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Seiku, Shenzhen
Designer / Agency
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PROJECT

Washoku represents the purest form of Japanese culinary artistry—distinctly separate from Western or Chinese-inspired variations. At Seiku, the brand’s philosophy is to preserve and elevate the essence of traditional Japanese cuisine. The restaurant offers a dynamic exploration of flavors, shaped by the subtle shifts in ingredients and the changing seasons.
The space accentuates the contrasts of color, light, and shadow. The window structures feature unique forms that create a strong visual impact. In this tranquil environment, energy flows, resonating with the youthful pursuit of freedom and uncertainty, which imbues the space with a captivating aura.
Upon entry, the floor is laid with pristine black terrazzo, a quiet metaphor for nightfall, gently separating the interior from the clamors of the outside world. This seemingly simple contrast invites interaction. The passageway, clad in black terrazzo, leads to a wall where a paper light box creates soft pools of light, guiding guests while evoking a sense of calm. The subtle play of light and shadow evokes a Zen-like ambience, stimulating inner peace.
Traditionally, Washoku spaces are enriched by the presence of nature, often with plant landscapes that evoke the serenity of a secluded garden. Seiku, however, takes a more abstract approach, crafting spatial ambience through lines, textures, and light. The interplay of these elements evokes moonlight, courtyards, and nature, blending Eastern philosophy with the fluidity of nature. Minimal yet deeply evocative, the design creates a meditative, immersive atmosphere. Recessed lighting, in soft, low-contrast hues, bathes the space in a gentle glow, subtly diminishing the presence of space adornments.
At Seiku, beauty unfolds during saving cuisine. The interplay of light and shadow enhances the purity of the cuisine, awakening the senses and stimulating the imagination. Subtle designs inspire vivid imagery—an golden autumn sunset, with crows returning to their nests; a crane soaring high into the expanse of a clear indigo sky; or the soft, pale yellow of scattered stars shimmering through a veil of misty clouds. These visual cues create a vivid, immersive experience that transcends the ordinary.
In this space, the boundaries between the virtual and the real seem to fade. Between movement and stillness, the environment encapsulates an entire world. Stripped of superficial distractions, it offers a sanctuary to reconnect with the essence of life.

Agency: Nature Times Art Design Co., Ltd.

Established by a team of designers who combine artistry with experience, Nature Times Art Design provides a diverse range of services, including boutique architectural design, interior design, furniture and furnishings. We work closely with each client to understand and meet their requirements while crafting distinctive design solutions that express the unique characteristics of each project.
Our designs embody the essence of the East, using the philosophy of nature as a source to create spaces that sit in harmony with their environment. Approaching each project as a work of art, we draw inspiration from both Eastern and Western elements, and constantly break away from tradition and convention to create contemporary design concepts that are unique and original.

2024
Character Award
Agency Award