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Curved partitions inside Shanghai's Taste of Dadong restaurant

Sculptural partitions shape blue-tinged interior of Taste of Dadong restaurant in Shanghai

Huge curving walls divide the blue-lit dining spaces inside this restaurant in Shanghai, designed by Chinese studio AD Architecture.

Conceived by AD Architecture to deliver an "emotional", dream-like dining experience, Taste of Dadong is steeped in an inky-blue light that seeps from LED panels in the walls and hidden strip lighting in the ceiling.

Curved partitions inside Shanghai's Taste of Dadong restaurant
Curving partitions separate seating areas inside the Taste of Dadong restaurant

Carving up the restaurant's floor plan are several tall curving partitions, amongst which intimate seating areas have been created for small groups of guests. Each one features a circular dining table and leather armchairs, all cast in a blueish hue.

Alternatively, diners have the option of sitting at one of the booths that have been dotted around the restaurant's periphery.

Taste of Dadong bar with fuchsia-pink drinks shelf
Behind the bar is a luminescent fuchsia-pink drinks shelf

Sections of the ceiling have been clad with mirrored panels that show warped, upside-down reflections of diners and staff wandering the room, adding to the dreamy quality of the space.

Meals are also accompanied by what the studio describes as a "psychedelic" soundtrack of songs.

Blue-tinged interior of Taste of Dadong restaurant
A pink faux skylight shines down on one of the dining tables

A contrasting pop of colour washes over the restaurant's bar, where the AD Architecture has installed a drinks shelf that emits a fuschia-pink glow.

Pink lighting has also been fitted behind an amorphous faux skylight that sits directly above one of the eating areas, as well as in small square openings that have been punctuated above the seating booths.

Seating booth in blue-tinged Taste of Dadong restaurant
Seating booths have been placed at the edges of the restaurant

AD Architecture is led by Xie Peihe and has offices in Shenzhen and Shantou. The studio's Taste of Dadong project is one of many visually-striking restaurants and bars that can be found across the city of Shanghai.

Others include J Boroski, where the walls are decorated with thousands of preserved insects, and Bar Lotus, which features dramatic arched doorways and a rippled gold ceiling.

The photography is by yuuuunstudio.


Project credits:

Design firm: AD Architecture
Chief designer: Xie Peihe
Client team: Da Dong, Yuan Yufang, Tang Mingji, Si Xi, Shi Xiusong, Taste of Dadong Shanghai Branch
Construction team: Beijing Huakai Construction Decoration Engineering Co
Mechanical/electrical team: Beijing Zhitong Siyuan Mechanical & Electrical Design Consulting
Lighting consulting: Beijing Guangshe Lighting Design
Fixtures team: Beijing Hezhong Youye Hotel Supplies
Kitchen team: Beijing HEC Hotel Supplies

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More images and plans

Floor plan of Shanghai's Taste of Dadong restaurant, designed by AD Architecture
Floor plan
Illustration of Shanghai's Taste of Dadong restaurant, designed by AD Architecture
Curved partitions inside Taste of Dadong
Curved partitions inside Shanghai's Taste of Dadong restaurant by AD Architecture
Curved partitions inside Shanghai's Taste of Dadong restaurant by AD Architecture
Curved partitions inside Shanghai's Taste of Dadong restaurant by AD Architecture
Inside Shanghai's Taste of Dadong restaurant by AD Architecture
Inside Shanghai's Taste of Dadong restaurant by AD Architecture
Inside Shanghai's Taste of Dadong restaurant by AD Architecture