Located in Shanghai, Chi-Q is a small restaurant that features a suspended light installation in the ceiling. The space is centered around what the studio calls a “neglected atrium,” with metal surfaces and wooden chairs in the middle. Large glass bulbs are suspended from the ceiling. The designers use a ceiling-mounted light strip to emphasize the importance of the atrium. Black wood-veneered walls and natural wood beams stretch the overall space, creating a strong rhythm and a low-key industrial atmosphere. The bar in the atrium provides an open dining space, bringing customers closer to the chefs.
Chi-Q, situated in the bustling city of Shanghai, is a compact yet captivating restaurant that embraces a distinctive industrial aesthetic. The heart of this culinary haven revolves around what Neri&Hu, the design firm behind the project, describes as a “neglected atrium.” This central space serves as a focal point, where metal surfaces and wooden chairs coalesce, creating a dynamic interplay of textures and materials.
Above, an array of large glass bulbs hangs from the ceiling, casting a warm, inviting glow upon the surrounding environment. To amplify the significance of this atrium, Neri&Hu strategically incorporated a ceiling-mounted light strip, drawing the eye upwards and highlighting the space’s unique architectural character. Black wood-veneered walls, in stark contrast to the natural wood beams, stretch across the restaurant, creating a powerful visual rhythm that underscores the industrial ambiance. This design choice evokes a sense of raw authenticity and purposeful simplicity. At the core of the atrium, a bar serves as a welcoming focal point, providing an open and inviting dining space that blurs the lines between customer and chef. This intimate arrangement encourages a sense of community and connection, allowing guests to witness the culinary artistry firsthand.
The overall aesthetic of Chi-Q is one of understated elegance, where industrial elements are seamlessly integrated into a cohesive and welcoming environment. The careful selection of materials, the play of light and shadow, and the strategic use of space all contribute to a dining experience that is both visually striking and effortlessly comfortable.
Project Information:
Architect: Neri&Hu
Location: Shanghai, China
Photography: © Neri&Hu
