Fengyuan Original: A Unique Fusion of Design and Dining

Designers Lili Xie and Fan Huang Transform a Restaurant into an Art Installation

The inspiration for the design came from the restaurant's signature dish - chicken coconut water hot pot. Unlike the spicy food popular in China, this dish is mild and refreshing, reminiscent of a sweet spring. This concept of a spring in a coconut tree forest was translated into the design of the restaurant, with the aim of creating a unique space identity for the brand that would be remarkable and suitable for a chain restaurant to expand.

The unique properties of the design lie in the abstraction of the coconut tree into a symbol - the palm leaf. These were constructed from green-plated steel, in eight different kinds, each four meters long. When assembled and planted intentionally, the space was transformed into a fantasy forest. The designers also incorporated a water feature, a "droplet" lamp, and a "spring" table to enhance the dining experience.

The realization of the design was a challenge, requiring several experiments and material selections. The designers eventually found that a 3mm thick, 130-degree folded 201 steel could "stand up on its own feet", balancing visual effect and manufacturing cost. The leaves sway slightly with the air conditioning wind in the space, adding a dynamic element that makes the space feel more vivid.

The design project started in March 2018 and was completed in September 2018. The restaurant opened for business in October 2018 and has been operational since then. The design process involved extensive research, including a comparison of all brands in major cities in China that serve coconut chicken. The aim was to create something different and impressive that would fit all the needs of a chain restaurant brand.

In conclusion, the Fengyuan Original restaurant is an example of how innovative design can transform a space and create a unique brand identity. The design, which won the Platinum A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2020, is a testament to the designers' creativity, technical skills, and commitment to creating a unique dining experience. It is a reminder that design is not just about aesthetics, but also about how it can enhance the functionality and experience of a space.