Tang Talk: A Fusion of Art and Functionality designed by Jingle Design

This project draws inspiration from the functional mechanism of the biomembrane system, using the concepts of "functioning" and "transmission" in the design as a metaphor for the relationship between humans and food. The designer has transformed the entire space into a site for energy conversion, resembling a cell factory. Through complex and meticulous operations, a new force of life is generated, ensuring the highest quality and attention to detail. The design breaks away from the traditional "bottom-up" logic of spatial construction, immersing people in an immersive and entirely new world.

The overall space is divided and enclosed with streamlined boundaries, resembling the internal processes within a cell, where material transport, energy conversion, and information transmission interact with the external environment, leading to continuous proliferation and division. The metal mesh structure on the exterior facade extends from repetitive and evenly spaced points to organic curves, further extending into the interior space. Transparent glass facades and funnel-shaped metal crystalline structures serve as visual focal points. The structure of the metal cell cavity makes those inside feel like explorers in a cell factory, where their senses are continually amplified. The relationship between "light & shadow" and "form" is re-captured and reinterpreted.

In the heart of Taiyuan, Shanxi, a groundbreaking project has come to life, redefining the relationship between space and human experience. Tang Talk, a stunning 617 square meter space designed by the visionary team at Jingle Design, is not just a physical structure but a living, breathing organism inspired by the intricate mechanisms of biomembrane systems. As one steps into Tang Talk, they find themselves engulfed in a world where the boundaries between art and functionality blur into a harmonious symphony of design. The space, transformed into a site for energy conversion, mirrors the inner workings of a cell factory. Every detail, meticulously crafted and thoughtfully placed, exudes a sense of purpose and vitality.

The exterior facade, adorned with a mesmerizing metal mesh structure, seamlessly blended repetitive points with organic curves, drawing me deeper into the immersive experience. Transparent glass facades and intricate metal crystalline structures served as visual focal points, capturing the play of light and shadow in a dance of elegance and mystery. Venturing further into Tang Talk, one encounters the awe-inspiring cell membrane biomimetic art installation—a testament to the design team's boundless creativity. The installation, stretching an impressive 13 meters, weaves a multi-dimensional tapestry of interlaced straight and curved lines, inviting active participation in its narrative.

The interplay of light and shadow beneath the ultra-thin metal mesh left me transfixed as if I had stumbled upon a secret world to explore. As I gazed upward, the installation extended above me, beckoning me to embrace the transformative power of design and immerse myself in its captivating allure.Tang Talk is not just a space but a testament to human ingenuity and creativity. It challenges traditional spatial construction, inviting visitors to shed their passive roles and become explorers in a realm where senses are heightened and perceptions are transformed.

In April 2023, Tang Talk will stand as a testament to the collaborative vision of the design team led by Zhou Bo, Cai Yuyang, and Liu Hailong. Their meticulous attention to detail and commitment to pushing the boundaries of design have created a space that transcends the ordinary, leaving an indelible mark on all who enter its hallowed halls.

Tang Talk is more than a design; it is an invitation to embark on a journey of discovery, where art and functionality converge to ignite the imagination and inspire the soul. The cell membrane biomimetic art installation represents a crucial breakthrough and challenge. Lines on the curved surface of the installation appear as if the artist is simulating intricate cutting experiments. After communication and coordination with the professional team, the installation was segmented and assembled within the site, achieving a maximum length of 13 meters. It creates a multi-dimensional effect with interlaced straight and curved lines. The installation extends above the space, transforming the experience for people from passive observation to active engagement, making them feel like they are part of the project. The ultra-thin metal mesh imparts a sense of lightness to the installation. Beneath it, the play of light and shadow appears mysterious and flickering.

