Patrons of the Matsumoto Restaurant chain may be surprised by the offerings of the new Beijing outlet.

Along with the expected Japanese fare, the restaurant offers a place in which diners can ‘pray for blessings’ by writing their wishes for the future on timber boards.

Taiwanese designer Lee Hsuheng, founder of Beijing interiors studio Golucci International Design, wanted to address the desperate pursuit of fame and fortune that he’s been witnessing in cities such as Beijing and Shanghai. He aimed to remind people of the importance of being true to oneself.

He thus installed a series of rods and hooks on which Japanese-style timber boards can hung at glazed areas of the restaurant’s front façade. 

“It provides a fantastic visual experience,” says Lee, but it also “brings people an expectation of realising their wishes, and becomes a form of engagement between Matsumoto Restaurant and its customers.”

Meanwhile, inside the 600-square-metre restaurant, hints of the traditional and the contemporary meet via a keenly controlled interior scheme that favours warm timber tones. Contrast is established with dark upholstery and flooring, and a blacked-out ceiling.

The dominating features are the overhead lighting and heat extraction boxes. Positioned over the cooking plates set in each table, they recall Japanese lanterns as well as antique kerosene lamps. They form an illuminated ‘army’ that appears to hover beneath the dark ceiling as though suspended in a digital animation.

The almost futuristic edge, collaged with traditional elements, seems an appropriate means of encouraging truth to self – looking forward while being mindful of one’s past.

Photos by Sun Xiangyu.

Golucci International Design
golucci.com