DaMingDingDing Chinese Hot Pot | Ekphrastics
DaMingDingDing  Chinese Hot Pot by CHENG HUI HSIN

DaMingDingDing Chinese Hot Pot

Golden A' Design Award Winner 2021

Burnished copper panels establish the dominant material presence in CHENG HUI HSIN's DaMingDingDing Chinese Hot Pot, their warm metallic surfaces catching and redistributing ambient illumination across the spatial envelope while creating a chromatic foundation of rose gold and antique bronze tonalities that oscillate between approximately 2700K and 3200K color temperature equivalents. The compositional architecture employs a pronounced one-point linear perspective, with the central corridor functioning as the primary visual vector drawing the eye inexorably toward the glazed entrance doors that admit cool exterior light, establishing a compelling thermal and chromatic dialogue between the warm interior palette and the neutral daylight beyond. The spatial organization bifurcates into clearly articulated zones: to the left, intimate dining alcoves defined by traditional lattice screens rendered in dark timber and backlit with warm amber luminescence reveal themselves through geometric apertures suggestive of classical window patterns, while the right margin presents a linear service counter with integrated cove lighting that traces a continuous golden line at floor level, creating an elegant wayfinding element. The ceiling plane introduces dramatic sculptural intervention through angular metallic forms that descend from the darkened overhead zone, their brushed surfaces capturing reflected warmth and establishing a dynamic interplay between horizontal floor elements and these assertive geometric ceiling components. Material juxtaposition operates at multiple registers: the cool gray porcelain floor tiles provide neutral grounding against which the copper cladding achieves maximum chromatic impact, while timber vertical battens along the service counter introduce organic warmth and tactile variation. Recessed downlights punctuate the space with controlled pools of illumination, their precise placement emphasizing both circulation paths and feature elements. The chromatic palette harmonizes analogous warm tones—burnt sienna, rose gold, amber, and bronze—against a supporting structure of charcoal, graphite, and occasional crimson accent cabinetry visible in the middle ground. Shadow behavior demonstrates sophisticated luminous engineering, with soft gradients across the copper panels creating dimensional modeling while harder shadows beneath counters and architectural projections establish spatial depth and volumetric clarity.

DaMingDingDing is a Chinese hot pot restaurant interior located in a shopping mall in Fuzhou. The 220 square meter space occupies the third floor and is divided into a pot area and a private box area. Linear light strips and titanium plated metal panels reflect light and define the sense of space. Seats are separated by metal plates that protect privacy while allowing views between zones. The box area is closed by a sliding door for reserved guests. The design draws on oriental elements such as window crafts and constellations within a modern atmosphere.