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Press Release

Osolemio Italian Restaurant Dining Hall

A' Design Award 2026 Bronze Winner in Interior Space and Exhibition Design

19 April 2026

Osolemio Italian Restaurant Dining Hall by Ran Du
Osolemio Italian Restaurant Dining Hall by Ran Du
Osolemio Italian Restaurant Dining Hall by Ran Du
Osolemio Italian Restaurant Dining Hall by Ran Du
Osolemio Italian Restaurant Dining Hall by Ran Du

Ran Du · CLIENT: Hubei Yandu Puyi Decoration Engineering Co., Ltd.

Osolemio is an interior design for an Italian restaurant of about 380 square meters. The central feature is a rotating marble sculpture of Aurora, the goddess of dawn, carved by machine and placed on a motorized pedestal with water and mist systems. Mirrored ceilings and warm LED lighting reflect the moving water. Arches, vaulted forms, brass, terracotta and thatch panels recall Southern Italian architecture. Seating is arranged to face the sculpture, and the lighting shifts from day to night to support both casual dining and evening use.

Press Kit

Unique Properties
This design reimagines an Italian restaurant as a spatial sonnet. At its center, a rotating marble fountain of the goddess Aurora combines movement, mist, and reflection to evoke the eternal sunrise. The mirrored ceiling amplifies light play, while bilingual arches, engraved literary fragments, and Tuscan inspired materials create an immersive and symbolic dining journey. The design also includes thoughtful zoning and sustainable features to enhance both beauty and functionality.
Dimensions & Packaging
The total restaurant space measures approximately 380 square meters. The rotating fountain sculpture has a diameter of 1800 millimeters and a height of 2800 millimeters. Vaulted ceilings reach 3500 millimeters at their peak. Lighting includes LED fixtures with color temperatures between 2200 and 3000 Kelvin. Primary materials include white marble, brass, Tuscan-style thatch, mirrored steel, terracotta vessels, and sustainable faux greenery.
Tags
Italian Restaurant Design, Rotating Marble Fountain, Goddess Aurora, Kinetic Centerpiece, Immersive Lighting, Mediterranean Myth, Poetic Dining Space, Tuscan Materials, Sustainable Interiors, Cultural Storytelling
Production Technology
The sculpture is crafted from CNC-carved white marble and sits on a motorized rotating pedestal with integrated water and mist systems. Lighting combines LED technology with hand-blown glass pendants. Ceiling thatch panels are sourced from sustainable Tuscan-style materials. Faux vines are made from flame-retardant, UV-resistant polyethylene. Materials and systems were selected for durability, visual warmth, and ease of maintenance, allowing both aesthetic and operational excellence.
Design Challenge
The main challenge was balancing poetic storytelling with commercial use. It was difficult to make a kinetic sculpture safe, durable, and operable in a dining setting. Another challenge was translating myth and history into modern materials without becoming too literal or decorative. Local safety codes, mechanical constraints, and supply limits also shaped key design decisions throughout the process.
Project Duration
The project started in September 2024 in Shanghai, China and finished in January 2025.
Operation Flow
Guests enter through floral arches into a softly lit space anchored by the rotating Aurora sculpture. As the fountain turns, mist and water reflect light onto mirrored ceilings, creating a dynamic, ever-changing environment. Seating is arranged to offer views of the sculpture, encouraging visual and emotional engagement. The lighting shifts from day to night, supporting a natural flow from casual dining to vibrant nightlife.
Research
This is a design-led cultural research project. The goal was to translate Mediterranean myth into a sensory space. The team used case studies of Italian architecture, field studies of Tuscan materials, and emotional mapping through interviews with diners. Tools included mood boards, lighting tests, and mock-ups. Results showed stronger guest recall and emotional connection. Insights proved that kinetic art and symbolism can enhance both branding and guest satisfaction.
Inspiration
The concept was inspired by the Italian ballad O Sole Mio and the myth of Aurora, goddess of dawn. The aim was to translate this lyrical and mythological heritage into a spatial experience. Research into Southern Italian architecture, Renaissance light studies, and classical literature, particularly Dante's Divine Comedy. By integrating light, sculpture, and natural elements, the project seeks to celebrate Mediterranean culture while offering a unique brand and guest experience.
Image Credits
Image #1: Photographer Fan Jing Space Photography, Osolemio Italian Restaurant, 2025.
Image #2: Photographer Fan Jing Space Photography, Osolemio Italian Restaurant, 2025.
Image #3: Photographer Fan Jing Space Photography, Osolemio Italian Restaurant, 2025.
Image #4: Photographer Fan Jing Space Photography, Osolemio Italian Restaurant, 2025.
Image #5: Photographer Fan Jing Space Photography, Osolemio Italian Restaurant, 2025.

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