A Symphony of Nature and Modernity

Set within the iconic Raffles City complex designed by Steven Holl, the restaurant enjoys a unique location overlooking a tranquil pond. Facing westwards, it embraces Chengdu's sunsets, casting a warm radiance upon the entire venue.

The restaurant's design aims to create an inviting atmosphere where customers can feel truly at ease, enveloped by the soothing embrace of nature. A balance between comfort and luxury is achieved through the interplay of rough finishes like exposed concrete walls, corten steel, and copper accents, contrasting with the warmth of wood, bamboo details, and abundant greenery.

The space seamlessly transitions from a serene daytime cafe and restaurant to a vibrant night time bar. The restaurant has two entrances, one opening to the exterior water pond and the other to the interior of the mall. Its distinctive, irregular shape is anchored by a long central counter, dividing it into five distinct sections:

1. Lakeside Oasis: A glass greenhouse has been added to the existing structure, offering customers an immersive dining experience surrounded by lush greenery throughout the year. Sliding doors connect diners to the outside, while a corten steel entrance volume with an artificial skylight welcomes them with a "purifying" glow. The area features an array of plant life, including Golden Cane Palm, Elephant Leg Banana, Heartleaf Ficus, Bamboo Palm, and Mountain Fig Trees.

2. Fountain Plaza: Seating arranged in a circular fashion around a central fountain creates a relaxing ambiance, enhanced by the gentle sound of flowing water. Sliding doors connect this space to the lakeside, providing an open-air feel. A strategically positioned stage ensures nightly performances are visible from the exterior public plaza. A framed landscape backdrop highlights two remarkable Island Gardenias, aged 20 and 40. An artificial skylight above them enhances the outdoor feeling with changing light from morning to night, from cold white to warm dimmed yellow. 

 3. The Counter: At the heart of the restaurant, a lengthy counter accommodates both the bar and café counter. Repurposed metal gridwork from the previous restaurant serves as the backdrop bottle display for the bar. Customers can also enjoy their drink sitting at the coffee counter, adorned with handpicked stones and branches from Chengdu's nearby Tibetan mountains, known for imparting a sense of peace and comfort.  

  4. Nature's Embrace: In this section, diners are enveloped by nature, creating an ambiance that evokes the sensation of dining in the great outdoors. A skylight presides over the Dragon Scale Fern in this area. 

 5. The Wine Cellar: Fine wine is elegantly displayed in a cave-like space, providing a unique contrast between the rough granite finish and light wooden shelves. Mirrors expand the sense of space.

As a renovation project, the layout was updated for better functionality and to establish stronger visual connections between interior seating and the lake, as well as with the mall's interior. Sustainability is a key focus, with many elements being upcycled from the previous restaurant.

Wooden wall panels were repurposed by carefully dismantling them and reusing them in different areas of the new design, revealing the raw concrete walls, imparting an industrial chic aesthetic. The original ceiling remains untouched, reducing waste and saving costs. Existing furniture was retained and rejuvenated through upholstery replacement. In cases where tables couldn't be reutilized, table legs were preserved, with only the tabletops renewed.

Additionally, elements like the bottle display metal frame and utensil dividers from the previous service stations were seamlessly integrated into the new design.

Both functional and decorative lighting fixtures were thoughtfully repurposed, adding full-spectrum LED grow lights to ensure the flourishing of plants within the interior.

Details were carefully studied to maximize customer comfort, with slightly lowered tables and chairs to create a lounge-like ambiance. Every seat offers captivating views, whether of the exterior lake or the interior landscape. The seats themselves are wide and comfortable, featuring foam cushions for the seat and feather fillings for the back cushion. These materials not only please the eye but also delight the touch, enhancing the overall sensory experience.

Throughout the day and night, FOOOO Restaurant offers a versatile range of atmospheres. 

Bathed in natural light during the day, it welcomes leisurely dining and socializing against a backdrop of lush greenery. The restaurant seamlessly shifts to an elegant bar post-sunset, embracing an intimate and sophisticated nightlife with dimmed, warm lighting. When night falls, the restaurant's whimsical charm comes alive, casting enchanting shadows with upward spotlights amidst the foliage.

FOOOO Restaurant by Alba Design in Chengdu exemplifies the seamless blend of modern design and natural serenity. Its connection to the lake and the comfort it offers during dining create an extraordinary atmosphere, where busy citizens can immerse themselves and take a break from their busy lives.

Location: No. 3, Section 4, Renmin South Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, China

Area: 510m2

Design & Site supervision: Alba Beroiz

Lighting design: 周才才, 胡进

Landscape design: 圣岛植境SanctuaryScapes

Photography: 形在摄影HereSpace