One Shenzhen Bay Staff Cafeteria

No. 1 Shenzhen Bay, one of three major complexes in China, and located in the core of the Shenzhen Bay area, is the first high-end urban complex combining offices, residences, hospitality, and commerce. It received the International Property Award, the “Oscar” of real estate.

In order to disrupt the public’s impression of canteens as humid and sultry environments, YuQiang & Partners integrated fashion, modernity, and rhythm into a simple, open space, making full use of the beautiful, iconic, and unobstructed seascape and sunshine of No. 1 Shenzhen Bay to reinterpret the concept of the staff cafeteria.

The first design challenge was the chaotic environment, with hundreds of people eating at the same time. For this reason, the main area is divided into several large dining spaces – tables for 4, 6, and 8 people interspersed, with neat squares and clear boundaries – ensuring a large traffic volume during peak mealtime hours.

Change is a desire in our hearts, just like identity. We use a virtual block structure to break up the long, monotonous space. Vertical gaps enrich the visual hierarchy. The elaborately built organization structure creates endless fun for those passing through during peak hours.
In order to highlight the conversion, the designers used a large area of wood veneer. The natural tones embellish upon, integrate with, and fuse with the cool temperature of the grey and white lines. The addition of a bar into the spatial experience also makes discussion, gathering, and sharing possible.

The neat signboard design of the circular island connects different cuisines, and the diffuse reflections from the spot lights, wall lights, and light strips allow different ingredients to exert unique effects in the environment. “Organized, yet different” also reflects the attributes of Shenzhen itself: openness and inclusiveness.