Located on the seventh floor of Swissotel Jakarta, The Chinese National is definitely not your typical Chinese restaurant.
Firstly, it offers diners not one, but four distinctive dining destinations.
Drawing inspiration from China’s four great inventions of papermaking, printing, gunpowder and the compass, the team at EDG Design transformed the space into a tea house by day and cocktail bar by night (Letterpress); a dumpling and noodle shop (Iron Needle); a Szechuan restaurant (Black Powder Red); and a luxury Cantonese roast duck venue (Paper Duck).
“It was vital that The Chinese National was positioned as an upscale F&B destination, with a freestanding restaurant spirit, despite being located within the hotel,” says Michael Goodman, Partner and Managing Director at EDG Design.
“Aside from ensuring that we utilised the space in a clever way that meant that while the venue as a whole was able to accommodate all guests over breakfast, it was also critical that these specialty venues didn’t compete with each other.
“Beyond interior design, we had to consider the strategic approach as well... We knew that one restaurant would never fill that many seats the rest of the day, but there was a huge demand for food in general.
“From there it was logical to create four different venues that spoke to four different types of guests and price points.”
DESIGNING FOR FLEXIBILITY
This story is from the Issue 118 edition of d+a.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Issue 118 edition of d+a.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
In Harmony With Nature
Palace Hotel Tokyo’s Art Collection opens a window to the world of Japanese art based on the concept of inheriting tradition but with an innovative spirit.
Timeless Elegance
Italian architect, designer, and art director Pierro Lissoni’s vision for B&B Italia is characterised by his personal design sensibilities.
Revitalising Communities Through Eco-Tourism
How can design contribute to environmental conservation and create sustainable communities? This is a question explored by Chat Architects, an architectural firm based in Chonburi province in Thailand.
art meets minimalism
Jay Osgerby, co-founder of Barber Osgerby, shares how AXOR One Collection is set to change the future of bathroom design.
enduring legacy
Vipp's CEO Morten Woldum tells us about the Danish company's pursuit of long-lasting quality and meticulous designs
seasonal expressions
Vibrant colours of the season are depicted in the striking ceiling installation at the newly refurbished Le Du in Bangkok.
preserving lanna heritage for future generation
The new InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping's updated design pays homage to Northern Thailand's Lanna culture.
blank canvas
A family home’s white backdrop frames the tranquillity and greenery of Half Moon Island Wetland Park in Foshan, China.
three of a kind
This multigenerational residence brings its occupants together while allowing them to maintain their individual lifestyles.
ichll of discovery
Formzero's Borderless House blurs the boundaries of conventional living, distilling serenity sublimity and surprise in a gardened and Miesian-inspired abode.