Restaurant 13

Restaurant 13
© Iwan Baan

RESTAURANT 13

Johan De Wachter Architects

CATEGORY
Other Structures

LOCATION
Jinhua, China

YEAR
2007

AREA
1500.0 m2

PHOTOGRAPHS
Iwan Baan

In 2007 JDWA (Johan De Wachter Architects) completed it's project Restaurant 13 on the banks of Yiwu river, as a part of the The Jinhua Architecture Park.

Restaurant 13
© Iwan Baan
Restaurant 13
© Iwan Baan

In 2004 Johan De Wachter was asked to design a restaurant for this international architecture project initiated by the Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei. The Jinhua Architecture Park is a part of a large development area in Jinhua City, China.

The park, designed by the Chinese artist Ai Weiwei (Fake Design), stretches along theYiwu river. 17 public buildings of 10 international and 7 Chinese architects were planned in the park.

These '17 Urban Public Mini-structures' are presented by the Jindong District as a fresh try of international design practicing based on the discussion among local government, experts and 17 selected architects from all over the world.

Restaurant 13
© Iwan Baan
Restaurant 13
© Iwan Baan

"Restaurant 13's rigid but elegant structure of steel, stone and bamboo represents an interpretation of the Chinese dining culture. The traditional restaurant typology of 'watching and being watched' is emphasized in the project."

Three 'speeds' of eating are integrated in one building. This assortment is provided by 'vending machines' (street food), a '3D tablescape' (medium food), and a 'lounge restaurant' (slow food).

Restaurant 13 is integrated in the Park through its steel-bamboo structure providing shadow and shelter. The open ground floor plan merges the restaurant with the park without a specific border.

The detailing of the roofscape refers to the way traditional Chinese architecture deals with the nature elements.

Restaurant 13
© Iwan Baan
Restaurant 13
© Iwan Baan

An informal stacking of 'tables' organizes the ground floor. This covered terrace also serves as an unprogrammed 'event-space'.


Restaurant 13
Ground Floor Plan
Restaurant 13
First Floor Plan


Restaurant 13
© Iwan Baan


Restaurant 13
Sections And Elevations
Restaurant 13
Model


Restaurant 13
Detail
Restaurant 13
Axon