Jinxiu: A Modern Restaurant with Traditional Chinese Charm

Anfei Ge's Award-Winning Design Blends Modernity and Chinese Cultural Heritage

In a harmonious blend of modern simplicity and traditional Chinese cultural characteristics, Anfei Ge's design for the Jinxiu restaurant stands as a testament to the designer's innovative approach and deep understanding of regional aesthetics. This unique project, which won the Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2020, is a shining example of how design can be a bridge between the past and the future.

Anfei Ge's inspiration for Jinxiu was drawn from the cultural background of the project site. The designer extracted the abstract shape of the bright moon and incorporated elements of rock and window scenery, reminiscent of Jiangnan gardens. This approach allowed for the recreation of the prosperous scene of Jinling in its golden age. The result is a restaurant that is not just a place to dine, but a space that immerses patrons in a rich cultural experience.

One of the unique features of Jinxiu is its location within a commercial complex filled with column structures. Rather than viewing these as obstacles, Anfei Ge saw them as opportunities to create a space that is both hierarchical and focused. By borrowing the original column structure of the building, the designer was able to plan the flow line and the arrangement of the dining seats in a way that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The realization of this design was achieved through innovative use of materials and technology. Sea base cloth was used as the wall material, replacing the traditional wallpaper. This not only saved costs but also provided the texture needed for the design and made it easy to care for. The color matching of the machine failed to meet the design standard, so all the wall colors were re-finished by hand on site. This attention to detail is evident in the final product, a testament to Anfei Ge's commitment to quality and design excellence.

The project covers a total of 400 square meters. The central point of the restaurant, known as the central axis, embodies a sense of ceremony and sequence. The subtle control layer height offers the most comfortable experience for the patrons. The Chinese style is used for reference as the division of seats, adding to the overall cultural experience of the restaurant.

One of the challenges faced during the design process was the waterscape design, located just above the expansion joint of the building. This was solved by designing a movable stainless steel base, showcasing the designer's ability to find creative solutions to technical challenges. The result is a space that is not only beautiful but also functional and durable.

In conclusion, Anfei Ge's design for Jinxiu is a shining example of how modern design can be seamlessly blended with traditional cultural elements to create a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. It is a testament to the designer's innovative approach and commitment to preserving cultural heritage while pushing the boundaries of design.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Anfei Ge
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer ingallery, Jinxiu, 2018. Image #2: Photographer ingallery, Jinxiu, 2018. Image #3: Photographer ingallery, Jinxiu, 2018. Image #4: Photographer ingallery, Jinxiu, 2018. Image #5: Photographer ingallery, Jinxiu, 2018.
Project Team Members: Anfei Ge
Project Name: Jinxiu
Project Client: Anfei Ge


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