Snapshot: Architecture firm Panorama have recently completed the design of Yue--an Asian cuisine restaurant located at a new boutique hotel in Chengdu, China-- with the landscape of the city in mind. Merging natural colors with a striking series of undulating timber panels, Yue meshes the boundaries between indoors and outdoors.

Hong Kong based architecture firm Panorama, established by architect Horace Pan, was inspired by traditional landscape paintings in the design of Yue Restaurant. Enclosed in a steel and glass canopy, the undulated timber paneling is slit in a way to allow sunlight and fresh air in as a means of making the outdoors an element of design. The triangular panels make for an open space while creating a sense of flow. Bright lights are spaced out in a dynamic arrangement that highlights the shifts and turns that the architecturally mesmerizing timber panels take.

A series of overhanging sculptures that resemble white birds in motion float above the central area. Those, paired with painted images of birds along the walls, give the impression of an endless flock soaring within the space. Full height glass doors further connect Yue’s use of the outdoors, incorporating the visual flavor of Chengdu within the presence of the restaurant. Artwork pieces, such a bright, LED wall relief in the center of the dining area, are made by local artists to add a personal touch that makes Yue Restaurant interconnected with its surroundings.

The two dining rooms have their own atmospheres, connected by means of sharing a natural palette while utilizing different materials. The first area contains natural elements of timber and bright grey and white marble in an open space. The marble, modular buffet arrangement can be adjusted to properly represent the meals available depending on the time of the day. The other dining area features an open seating arrangement that foregoes the triangular timber paneling of the first room for reflective, brass walls that add a sense of elegance to the space.

Capturing the energy of Chengdu, Yue Restaurant captures a soothing, natural air flow by intelligent use of slit panels. Blurring the difference between wall and ceiling, and connecting the restaurant to the outdoors.

Photography by Ng Siu Fung