This 25,000 ft2 subterranean dining space that fuses traditional Chinese architecture with a modern aesthetic is a first for NYC. Guests descend from street level to an underground corridor, through an artistic, glowing bamboo forest with selected stalks sparkling from within with integrated LED fixtures. Camouflaged LED track heads and linear LED fixtures provide the practical accent illumination required in the vast space. This allows the clouds of decorative fixtures floating through all dining rooms to function primarily as spatial jewelry. A comprehensive dimming control system balances the lighting illumination levels throughout the day.
A shimmering glass cube shrouded in shining gold and green fabric marks the restaurant’s presence amid Broadway’s bright lights. High powered linear LED fixtures define the drapery layers to create the luminous envelope, turning the cube into an invitation to a secret oasis. The entryway boasts a glowing moon which promises the patrons a gratifying dining experience as the full moon is symbolic of reunion and harmony.
Siheyuan, a traditional Chinese courtyard house style with an open yard surrounded by single-story rooms, is the primary inspiration for the design. The lighting treatment alludes to Siheyuan’s emphasis on light defining a room’s purpose. To fully bring the Siheyuan effect to life, dining rooms are identified by distinctive color palettes. From the entry point, guests can see the whole vista: crimson tones in South dining, the dramatic ceiling and featured expo kitchen in Central dining, and jade tones the North dining.
Integrated LED fixtures between a double layer of frosted, textured acrylic creates the colorful crimson envelope to the South dining space. The goal was to construct a dark ambiance with theatrical lighting to create a sense of drama to tie the space into the heart of NYC theater district, where the restaurant is located. The minimal ambient light brings more attention to the decorative cloud of chandeliers which are designed to be reminiscent of Chinese lantern used in traditional festivals.
The hard plaster ceiling above is crafted to feel like loose hanging drapery. Small fixtures are specifically placed to graze the plaster and call attention its soft curvature while avoiding structural conflicts. The backbar feature is a window that looks back through to the garden. This adds a beautiful focal point while creating depth and cohesion to the overall space and dining experience.
