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Ito Japanese Restaurant: A Fusion of Chinese and Japanese Garden Philosophies

Monique Lee's Ito Japanese Restaurant, located in Parkview Green, Beijing, challenges traditional Japanese design norms by blending Chinese and Japanese garden philosophies. The restaurant's design draws inspiration from the Karesansui dry landscape and integrates Chinese garden elements to create a unique aesthetic appeal. The interior is divided into three sections - The Atrium, Mystery of Nature, and the Periphery, each offering a distinct dining experience.

The design process involved a balanced form that combines Karesansui landscape techniques with a Chinese Siheyuan layout. The use of artful ceiling designs in modern 3D style and the incorporation of metal bamboo screens, instead of traditional washi paper, further exemplify the fusion of traditional concepts with modern elements. The restaurant covers a floor area of 375 square meters and features private rooms located next to the entrance for quick access.

Despite challenges such as limited interior space and a low roof, the design successfully creates a spacious and inviting atmosphere. Corridors and translucent glass screens are used for partitioning, maintaining privacy while ensuring visual comfort. The unique feature ceiling, built with reflective rippled mirror-polished steel, serves as a focal point and overcomes the pressing feeling resulting from the low roof.

Monique Lee, the Interior Design Director of Mas Studio Ltd., is the creative force behind Ito Japanese Restaurant. With a passion for art and a solid background in architecture and interior design, Lee's designs are known for their blend of inspiration and functionality. Her work has earned her recognition, including the Bronze A' Design Award for Best Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design in 2023.

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