A Taste of Cultural Heritage at Siji Minfu

Design studio IN • X seamlessly blended references to traditional Chinese architecture with a contemporary colour and materials palette in the Dashilan street outpost of Peking duck restaurant Siji Minfu. We spoke with lead designer Wu Wei to find out more about how he embedded culture and tradition within the dining experience

Design Anthology: What’s unique about the location of this Siji Minfu branch? 

Wu Wei: The building is located in Dashilan Street, a famous commercial street south of Tiananmen Square. As a commercial area with centuries of history, there are many well-known local and foreign brands here, but it’s also become a tourist attraction due to its historical significance.

What was the client’s brief for the project?

The clients wanted to create a strong brand image in a competitive commercial area like Dashilan, so our design would have to attract new guests and give the brand a competitive edge in the market. The project is thus our attempt at meeting the brand’s need to give customers a different experience based on the space itself.

How did you approach the project, and what design references or narrative did you try to incorporate into the space?

Considering the idea that traditional architecture can awaken deep memories, I started with an emphasis on the symbiotic relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces, taking this as the core of the project. For example, the imitation white marble guardrail at the entrance is a reference to the pavilions in traditional royal buildings, so it’s an inward extension of an outdoor element. I created a rectangular water feature, inspired by the Forbidden City’s Nine-Dragon Wall, as a rich visual focus at the entrance that strengthens the sense of cultural identity and expresses a wish for prosperity. Natural light streams in through the skylight, creating a play of light and reflections. We also incorporated many custom-made wooden grids in the space, inspired by the traditional Chinese grid patterns.

Are there any other details about the project you want to share?

In the era when eating is no longer a matter of just food, the essence of a brand and spirit of culture become a vital competitive force. For this project, we embedded a historical foundation into the brand characteristics of Siji Minfu, and also attempted to bring a deeper understanding of the city's cultural DNA to diners.

Images / Shi Yunfeng