Setsugekka Japanese Cuisine: A Symphony of Design and Culinary Art

Designers Tianwen Sun and Xindi Cao's Award-Winning Architectural Masterpiece

The inspiration for the Setsugekka Japanese Cuisine project comes from the heart of Japanese culinary philosophy. As quoted from Hirohisa Koyama, "right time to eat", "you have to prepare for the snapper when you feel the chills in your heart". This insight, born out of years of experience in the design industry, is reflected in the restaurant's design, which aims to convey the spirit of Japanese cuisine beyond its form and style.

What sets this design apart is its ability to communicate the essence of Setsugekka Japanese Cuisine through the architectural and interior environment. The design rejects any form of theory or opinion, focusing instead on the potential influence of the environment on the dining experience. The designers believe that conveying the spirit of the cuisine is more significant than arguing about its form.

The design is realized through the use of light and color, representing the changing seasons - a long-standing theme in Japanese art. Winter, fall, and spring are depicted through washes of blue, yellow, and pink light, respectively. The building, spanning 1300 square meters, is adorned with paint, glass, tatami, and light, creating a harmonious blend of traditional and modern elements.

The design process was not without its challenges. The most significant challenge was to convey the spirit of Setsugekka Japanese Cuisine beyond the form and style of the restaurant. However, the designers overcame this by focusing on the potential influence of the architectural and interior environment on the dining experience.

The Setsugekka Japanese Cuisine project was completed in November 2016 and opened in December 2016 in Changchun, Jilin Province, China. The design has been recognized with the prestigious Platinum A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2018, a testament to its innovative approach and exceptional design.

In conclusion, the Setsugekka Japanese Cuisine project is a remarkable example of how design can transcend form and style to convey the spirit of a culinary tradition. Designers Tianwen Sun and Xindi Cao have created a space that not only serves as a restaurant but also as a testament to the essence of Japanese cuisine, earning them well-deserved recognition in the design industry.