a unique blend of real Peking duck and traditional Sichuan food.
What sets this restaurant apart is its emphasis on the dining experience. The design includes separate areas for resting, tea tasting, and dining, allowing customers to fully immerse themselves in the ceremony of taking a seat, drinking tea, and eating. This approach not only highlights Eastern customs but also incorporates the hustle and bustle of daily life, providing a sense of comfort and lasting quality.
The restaurant, which spans a total of 1800 square meters, is built primarily with wood, baking paint, electroplated metal, and Suriname black marble. The design also features a full-size artwork called "Wanwea" at the entrance area, which is made from over 100 different types of food seeds gathered from various regions and turned into crystal squares using resin technology. This aesthetic device adds both cultural value and artistic beauty to the space.
The zenith of the restaurant is adorned with translucent fish-shaped decorations that stretch into flexible postures, creating a contemporary arrangement of fascinating Chinese natural culture. The towering and empty pattern heightens the impression of the space's artistic extension, and the falling art installation deepens the connection with the diners, creating a high and lovely level of curiosity.
Jiang Min's design for Wanwea Yun is a perfect example of how architecture and design can enhance the flavor of dishes. By blending Sichuan and Beijing cuisine, tradition and modernity, and space and food, the restaurant perfectly interprets the cultural value concept of "harmony between nature and man, harmonious coexistence." This approach not only offers a variety of tastes but also encourages rebirth through diversity.
Wanwea Yun is a testament to Jiang Min's years of experience in hotel catering design. By combining modern catering design and operation ideas with the catering culture and local customs of Beijing and Sichuan, Jiang Min has created a space that is both trendy and deeply rooted in traditional culture. The polished marble floor tiles, mirror ceilings, and ancient wine displayed on the wall all contribute to this unique atmosphere.
Wanwea Yun is a unique restaurant design that offers a fresh perspective on commercial catering. With its blend of tradition and modernity, it provides a dining experience that is as much about the journey as it is about the destination.
Project Designers: Jiang Min
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer Qilun Cai, Wanwea Yun Restaurant, 2023.
Image #2: Photographer Qilun Cai, Wanwea Yun Restaurant, 2023.
Image #3: Photographer Qilun Cai, Wanwea Yun Restaurant, 2023.
Image #4: Photographer Qilun Cai, Wanwea Yun Restaurant, 2023.
Image #5: Photographer Qilun Cai, Wanwea Yun Restaurant, 2023.
Project Team Members: Chief Designer: Jiang Min
Project Name: Wanwea Yun
Project Client: Jiang Min