Project Information

Project Name | Tang talk

Project Address | Taiyuan, Shanxi

Project Area | 617 sq. m

Completion Date | April 2023

Design Firm | Jingle Design

Design Director | Zhou Bo, Cai Yuyang

Lead Designer | Liu Hailong

Design Team | Zhang Junzi, Cui Qiwei, Kong Xiangyu, Du Qiurong, Chang Huan, Zhou Guicong, Wu Tong

Photography | TOPIA Vision

Main Materials | Metal pipes, Metal mesh, Texture paint, Stone, Mirror finish stainless steel

*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Interior Design: Restaurant & Club Division

issen: A Sanctuary of Tradition and Taste in the Heart of Asakusa

Located in the serene streets of Oku-Asakusa in Tokyo's Taito ward, Issen, designed by Takasu Gaku Design and Associates, is a unique destination that transcends the typical tea and dessert shop. It offers an immersive journey into Japan's deep-rooted food and cultural traditions, providing a unique cultural experience. Spread across a 25-square-meter space, Issen profoundly reflects Japanese aesthetics and craftsmanship. Situated within walking distance of the bustling Asakusa Temple, Issen offers a tranquil escape for those seeking a more intentional and unhurried experience of Japanese culture, away from the tourist crowds.

The heart of Issen's philosophy lies in its tribute to the relationship between food and culture. Each dish is a curated celebration of Japan's diverse agricultural heritage. The shop's owner undertakes a personal pilgrimage across the country, visiting the fields and workshops of Japan's rural heartlands to select only the finest tea leaves and ingredients. This meticulous curation process, infused with a personal touch, brings a level of authenticity that elevates the dining experience, where every bite and sip is imbued with the stories of the artisans and farmers behind the produce.

The food served at Issen goes beyond mere sustenance—it is an invitation to appreciate the nuanced flavors and textures that have been shaped by Japan's diverse climates and terrains. The teas, sourced from small farms, are brewed with precision, their natural flavors enhanced by the care taken in both cultivation and preparation. The desserts, too, are a delicate interplay of seasonal ingredients, with an emphasis on freshness and balance. These dishes are not only visually appealing but are meant to engage the diner's senses fully, from the subtle fragrance of the tea to the delicate sweetness of the desserts, creating an exciting culinary experience.

The design of Issen reflects the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, where beauty is found in simplicity and imperfection. It is a masterclass in restraint and reverence for natural materials. The earthen floors provide a tactile connection to the earth, while the natural stone counters offer a sturdy, grounded surface that contrasts with the lightness of the washi-paper walls. These walls resemble traditional earth walls but are crafted with handmade washi paper, lending the space a subtle texture that invites touch and evokes the rich tactile history of Japanese craftsmanship. The shop feels like an organic extension of the land, where every material tells a story of the natural world from which it was derived.

In the spirit of the Japanese tea ceremony, Nissan encourages guests to take their time and fully enjoy the experience. The peaceful atmosphere, highlighted by a prominent, handcrafted washi light fixture, blurs the line between indoor and outdoor spaces. The fixture, featuring a cascading water pattern, surrounds the counter area and brings to mind the calmness of a flowing stream. This reference to the outdoor, no-date tea ceremony adds a modern touch to the space, where nature is always present, even within the confines of this cozy tearoom.

The design promotes a calm, almost meditative experience, where the owner's actions and service delivery contribute to the overall aesthetic. Each movement is deliberate and filled with purpose, reminiscent of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony's philosophy of ichigo ichie. This concept emphasizes the fleeting nature of each moment and the significance of cherishing the present.

In many ways, Issen is an extension of Japan's cultural landscape. It expresses a deep connection to nature, tradition, and craftsmanship. The space bridges the old and the new, seamlessly integrating contemporary design with centuries-old practices. Visitors at Issen are not simply dining; they participate in a ritual honouring Japan's profound cultural heritage. Eating and drinking tea reflects a broader, more interconnected world.

The experience at Issen is more than just culinary; it is cultural, sensory, and deeply personal. It offers an opportunity to disconnect from the frenetic pace of modern life and reconnect with the simplicity and beauty that has defined Japan for centuries. Through the careful selection of ingredients, the mindful design of the space, and the reverence for tradition, Issen stands as a testament to the enduring power of Japanese design and culinary artistry.

Designer Profile

For more information, please visit: https://gaku-design.com

*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Interior Design: Restaurants Division