2nd Award: The Chinese National by EDG

A complex of four Chinese specialty venues in one, The Chinese National is a culinary destination that redefines the approach to Chinese cuisine. The concept is based on the four great inventions of China and consists of Letterpress, a tea house by day and cocktail bar by night; Iron Needle, a dumpling and noodle shop; Black Powder Red, a Szechuan restaurant; and Paper Duck, a luxury Cantonese roast duck venue. The design of all venues shares a similar language, but much like the languages of China, each space takes on its own visual dialect.

The client wanted some specialty restaurants in their hotel, but had no space to do it after they provided the required size of the breakfast restaurant. This is one of the age old challenges facing hotel dining, so we turned a liability into an asset. EDG provided a variety of venue options that served modern Chinese cuisine with a unique twist and offer a variety of price points that would appeal to multiple demographics in Jakarta. In the evening they operate as are four separate specialty venues, but they come together to operate as one for breakfast, thus solving all challenges.

Letterpress transforms from a tea lounge by day into a mysterious bar by night, with a secret entry that suggests an exclusive invitation. The use of intricate patterns creates an opulent atmosphere that brings a balance of sophistication and simplicity. Design features include Chinoiserie panels, transforming frames and screens, a vintage metal rail at the bar inspired by printing blocks, antique mirrors, and an intricate paneled ceiling feature.

Iron and Needle brings a touch of classic using stained glass that reflects the urban scape of stacked apartments in Hong Kong. The communal setting creates a casual vibe that makes the venue wlecoming. The design is rich but approachable with compass-inspired details. Design details include white marble dining tables, stained glass and painted wood paneling inspired from old Chinese tea houses.

Black Powder Red emits an industrial art-deco vibe with varieties of copper and gunmetal. Conceptually, this venue evokes the beauty of aged materials and corrosive details, portraying a dark yet warm atmosphere. Chilies and garlic in liberal amounts combine to create an explosion of flavor and fire on the palate in Szechuan cuisine, making a kindred spirit of Gunpowder. The design is inspired by gunmetal and fire, copper and corrosion mixed with industrial art deco.

The modern Peking Duck restaurant, Paperduck, adapts the idea of layering that poetically expresses the processes of Peking Duck and paper making. The use of simple materials with sophisticated details gives the venue a timeless touch. This refined and intimate setting creates the most luxurious venue at The Chinese National. Elegant paper details are found in the tabletop décor and design details but a stunning central carving table that serves as the focal point of the space with brass finishes and marble steals the show.

With The Chinese National, EDG aimed to create a hip explorative experience while solving some age old industry challenges.