Feng Tian Restaurant: A Wabi-Sabi Dining Experience

Qiming Zhang's Award-Winning Design Celebrates Simplicity

In the heart of Changchun, China, the Feng Tian Restaurant stands as a testament to the beauty of wabi-sabi, an aesthetic that finds perfection in imperfection. Designed by the acclaimed Qiming Zhang, this space has garnered international recognition for its unique approach to dining ambiance.

Wabi-sabi, a philosophy deeply rooted in Japanese culture, embraces the transient nature of life. Qiming Zhang has masterfully encapsulated this concept within the Feng Tian Restaurant, creating an environment that encourages diners to experience the beauty and delicacy of their meals in a state of serene comfort. The design's strength lies in its simplicity and the ability to evoke warmth and human connection within its walls.

The restaurant's layout is a deliberate choice to enhance privacy and intimacy. Independent dining boxes are strategically placed to gather human interactions into cozy corners, allowing guests to engage in the joy of banquets and conversations. This subtle and beautiful atmosphere is a hallmark of Zhang's design, ensuring that each visit is both a culinary and a social delight.

Technologically, the restaurant is a marvel of design and engineering. The atrium's ceiling and the interplay of dark metal iron rods create a sense of movement, adding an interactive and intriguing element to the space. This design choice reflects the dynamic nature of the dining experience, where each element contributes to a harmonious whole.

Spanning an impressive 1000 square meters, Feng Tian Restaurant is not just a place to eat but a sanctuary of wabi-sabi within the bustling city. The use of dim lighting, along with natural materials like wood and stone, contributes to the overall tone of the space. Every detail, from the architecture to the decor, works in concert to create an ambiance of tranquility and rustic elegance.

Qiming Zhang's design philosophy is evident in every aspect of the Feng Tian Restaurant. It's a place where the beauty of loneliness and simplicity is celebrated, where completeness is seen in incompleteness, and where infinite vitality is felt within limitations. The restaurant's design is a physical manifestation of these ideals, providing a dining experience that is as much about the environment as it is about the food.

The Feng Tian Restaurant, which opened its doors in July 2023, is not only a dining destination but also a beacon of design excellence. It has been recognized with a Silver A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Category for 2024. This prestigious accolade is a testament to Qiming Zhang's skillful blend of innovation and tradition, creating a space that resonates with diners on a profound level.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Zhang Qiming
Image Credits: Zhang Qiming
Project Team Members: Zhang Qiming
Project Name: Feng Tian Restaurant
Project Client: QIJU MIX SPACE DESIGN CO.LTD.


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