Revitalizing Tradition: Xinwanxin Noodles

Designing the Future of Heritage Cuisine with Tiao Ouyang

Tiao Ouyang, a visionary designer, was tasked with the challenge of upgrading the image of Xinwanxin Noodles, a restaurant with a rich history of 100 years. The owner, an inheritor of Wuxi's intangible cultural heritage, sought to retain the original ecological features of the southern region of the Yangtze River while infusing modernist architectural thinking into the design. The result is a stunning blend of tradition and modernity, a testament to the transformative power of design.

The restaurant's exterior retains the charm of the ancient canal region, with its white walls, black tiles, bucket arch, and upturned eaves. The interior, however, is a different story. The open wooden windows and two glass doors allow sunlight to flood the space, adding a modern sense of elegance to the original rough and mottled architectural appearance. The interior design explores richness, selectively retaining elements that create a sense of mystery and timelessness.

The project covers a total of 380 square meters, with display, sale, kitchen operation, and guest seat functions mixed and reorganized. The design aims to express and influence the various possibilities of products and space, space and people, people and people. This approach allows customers to enjoy diverse experiences while entering and leaving the restaurant.

One of the unique features of this project is the shift from the traditional management mode to a new self-service catering model. This change not only subverts the public's old impression of a centuries-old restaurant but also lays a solid foundation for the development of the young market. A new retail area was added, further enhancing the restaurant's appeal.

The design process was not without challenges. The artistic treatment of the structure was a key point in the design and planning. The first-floor lobby utilizes the original glass patio of the old house, combining glass and wood grille. This design has the function of separating without shading and adjusting the light, creating a visually stunning interplay of light and shadow.

The Xinwanxin Noodles project is a testament to the power of design in revitalizing tradition and creating new experiences. It has been recognized with a Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2020, a testament to its outstanding expertise and innovation. This project is a shining example of how design can bridge the gap between the past and the future, creating spaces that are both nostalgic and forward-thinking.