Page 70 - Designing Ways 285

Ortensia: French-

Japanese mixed

Parisian Restaurant

Interior design

by Chris Shao Studio

A
Japanese chef and a Chinese pastry chef dare to do French-
Japanese cuisine (in Paris and now in China). Opening a

Shanghai. second to their Michelin-recognised Parisian restaurant in

Ortensia blends Parisian sentiment, Japanese sophistication and
a unique Shanghai charm on the foundational elements of the
hydrangea (“Hortensia”) and the distinctive traits of Shikumen
architecture. On the second floor these retro characteristics are
retained while the French panel design echoes the language of the
building. The traditional and contemporary are presented in harmony
with an emphasis on luxury.

Hydrangeas among the greenery are the first thing you see, nestled
on the small Shikumen patio. The flower reverberates throughout
the space; the entrance desk is a skeleton bud, ornate metal flowers
embellish the panels, while open petals grown on a nearby wall. The
central flower installation, in a curved form combining the feminine
and masculine, is inspired by the hydrangea and becomes the visual
focal point of the space.

70 Issue 285 • dw