Designer: Wuxing Youxing Space Design
Area: 380 m²
Completion Date: January 2024
Photographer: Zhang Xi
Chief Designer: Wei Zhixue
Assistant Designers: Sun Zheng, Pan Ping, Xie Kaiming, Xu Peng
Construction Unit: Hangzhou Jutie Decoration
Lighting Design: Hangzhou Zhige Lighting
Landscape Production: Hangzhou Wolin Planting Art
City: Shanghai
Country: China
Wanmo Teppanyaki, a 380 m² teppanyaki restaurant designed by Wuxing Youxing Space Design in Shanghai, China, was completed in January 2024. The restaurant integrates a sci-fi theme inspired by “Interstellar Exploration,” featuring elements like acrylic ring matrices and bespoke lighting. The design fosters social interaction and enhances the dining experience, appealing to a young, tech-savvy clientele. By connecting food, people, and the environment, the restaurant creates a dynamic and immersive atmosphere, aligning with the brand’s vision of blending culinary art with imaginative space design.
Wanmo Teppanyaki has opened its newly upgraded location in Shanghai’s vibrant Wujiaochang area, a bustling cultural hub that attracts a youthful demographic. This area, known for its mix of major tech companies like ByteDance and Bilibili, as well as a large student population, provides an ideal setting for the restaurant’s innovative approach to dining.
Wuxing Youxing Space Design, led by Chief Designer Wei Zhixue, conceptualized the restaurant with the goal of creating an environment that offers more than just a place to eat. Drawing inspiration from the theme of “Interstellar Exploration,” the design aims to resonate with Wanmo’s core clientele—young professionals seeking unique, shareable experiences that break away from the routine of daily life.
The restaurant’s design features continuous acrylic ring matrices and diffused lighting, evoking the image of a massive mothership that welcomes diners into an expansive, futuristic space. The layout includes five standalone island counters, strategically placed to ensure privacy for different dining groups while maintaining a cohesive and unified environment.
At the heart of the space, a central landing pod introduces elements of new terrains—stone, gravel, and a sense of solitude—that evoke the spirit of exploration. The use of red sandstone throughout the restaurant creates a distinct visual language, setting it apart from its surroundings in the bustling business district. The design also incorporates stainless steel, sound, and visual installations, with interactive artworks that greet guests in a mysterious, galaxy-inspired manner.
The design of Wanmo Teppanyaki extends beyond mere aesthetics, intertwining the brand’s visual identity with the overall consumer experience. This approach encourages a sense of exploration and adventure, aligning with the youthful spirit of pushing boundaries and exploring the unknown.
The interior, inspired by the rough textures of sandstone and the layered formation of shale, creates a deeply resonant and imaginative space for visitors. Bespoke lighting fixtures are strategically placed to guide diners through their journey, while elements of interstellar travel seamlessly blend with the culinary experience.
Teppanyaki dining, known for its interactive nature, is further enhanced by the design, which incorporates six dark, planet-like spheres throughout the venue. These spheres, made from metal and lighting elements, balance privacy with connection, allowing diners to enjoy their meals in an engaging yet intimate setting. A circular chandelier, arranged in cuneiform script, hangs overhead, symbolizing curiosity and anticipation for extraterrestrial life.
In response to modern challenges such as the rise of pre-made dishes and centralized kitchens, Wanmo Teppanyaki revives the essence of intimate, chef-driven culinary experiences. The chef’s fiery performance draws diners closer, fostering lively conversations and shared moments that create lasting memories.
The entrance to the restaurant features a stark stainless steel portal, symbolizing the fusion of terrestrial and extraterrestrial elements. Inside, two private booths offer secluded dining spaces with carefully designed lighting that ensures both privacy and comfort. A large private room, with expansive glass windows, connects the interior to the exterior, allowing daylight and reflections from the surrounding buildings to dynamically interact with the space throughout the day.
In today’s dining landscape, where social media and shared experiences play a significant role, Wanmo Teppanyaki redefines the relationship between food, people, and the environment. The restaurant’s sci-fi theme, reminiscent of “Star Trek,” appeals to a tech-savvy audience, using the spirit of exploration to foster deeper connections with its patrons. By blending imaginative design with culinary art, Wanmo Teppanyaki transcends the typical dining experience, becoming a place where inspiration and connection thrive.
Project Gallery
Project Location
Address: Shanghai, China
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
