Time Memories Restaurant

Based on analysis of the original spatial structures, JG PHOENIX identified that the key of the design was to connect the four above-ground floors with the underground space. Considering functional demands and the laws of natural light, the design team intended to break the clear boundary of each floor and set staggering ceiling heights, so that every floor can interpenetrate and integrate with the upper and lower storeys, hence broadening the field of view. In addition, large areas of French windows and translucent materials introduce natural light while ensuring privacy to some extent.

The waiting area on 1F is a double-height space. The designers removed the original floor slab above this area, and at the same time preserved the main beam, on which the artwork “Naughty Cat” created by artist Chou is placed. The artwork interacts with the reception desk, and enlivens the spatial atmosphere. Terrazzo boards are applied to large areas of the space. White tableware is put on brass panels in an orderly manner, which extends the space visually.

The glass brick wall on 2F is embedded into the beam structure, bringing in light whilst ensuring privacy of the space. The human figure sculptures wearing Chinese tunic suit hold head high, seeming to tell people the positive living attitude in the past. Opposite to the sculptures are 64 orderly-arranged pieces of kitchen ware. Made in Indonesia, those old kitchen utensils not only imply the “overseas Chinese” culture of Chaoshan area, but also carry overseas Chaoshan people’s longing for hometown cuisine.

3F accommodates several private dining rooms. A functional box composed of about 1,000 walnut wood bricks erects at the entrance area, and supports the white wall above. The dining area is double-height, showing strong visual contrast with the tea drinking area that has a low ceiling. The change of materials defines the boundaries between different areas. The designers didn’t adopt unified surfaces clad in same materials, but instead created diversified structural sections to enrich the space.

The tea drinking area is independent, with the walnut wood table resonating with the texture of the wooden box at the entrance. The washroom was conceived based on artistic design languages. The design team carved out many small openings in the washroom, to bring in light, obscure silhouettes and create a sense of mystery and flexibility in the space.

The small dining room on the second floor has a double-height ceiling, with parts of walls clad in wooden veneers. In addition, a hollowed-out round pattern was crafted on the upper white wall, which creates an artistic aesthetic.

Public passages are unified by gray terrazzo, which is an element frequently used within the entire space. Black handrails and steel panels with archaized grain convey the message about the passage of time. Like the connection point in a time tunnel, the grid-like glass wall generates illusionary visual effects. Several swallow-like artworks created by artist Zhou are set right beneath the ceiling of the passage, seeming to fly to the outside world.

The underground dining area adopts dim lighting and point sources of light, to create a cosy, serene atmosphere. The colour of light on the mezzanine is full of changes, adding a mysterious ambience and appeal to the dim space. The reflective stainless steel visually elevates the low ceiling of the underground floor, hence alleviating the oppressive feeling in the space.The walnut-wood screen separates the routes of light, and generates changes of light and shadows.

Design: JG PHOENIX
Photography: Ouyang Yun