In the 20th century, after decades of development, Shanghai cuisines have evolved from rustic dishes to exalted culinary products. Various famous chefs have appeared along with them. Meanwhile, Xi’an has gone through swift changes, and could no longer be simply described as ancient city.
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International Interior Design Awards 2023
W Branch of Shanghai Parade in Xi’an
Restaurant Interior Built
Firm
IN.X Design
Designer
Wei Wu
Design Team
Qifeng Jia, Chenyang Liu, Chenjuan Jia, Shengxu Jin, Zheguang Ying, Jiangli Song, Haiyan Zhu
Location
Xi’an, Shaan Xi
Country
China
Photographer/Copyright
©Yan Zheng
In April 2022, W Hotel of Xi’an had granted Shanghai cuisine a new spotlight.
Shanghai Parade, the brand that highlights Shanghai cuisine in Xi’an, has entered the northern market. Wu Wei, the designer of IN.X, integrates trend, enthusiasm, and innovation with the rich background of Xi’an. Thus Shanghai Parade and Xi’an unites in one lively scenery.
In the business area of W Hotel, Shanghai Parade occupies 567 square meter. Its bronze signboard shines up the incoming guests who enter through the gates. The modern sense of Shanghai Parade has dominated the scenery.
The blazing lights encapsulates blocks along the corridors and cellar window. One may have a glimpse of the corner of waterside bar with moving lights. A T-shaped corridor highlights the route within, guiding the guests toward different scenes. The designer uses the circular waterside bar for organizing the traffic flow of guests, dividing the wide seat area and independent booths behind the restaurant.
The circular bar utilizes the overall shape of the hall, while eradicating the irregularity within the establishment, making it resemble a isle in waters. Guests would not be able to peer through its secrets, but they may find them out as long as they travel with the flow. The light and fog moves along the wall, while green terrazzo and grey blocks reflect the dazzling lights. The ceiling has eradicated the borders overhead, and stainless steel pillars further enhances the futuristic feeling of the view. Modern chilliness has been affected by the flow of color, which showcases human characteristics.
Walking by the door and turn right along the waterside bar, one may perceive a French window which connects the open seats area with outdoor area. A small fountain bubbles audibly on the terrazzo stage. The flowing pattern of water is even clearer in the dry northern city.
The reflective ceiling and parquetry floor creates a sensation of dignity. The staid gray base reflects delicate details of its material. If the guests forget that they are in Xi’an, the natural tone of the background color would bring their mind back the ancient city in an instant.
After one enters the open seat area, then moves to the bar, one would notice that the corridor has become narrow once again. Wet moss grow under the dim lights, whereas the hall waits quietly for the scenery to change.
When one enters the VIP room, the light becomes dimmer. Modern sculptures and portrayals of Tang maidens highlight the scene, uniting thousands years of history and bright modernity, signifying how resolute people transform the past into wise and joyful modern life.
Wu proposed the question in the initial phase of design. As an outsider, Shanghai Parade could go for both local or unique, but there’s only one correct answer.
We unravel the essence of Shanghai Parade, and connects its cuisine with the past. Despite it might not conquer the grandness of the ancient city, we still could compare them during transitory period. The trend and innovation of Parade blends with the age and scope of Xi’an. The seemingly opposite factors generate a spark, and create a beautiful new result.