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Kaiseki Den Restauran by Monique Lee

Kaiseki Den Restauran by Monique Lee is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2018 A' Design Award de Bronze in Interior Competition Category.


BronzeInterior· 2018

Kaiseki Den Restauran

by Monique Lee

Client: Kaiseki Den by Saotome

A' Design Award de Bronze Winner in Interior Category

Colors

The Design

About Kaiseki Den Restauran

Kaiseki Den de Saotome emplega d'elements distintius de designament Wabi-sabi de simplicitat, textura bruta, modèstia e natura per exemplificar lo sens Zen darrièr la cosina Kaiseki. La devantièra es bastida amb de lairas de bòsc compausit natural que dònan un efièch visual tridimensional. Lo corredor d'entrada e las chambras VIP amb d'elements japoneses Karesansui evòcan l'imaginacion d'èsser dins un sanctuari pacific pas pertorbat pel trapèl de la ciutat. L'interior presenta un agençament fòrça simple amb un minimum de decoracion. Las linhas de bòsc netas e lo papièr wagami translucid amb un esclairatge suau mantenen una sensacion espaçiosa.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award de Bronze

Kaiseki Den Restauran a ganhat la distincion A' Design Award de Bronze, una reconeissença plan prestigiosa acordada a de designs excellents que se destrian per la creativitat, l'engenh e la finessa. Los ganhaires del Bronze son d'artefactes largament abils e sorprenentament creatius que provan la vasta experiéncia, l'imaginacion e l'engenhositat de lors designers. S'espèra que Kaiseki Den Restauran siá un objècte fòrça considerat, admirat e estimat, notablament professional e innovant. Aqueste design ganhaire de la distincion A' Design Award de Bronze integra las melhoras practicas de l'art, de la sciéncia, del design e de la tecnologia e es excellent per son atencion al detalh. Kaiseki Den Restauran satisfa esplendidament los besonhs, toca los desirs, encanta los sentiments e interèssa la curiositat.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties
Kaiseki Den, serves Kaiseki cuisine which is a tribute to transcendental meditation. The design employs simple shapes in a three-dimensional perspective for a modest and peaceful vibe. To bring out the concept of original state of nature associated with Kaiseki and its Zen philosophy, simple, soft sandy or earthy colours, natural materials, coarse marble floor are used. They are a visual pacifier to manifest a calm mind and customers are in a brief retreat from the busy city.
Dimensions & Packaging
The site area is 137.3 sq.m
Tags
Elegant, Simple, Natural, Environment Friendly, Peaceful, wabi-sabi
Production Technology
Sustainable natural materials closest to its raw texture are selected to present the original state of nature. Tailor-made natural composite wood strips with metal strip inserted manually for a sturdy structure for shop front were assembled on spot. Interior is decorated with coarse marble floor, bamboo bark wall paper, wood screen door and linen Noren. An energy saving LED lighting system is employed. Wagami light boxes conceal an adjustable LED lighting system. For best visual effects and easy maintenance, paper cover is in a door construction with hinges hidden at the top.
Design Challenge
The biggest challenge comes from its geographical complexity. Situated on a slope, it combines 2 units of irregular shapes on different horizontal levels and with different ceiling heights. Partial area sinks below ground level outside, blocking natural light source.
Its’ irregular shape posts a feeling of disorder. Reworking the drainage system compatible with an open kitchen design requires a full-scale construction of raising the floor for a unified level surface. A simple layout, minimum use of colours and decorations also post difficulty in creating a Japanese feeling.
Research
In order to create a comfortable and simple Japanese design, we chose Japanese garden as our design direction. We researched into Kyoto Jinfu Temple Karesansui - dry landscape through different books and internet. Understanding its representation of Wasbi-sabi and the Zen meaning behind the concept. We coordinate and employ these aesthetic concepts into our design to create a tranquil atmosphere.
Inspiration
Kaiseki refers to the warm pebble Buddhist monks put on their belly during Zen contemplation to soothe feeling of hunger, a divine tool to assist the pursuit of ultimate truth. The design uses Wabi-sabi Aesthetics elements like simplicity, asymmetry to simulate a natural environment. The Japanese Karesansui Landscape represents a static form. Images like static ripple lines as Running Water, Circles as Rock meaning Land are believed to manifest a calm mind and build a tranquil environment.
Project Duration
The project stated in Feb 2017 and finished in May 2017 in Hong Kong.
Located at Shop 3-4, G/F, The Oakhill, 28 Wood Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Operation Flow
Drainage system was re-laid to allow for an open kitchen and dining counter design. Diners can see chefs cook and talk with them. Floor of kitchen and main hall was raised for extra underground space to embed drainage pipes and to keep bar counter table on same level for diners and chefs chat comfortably. On the opposite is an open space with a sliding screen in translucent Wagami paper and wooden strips. When fully open, it becomes a spacious hall. When slided closed, it creates a Washitsu private room. This allows flexible and full use of space and light, and strengthens a Japanese vibe.
Patents
Copyrights belong to Monique Lee, 2017
Team Members
Design Director: Monique Lee
Designer: Thomas Chu
Image Credits
Image #1- Photographer Ray Chow, Kaiseki Den 2017
Image #2- Photographer Ray Chow, Kaiseki Den 2017
Image #3- Photographer Ray Chow, Kaiseki Den 2017
Image #4- Photographer Ray Chow, Kaiseki Den 2017
Image #5- Photographer Ray Chow, Kaiseki Den 2017

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