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Entwurf • Design Sò Studio, CN-Shanghai
Bauherr • Client Opposite Group, CN-Shanghai
Standort • Location 222 West Jianguo Rd, CN-Shanghai
Nutzfläche • Floor space 260 m 2
Fotos • Photos Wen Studio, CN-Shanghai
Mehr Infos auf Seite • More info on page 150
RESTAURANT LUNAR
IN SHANGHAI
The strength of Yifan Wu and Mengjie Liu of Sò Studio
lies in creating gentle spaces – spaces that radiate an
almost endless calm. To achieve this, they combine
elements of traditional Chinese architecture with con-
temporary design. They thus achieve what only a few
succeed in doing: an authentic renewal of the existing,
a transfer of the traditional into the present day.
A drastic contrast to the outside street noise and hectic city life:
anyone entering the Lunar restaurant in Shanghai is enveloped
in a soothing silence. Immediately, you feel like tiptoeing around and
speaking in a whisper. Usually, only nature itself can inspire such re-
verence and serenity in us. Capturing this feeling that flora and fauna
evoke in us – calming down, taking a deep breath and relaxing – in a
room seems like a contradiction in terms. An absurdity: building a
room in order to feel like being on the outside when inside it – and
for this very reason it probably remains the supreme discipline of in-
terior design, which is rarely achieved. The starting point for the spa-
Grundriss Erdgeschoss • Ground floor plan Axonometrie • Axonometry tial design and culinary art of the Lunar restaurant is the Chinese
lunar calendar. A taste experience that takes the lunar cycles into ac-
count means, above all, using seasonal and regional products; food
in close harmony with nature, without artificial human processing. A
feeling that the interior should also convey: harmony, purity and se-
renity. The Jiangnan Gardens, which strive for harmony between
earth, sky, stones, water, buildings, paths, plants and people, served
as inspiration. All those visitors who enter the Lunar restaurant are
greeted by soft hues, subtle materials and exquisite natural fragran-
ces. Only tea is served in the lounge area on the ground floor. Sur-
rounded by warm-toned terrazzo and a protecting ceiling installation,
one sense in particular is beguiled here: dried tea leaves pressed into
bricks exude their special scent in the form of a wall installation. Fol-
lowing the stairs to the upper floor, the visitors reach the dining area.
Wall paintings in subtle shades of orange imitate shimmering moon-
light. The wooden panelling curves gently around the tables in a shiel-
ding gesture and at the same time forms separate seating arrange-
ments. The Shanghai-based architecture, interior, and industrial de-
sign practice Sò Studio designed a distinguished, tranquil space that
bespeaks stillness and grace. A discreet restraint that creates the per-
fect setting for the real star of the new designed restaurant: the culi-
Grundriss Obergeschoss • Upper floor plan nary delights on the plates!
AIT 6.2022 • 109
