Xiang Song: A Feast in a Rice Field

Harvesting Inspiration from Traditional Chinese Agriculture

One of the unique aspects of Xiang Song is its inspiration, which is deeply rooted in the agricultural culture of Hunan province in China. Known for its rice farming, Hunan's rich agricultural heritage provides a wealth of design elements for the restaurant. The designers at Noontide Design Ltd have cleverly incorporated these elements into the restaurant's design, creating a space that not only serves delicious food but also tells a story about Hunan's agricultural history.

The restaurant's design features are what sets it apart from others. The entrance door is adorned with aluminum straws, symbolizing the orderly beauty of a rice field. Inside, plastic golden rice fields surround the tables, creating a scene of harvest. The lighting fixtures are decorated with fishnets, a nod to Hunan's fishery culture. This careful attention to detail creates an immersive dining experience that transports customers to a rice field during harvest season.

The realization of this design was a meticulous process. The aluminum straws and plastic rice fields were carefully arranged to create the desired aesthetic. The designers also had to ensure that the materials used were safe and practical. For instance, the plastic used for the rice ears was combined with flame retardant materials to prevent fire hazards.

The restaurant spans a total area of 640 square meters and is located in Guangzhou's Tianhe district. The project started in June 2018 and was completed in August 2018. The design team included Michael Choi, Frank Fei, Li Ma, Hongqiang Zhang, Peiyu Xiao, Tiantian Xu, Zhiwei Zhou, Shaoxin Wei, and Shuai Li.

Despite the challenges posed by the use of unconventional materials like straws and rice ears, the design team was able to overcome these obstacles and create a unique and engaging space. Their efforts were recognized when Xiang Song was awarded Silver in A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2019. This prestigious award is given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation.

In conclusion, Xiang Song is a testament to the power of design in creating unique and engaging experiences. By drawing inspiration from traditional Chinese agriculture, Noontide Design Ltd has created a space that not only serves delicious food but also tells a story about Hunan's rich agricultural history. It is a shining example of how design can be used to bring culture and history to life.