Fu Gong: A Modern Take on Traditional Hong Kong Port

Ryoichi Niwata's Award-Winning Design Transforms Shangri-la Hotel Xiamen's Restaurant

The design of Fu Gong, a Chinese restaurant in Shangri-la Hotel Xiamen, is a testament to Ryoichi Niwata's innovative approach to interior design. Drawing inspiration from the traditional Hong Kong port, Niwata has created a space that is both modern and nostalgic. The restaurant's interior features bright color brick walls, vivid blue container walls, and unique art pieces, such as bicycle wheel art and old Hong Kong photos, all combined to create a port warehouse feel.

What sets Fu Gong apart is its unique use of real scale containers. These containers, which were dismantled, transported to the restaurant, and then reconstructed, give the space a dynamic and strong impression. The feeling is akin to being in a port warehouse, a nod to the restaurant's seaside location in Hong Kong. This unique feature, coupled with the use of red bricks and large wooden beams, creates a Chinese industrial atmosphere that is both casual and luxurious.

The restaurant, which spans 515 square meters and has 160 seats, also features a large duck oven and a casual show kitchen at the entrance. These elements not only create an open atmosphere but also serve as a functional and inviting feature for guests. The restaurant also offers several private and semi-private dining rooms, each with a different color scheme and furniture-look service stations for a personalized dining experience.

Despite the challenges of incorporating actual used containers into the design and maintaining a balance between casual and luxurious elements, Niwata's design for Fu Gong has been recognized for its creativity and innovation. The design was awarded Silver in A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2018, a testament to its outstanding expertise and innovation.

In conclusion, Ryoichi Niwata's design for Fu Gong is a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, offering guests a unique dining experience that is both nostalgic and contemporary. With its innovative use of materials and thoughtful design elements, Fu Gong is a shining example of how interior design can transform a space and create a unique and memorable dining experience.