In the heart of Chongqing, our client, an established noodle chain known for serving authentic fast meal solutions, wishes to install a signature presence in a historic tourist district ‘18 Steps’. Office AIO was invited to revitalise the brand’s spatial experience - one that could celebrate its food and local culture to captivate new visitors and bewilder loyal patrons. On the ground floor of a 4-storey building clad as 4 separate row houses by the developer with openings towards the alley. As the exterior needs to remain intact, the idea of the facade was redefined by pushing the boundary inwards to create a semi-public area reminiscent of arcaded architecture common across southern China.
Coloured in the brand’s signature red, the buffer space unifies and adds distinction to the faux patchwork facade while offering covered semi-outdoor seating common to the local quick-eat hawker culture. Inspired by Chongqing’s omnipotent spirit resulting from rapid urbanization in the 90s, two full-height walls are constructed and precisely angled to form gateways for two dramatic dining tables measuring 9m and 12m in length. These tables extend across much of the seating zone. The walls are adorned with custom-designed mirrors etched with gradated graffiti, creating an abstract scene unique to the “City of Fog.” This setting is reminiscent of the LiZiBa light rail station, famous for its surreal “punching through high-rise” atmosphere.
The dramatic yet ordinary scene captures the true spatial character of Chongqing. Wastberg Sempe lamps are selected to mimic the familiar hawker-style red pendants, carefully hung above the tables adding elegance and fine details. Brushed aluminium clads the innermost wall, reflecting light from the tinted glass, pendants, and the movement of people within the space. This reflection evokes a sense of dynamism, akin to watching a moving train, as scenes continuously render in a motion blur.