Sozo Japanese Cuisine: A Fusion of Art and Gastronomy

Ahead Concept Design's Award-Winning Restaurant Blends Japanese and Chinese Aesthetics

The inspiration for Sozo's design came from the need to establish a Japanese restaurant in China that could connect both cultures through a common language. Despite the different ways these two cultures portray landscapes, their primary concern is the artistic mood. Ahead Concept Design successfully integrated these two perspectives into a new manner of expression. The design team used conspicuous, shapely stones and rock gardens, and transparent screens bearing traditional Chinese ink paintings to establish a richly layered spatial relationship.

What sets Sozo apart from other designs is its embodiment of a profound concept - the idea that the greatest retreat is within the world and the best delicacy is handmade. Hidden behind a low-key storefront in the bustling city center, Sozo offers an atmosphere entirely different from the average Japanese building. A change in perspective on how space is regarded allows for a progression from culture to commerce.

The realization of Sozo's design was achieved through the use of various materials such as concrete, black iron, galvanized iron, ukiyo-e painting, gray glass, simulated stone paint, and thick stone. The seating area is enveloped on all sides by delightful mountain scenery, making use of the grain, height, color tone, and visual transparency of these materials to establish a sense of layers without explicitly using landscapes painted in ink.

The design of Sozo was not without its challenges. Simplicity, though hard to control, was deemed the best way to convey a mood. The design team employed primitive, unpolished materials to portray traditional Japanese symbols. The project, which started in February 2016 in Chengdu, China, was completed in July 2016.

Ahead Concept Design's Sozo Japanese Cuisine is a testament to the power of innovative design and cultural fusion. The restaurant's design, which won the Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2018, is a remarkable example of technical expertise and artistic skill. The design introduces positive feelings, amazement, and wonder, showcasing a remarkable level of excellence.