Chuan's Kitchen II: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

Infinity Mind's Award-Winning Design Breathes New Life into Traditional Folk Art

The inspiration behind Chuan's Kitchen II is deeply rooted in traditional folk culture, which is derived from the daily and spiritual needs of the masses. The designers at Infinity Mind saw the endangerment of folk culture as a result of its separation from everyday life. To bridge this gap, they turned to the gaskets discarded after the firing process of Yingjing's black earthenware, using them as the main decorative element in the restaurant.

Chuan's Kitchen II is more than just a restaurant. It is an innovative combination of modern commercial space and the culture of Sichuan cuisine, carrying on the contemporary re-creation of traditional folk art and farming civilization. The restaurant, which spans an area of 304 square meters, uses both Sichuan Yingjing's black earthenware and mined soil materials from metro construction as the medium.

The design team faced several challenges during the project, which started in July 2018 and finished in September 2018. One of the main challenges was finding suitable discarded gaskets. These gaskets, used to separate the coal and greenware during the firing process, are usually discarded in the wild after seven or eight uses. It took time to recycle and process these gaskets for use in the restaurant's design.

The designers also used recycled waste materials from Guangzhou metro construction. By applying ancient rammed earth building techniques and modern integrated casting techniques, they created degradable tiles that retain the simple and natural texture of soil. This innovative use of materials not only adds to the restaurant's unique aesthetic but also aligns with the growing trend towards sustainable design practices.

Chuan's Kitchen II has been recognized for its innovative design, winning the Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2019. This prestigious award is given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation, and Chuan's Kitchen II certainly fits the bill. With its unique blend of traditional and modern elements, it is a shining example of how design can be used to preserve and revitalize cultural traditions.