Qiantang: A Modern Take on Song Dynasty Aesthetics

Designer Zhixue Wei Blends History and Innovation in Award-Winning Restaurant Design

The inspiration for Qiantang came from the desire to present the cultural charm of the Song Dynasty through a modern lens. Wei applied numerous aesthetic elements from the era, striving for excellence in construction technology. The design emphasizes a good dining experience, which is considered the core of the restaurant. The simplicity of the design reflects Qiantang restaurant's advocacy for returning to nature and presenting delicacies bearing historical warmth.

What sets Qiantang apart is its contemporary design language. Different materials such as brass, marble, and silk glass are used throughout the space. The application and treatment of lighting, in combination with these materials, create a space that not only carries historical charm but also showcases design innovation. The aesthetic elements of different times and spaces are mixed and included in a compatible and inclusive manner.

The realization of the design was achieved through the use of gray tones, metallic copper, and a brass dome. The brass dome, styled after the court, defines the sense of area, creating a beautiful visual effect without losing the simple aesthetic feeling. The gray white marble desktop and metal color with silk glass partition form a response. The ground is stitched with black marble stacked tiles, which adds a quiet and stable feel to the space.

The design was not without its challenges. Lighting, an important element of space modeling and artistic conception expression, was divided by designers according to different functions. Different forms of lighting methods were chosen, such as lamps, light source colors, and color temperature, to present different scenes in the same space. This made the space full of change and provided a completely different experience when walking and after seating.

The restaurant emphasizes the space interaction between artistic conception and diners, and skillfully mirrors the temperament of the times. Designers thought about how to drive consumption from the perspective of operators and space design, and experience the pleasure of space and the sense of belongings from the perspective of consumers. The micro-landscape at the entrance of the restaurant subtly reappears the sloping Qiantang River, restoring the scene that the poetic Song dynasty literati who boiling tea at the poetic Jiangnan.

Qiantang has been recognized for its innovative design, winning the Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2020. This prestigious award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. These designs, admired for their strong technical characteristics and splendid artistic skill, showcase a remarkable level of excellence and introduce positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.