Interview | Exploring Life & Culture Through Osama Elolemy’s Lens
February 10, 2025
The Hallmark of Business Prestige: 2025 Noble Business Awards Jury
February 10, 2025
Ink Painting Brought to Life
The design of LU XIAO JU by AND DESIGN, recognized with a prestigious Gold Award at the 2024 TITAN Innovation Awards under Innovation in Design - Restaurant Design, is nothing short of a masterpiece. This restaurant serves as a sanctuary amidst the chaos of urban life, inviting diners into an environment where tradition and modernist aesthetics converge beautifully. It’s not merely a dining space; it’s a poetic experience that speaks to the core values of Eastern culture.
At the heart of LU XIAO JU’s design is the concept of creating a space that resonates with the elegance of a traditional landscape painting. The designers have carefully curated elements to reflect a sense of cultural pride and an appreciation for the serene beauty found in Eastern traditions. From the outset, the restaurant’s architecture sets the tone with a mix of white walls, cyan tiles, and bracket arches. These features are balanced with upturned eaves and auspicious mythical beasts guarding the entrance, establishing an atmosphere that feels both grand and graceful.
Upon entering, diners are greeted by open corridors lined with green bamboo casting soft, dappled shadows. This thoughtful incorporation of natural elements is intended to create a moment of respite for visitors, a chance to breathe and escape the demands of the city. The journey through the space begins with a stone-paved path, leading seamlessly into the front hall and ultimately the dining area. This progression feels like a deliberate rhythm, guiding guests through an immersive and tranquil courtyard. Each turn reveals a new scene, as if walking through a scroll of an ancient painting.
One of the most striking features of the design is the circular landscape art installations placed strategically throughout the space. These focal points elevate the environment, imbuing it with an artistic energy that complements the dining experience. The interplay of light and shadow, coupled with the rhythmic arrangement of the space, allows the restaurant to exude a quiet elegance that draws people in.
The interior itself is reminiscent of a traditional ink painting, artfully depicting the harmony of spring and autumn. White gauze glass partitions, combined with verdant greenery, add an element of whimsy and depth. These partitions act as frames, offering glimpses of the lush surroundings while creating a sense of intrigue and discovery. The designers have further enriched the environment with architectural and landscaping elements that evoke a countryside retreat. Bonsai trees, a miniature bamboo forest, ferns, and other vibrant plant life are thoughtfully placed throughout, fostering a lush, natural atmosphere that feels alive and organic.
The dining space beats the ordinary, providing visitors with a chance to slow down and connect with their surroundings. The green bamboo corridors and garden-inspired interiors aren't a mere aesthetic feature; they are a gentle reminder to cleanse the mind and embrace the simple joys of life.
Through careful attention to detail, the design team at AND DESIGN has integrated traditional Eastern elements with a modern touch. The use of natural materials and soft, muted colors complements the restaurant’s mission to create a space that is inspiring and grounding. Every corner of it tells a story, whether through its detailed architectural details or the effortless harmony of its landscaping.
More than a dining venue, LU XIAO JU by AND DESIGN celebrates art, culture, and the beauty of nature that can forever be eternal. By crafting a space that feels like a living painting, the designers have succeeded in creating an environment that enriches both soul and spirit. Winning the Gold Award at the 2024 TITAN Innovation Awards shows their dedication, creativity, and vision within the innovative industry.
Credits
Entry Title: LU XIAO JU
Entrant Name: AND DESIGN
Winning Category: Innovation in Design - Restaurant Design
Head over and read more about Genesis - The New Dawn | A Visionary Art Series here.
